Aug. 15, 2011

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Sports Network today announced its 2011 FCS preseason Top 25 and Villanova was ranked 14th in the poll. Villanova is one of seven CAA teams to be ranked in the preseason poll.

Villanova received 1,262 points and earned two first place votes. The other six CAA teams ranked include William & Mary (No. 3), Delaware (No. 5), New Hampshire (No. 10), James Madison (No. 15), Richmond (No. 16) and Massachusetts (No. 25).

Defending national champion Eastern Washington garners the top spot in the poll with 3,377 points followed by Appalachian State at No. 2 with 3,142 points. After William & Mary at No. 3 (3,110 points), the top five is rounded out by Georgia Southern at No. 4 (3,095 points) and Delaware at No. 5 (2,806 points).

The Wildcats return 10 starters and 25 letterwinners from last year's team that went 9-5 overall and advanced to the national semifinals for the second consecutive season. Villanova finished the 2010 season ranked No. 3 in the Sports Network Top 25.

Villanova will begin the 2011 campaign on Thursday, Sept. 1, against Temple at Lincoln Financial Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

SPORTS NETWORK FCS TOP 25
1. Eastern Washington
2. Appalachian State
3. William & Mary

4. Georgia Southern
5. Delaware
6. Montana State
7. Northern Iowa
8. Wofford
9. Jacksonville State
10. New Hampshire
11. North Dakota State 12. Montana
13. Lehigh
14. VILLANOVA
15. James Madison
16. Richmond
17. Stephen F. Austin
18. Central Arkansas
19. Southern Illinois
20. McNeese State
21. Chattanooga
22. Liberty
23. South Carolina State
24. Sacramento State
25. Massachusetts