Head Coach Beau Baldwin is well aware of the challenge that the visitors will present this weekend.
"They are going to be as advertised," said Eastern head coach Beau Baldwin. "They are a tremendous football team -- they are national champs and have proven they are one of the top teams again this year. It just keeps getting tougher. We've played a couple of really tough opponents up to this point. Each week it gets to be a tougher battle, and I expect the stakes to just keep rising when we face a team like Villanova.
One quick look at the Eagles' schedule this season indicates an explosive offense, with the team registering 30+ points in 8 out of their 11 games this season. This will be a familiar challenge to a phenomenal Villanova defense, who last weekend did well to contain the highly-publicized Appalachian State offense to just 24 points.
With the loss of Taiwan Jones, Eastern Washington will likely take to the air, and the 'Nova D will need to be prepared to limit QB Bo Levi Mitchell. How Mitchell responds may be the biggest question, as he will not have the luxury of Jones in the backfield with him. Despite Jones prolific year, Mitchell has been very good himself passing the ball, topping 250 yards passing 5 times this year.
On offense, Villanova continues to be boosted by the return of Matt Szczur to the fold. The do-it-all star scored 5 touchdowns last weekend, and his presence opens up so much more for the rest of the offense. Players such as Chris Whitney, Aaron Ball and Norman White have a bit of pressure relieved and are finding more space to operate as a result.
The Eastern defense hasn't been as electric as their offense this season, so in theory anyways, Villanova should be able to score some.
With the loss of Taiwan Jones, Villanova will be the favorites for this game. But with all the travel they've been accumulating, plus what is sure to be an intimidating atmosphere, they can't rest on their laurels if they hope for a shot to retain the title of National Champions.
playing Eastern Wash +10.0 -110
good luck if you play it..
