UNH, Villanova battle for poll position
NCAA FCS
Villanova
at UNH
- When and where: Saturday (noon) at Cowell Stadium, Durham
- Team records: UNH is 4-0 (1-0 CAA). Villanova is 5-0 (2-0 CAA).
- 2008 result: Villanova defeated UNH, 27-14.
- Noteworthy: This is a marquee matchup featuring two of the top five teams in the FCS polls. UNH is currently ranked fifth in both polls, while Villanova is No. 2. ... Villanova dispatched then-No. 5 William & Mary last week (28-17), while UNH rolled past Towson (57-7) in its Colonial Athletic Association opener. ... UNH quarterback R.J. Toman is expected to return to the starting lineup after missing the Towson game due to a turf toe injury. Toman is 41 for 71 for 461 yards and three touchdowns this season. Against Towson last week, Kevin Decker got the start for UNH and was 11 for 19 for 140 yards and two TDs... Two of the nation's top defenses will be on display as UNH is giving up just 12.8 ppg while Villanova's defense is allowing only 13.6 ppg. UNH's defense is currently ranked first in FCS in total defense, turnover margin and pass efficiency. ... UNH has the top scoring offense (37.0 ppg) and defense in the CAA. ... Villanova's defense has allowed just two touchdowns in its last 12 quarters. ... UNH leads the CAA and the country with 10 interceptions. Villanova has nine on the season. ... This will be Villanova's first game of the season outside of Philadelphia, as it has had home three home games while also playing at cross-town rivals Penn and Temple. ... Villanova has the second-ranked rushing attack in the CAA, led by junior quarterback Chris Whitney (307 yards on 63 carries). Whitney has also completed 55 of 82 pass attempts for 652 yards and six touchdowns. ... In his 25th season at Villanova, head coach Andy Talley is the all-time leader in CAA victories with 102. Former UNH coach Bill Bowes is second with 97
-- Capsules compiled by Ed Flaherty
