The Wildcats (4-1 overall, 3-0 A-10) fell to No. 20 in Division I-AA after their 17-14 loss to New Haven on Oct. 12. They turned the football over five times, giving them 10 turnovers in their last two games. That's not a statistic that lends itself to a team supposedly contending for a league title and a berth in the I-AA playoffs.
Talley's biggest problem with last week's pratfall was a lack of emotion on the part of his players.
"That frustrates our coaching staff and myself more than anything," he said. "We knew they had some pretty good players, but our players obviously didn't buy into it. The fact of the matter is we have a football team that obviously isn't mature enough to know what had to be done. So we paid the price. There's a lot to learn from the loss. We can't play without emotion, and that's what was so disappointing."
The Black Bears (4-1, 3-1) broke into the rankings at No. 24 following last week's 21-9 win over Northeastern. In their last three games, they have not allowed a touchdown on defense; the Huskies crossed the goal line on a punt return.
Maine coach Jack Cosgrove is not allowing his players to hear about last week's Wildcats loss. The only information he will tell them is that the Cats are 3-0 in the A-10, one of two unbeaten teams left in conference play.
"Villanova has a history and tradition of great football in this league," Cosgrove said. "We respect Villanova and know what they bring to the table. We went there last year and got our butts whupped (47-21). That's all I care for them to know. What this game means to us is that Villanova is undefeated in the Atlantic 10, and that's all they're going to hear from me."
