Losing Doesn't Appear Over For Villanova

In the black-and-white world of college football coaches, where wins and job longevity go together like oxygen and breathing, Andy Talley's future may appear grim.

Villanova is 8-16 since 1993, which was Talley's ninth season and first losing campaign. He went 3-8 in '93, 5-6 last season and has lost his first two games this season, against Boston University and last week against Delaware. His All-America linebacker, Tyrone Frazier, is lost for the season after tearing up his knee against Delaware. His top receiver, Brian Finneran, is gone for another week or more with a shoulder injury. His top running back, Anthony Cowsette, will limp into action with a bum ankle.

That's why James Madison (2-1, 1-0 in the Yankee Conference) should hand it to the Wildcats on Saturday, too, when the teams play at 1 p.m. in Villanova Stadium.

Talley revived a dead program in 1985 and is 65-40-1 in his 11 years at Villanova. Granted, the '93 squad lost 18 starters to injuries and the '94 unit was painfully young. But great programs are supposed to be injury-proof; top teams stumble but don't fall when burdened by youth. So, should Talley be thinking about his next job?

"No way," said Villanova athletic director Gene DeFilippo. "As far as I'm concerned, Andy's job is not in jeopardy."

DeFilippo showed his faith in Talley in June, rolling over the coach's three-year deal, as has been done for the past several years. DeFilippo expects to do the same this coming June.

"I have every expectation of signing Andy again," DeFilippo said. "The only way we wouldn't do it is if (the team) violated NCAA rules."

DeFilippo, who arrived at 'Nova in June 1993, has seen nothing but losing football teams - hurt ones. Injuries crippled the Wildcats in '93 and '94. Now, this season is taking on a similar appearance. DeFilippo understands injuries, and he stands by Talley.

"Football programs run in cycles," DeFilippo said. "I understand there are going to be difficult times to go through."

Good thing DeFilippo's so understanding. The tough times might last a while longer. JMU is expected to win the conference's Mid-Atlantic division. New Hampshire, picked to win the New England division of the conference, looms Nov. 11.