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'Nova squeaks by Bison; Delaware shocked

1-AA Update
The Bison gave a huge scare to Villanova on the road this evening. Down 20-14 with about 2 minutes to play, the Bison were within the 20 yard line of the Wildcats when QB Darius Wilson committed the only fateful turnover (an interception) of the game for the Bison.

The Bison's opportunistic defense nabbed 2 turnovers and the Bison offense turned them into TDs, cutting a 20-0 deficit to a 20-14 nailbiter. The first half was all Villanova, however, with the Bison offense only getting 1 first down. The Wildcats were brutally effective in shutting down the Bison defense overall, holding them to under 200 yards of total offense.

Here's what I learned from this game. The Bison's defense is of the 'bend-but-don't-break' variety, with a bit of an opportunistic streak that creates turnovers. When we host the Bison later in the year, this will be something to watch.

The second thing I learned: man, that 'Nova defense is tough against the run. Holding the solid Bison rushing attack to a little over 100 yards is not easy. That's what Lehigh is up against in 9 days.

And how could I forget...
Lifted directly from www.collegesports.com:

"1-AA: Hens Hunting

The defending champs are salivating as they head into Thursday night's season opener against UNH. Delaware coach K.C. Keeler knows his men will have huge targets on their backs as they strive to repeat, but how hard will this task be for the top-ranked Blue Hens without offensive player of the year Andy Hall?"

BWAH HAH HAH HAH HAH! How about, nigh-impossible?

And this from the 1-AA way:
Keeler, Delaware Preparing for Another Championship Run (1-AA.org)

... What about preparing for New Hampshire first?

The University of New Hampshire Wildcats, playing what could be their last league game against mighty consensus #1 Delaware, will be returning to New Hampshire with the bright blue scalp of the Delaware Blue Hens.

The Wildcats, ranked #44 in the 1-AA.org GPI rankings, went into Delaware and beat them 24-21. New Hampshire was 1-7 in their previous 8 tries against the Hens.

Highly-regarded BCS transfer QB Sonny Riccio? 1 TD pass after an ineffective first half, and then left the game with leg cramps. Highly-regarded Notre Dame transfer SS Garron Bible? Gave up the winning TD to Wildcat wideout David Ball, ending with 5 receptions, 188 yards and the game-winning TD. The pass was made by UNH's backup QB, since UNH's starter went down with an injury as well!

What a great way to start out the year.

The only downside? Now I won't look as smart tomorrow with picking a different #1 in my 1-AA preview. Yes, I didn't pick Delaware as my #1. You'll have to see my picks tomorrow!

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