Feb. 10, 2000

Villanova University Director of Athletics Tim Hofferth today announced the Wildcats' 2000 football schedule.

For the fourth time in the last five years, Villanova will open its season against a I-A opponent, as the Wildcats kickoff the 2000 campaign on Saturday, Sept. 2 at Big East member Rutgers University. In 1996, Rutgers defeated Villanova in the season opener, 38-28. Following the Rutgers contest, Villanova will begin the home portion of the schedule against Division II Millersville. Last season, Millersville tallied a 9-3 record and qualified for the NCAA playoffs. The Wildcats will play their final non conference game of the year when I-AA Norfolk State comes to Villanova Stadium for Homecoming on Sept. 16.

Villanova will open up Atlantic 10 Conference action by playing its third-straight home game against Maine on Sept. 23. Following a bye week on Sept. 30, Villanova will travel to James Madison on Oct. 7 to battle the defending Atlantic 10 Conference champions. After a road contest at Northeastern on Oct. 14, Villanova will finish the month with two-straight home games against New Hampshire (Oct. 21) and Richmond (Oct. 28).

The month of November begins with a trip to 1999 I-AA playoff participant Massachusetts. Villanova will conclude the home portion of its schedule on Nov. 11 by playing host to the Tribe of William & Mary. The 2000 season will come to a close at arch rival Delaware on Nov. 18.

Villanova is coming off a 7-4 overall record and a 6-2 Atlantic 10 mark. The Wildcats finished the 1999 season ranked No. 24 in the country.