Villanova vs. Tarleton State: FCS Playoff Quarterfinal Preview
Villanova Wildcats are set to face Tarleton State Texans in the FCS Playoff Quarterfinals. This clash will take place at Memorial Stadium in Stephenville, Texas, on December 12, 2023, with kick-off scheduled for 11 a.m. Central time (12 p.m. Eastern). Villanova, holding a record of 11-2, enters the matchup as the No. 12 seed, while the Texans stand as the No. 4 seed with a record of 12-1.
Game Details
- Date: December 12, 2023
- Kick-off Time: 11 a.m. Central / 12 p.m. Eastern
- Location: Memorial Stadium, Stephenville, Texas
- Broadcast: ESPN (Lowell Galindo, Aaron Murray, Lauren Sisler)
Villanova Wildcats Overview
Villanova achieved its playoff position by finishing second in the CAA Football Conference. Their playoff journey began with a dominating 52-7 victory over Harvard, followed by a hard-fought 14-7 win against Lehigh. This means they have won 10 consecutive games, marking a remarkable turnaround for the program. The Wildcats are now on track to record their first 11-win season since 2014, and this is only the fifth instance in their history.
Tarleton State Texans Overview
On the other hand, Tarleton State opened its playoff run with a victory against North Dakota State, winning 31-13. The Texans have done exceptionally well this season, leading FCS in several categories such as scoring offense (averaging 44.1 points per game) and turnover margin (+30). They only suffered one loss, a close 31-28 defeat to a ranked Abilene Christian team earlier in the season.
Key Matchups and Player Insights
This game marks the first-ever meeting between the two teams. Notably, several Villanova players have Texas ties, including graduate defensive lineman Ayden Howard and sophomore defensive back Jayvont Williams, providing a unique narrative to the matchup. For Tarleton, senior wide receiver Peyton Kramer has been a standout with 50 catches for 919 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
Historical Context
Villanova has played in Texas multiple times over the years. This will be the Wildcats’ second consecutive year playing an FCS playoff game in Texas. Historically, Villanova has a mixed record in the Lone Star State, standing at 4-8 overall. However, their previous playoff appearance in Texas in 2010 resulted in a victory.
What’s at Stake?
The outcome of the Villanova vs. Tarleton State match could potentially see the winner advancing to the semifinals of the FCS playoffs, heightening the stakes as both teams vie for a spot in the next round. Spectators can expect a thrilling encounter as both sides bring their best to this crucial game.
With a growing interest in FCS Football, fans both locally and nationally look forward to this playoff encounter, as the teams prepare for an intense battle on the field.
