CAA Football Teleconference Week 5

RICHMOND, Va. - During the fifth weekly CAA Football teleconference of the season on Monday, Villanova head coach Andy Talley gave his thoughts on the Wildcats' road win at Lafayette and how the team is preparing to play Elon for the first time in program history. Below is a transcript of Talley's comments.

Villanova Head Coach Andy Talley

On last week's win over Lafayette: Well, it wasn't easy. We really had great effort from our defense and special teams that actually saved the day for us. Offensively, we didn't really have a very good day. We had trouble throwing the football. We ran the ball pretty well. Zach Bednarczyk didn't have one of his better days. I'm not sure if he wasn't feeling well or what, but he went from being 20/26 the week before against Towson and Saturday he was barely 50 percent. So, we struggled somewhat on offense - probably a little bit due to Lafayette's defense. I think our defense really came to play. We opened up the game. Tanoh Kpassagnon scored on a fumble return. We had an interception by Jeff Steeb, one of our linebackers - a 45 yard interception for a touchdown. Really, our defense just pulled it out for us. They gave us everything they had at Lafayette. In the middle of the third quarter, I think the score was 17-14. So, we were able to put it away in the fourth quarter and take control of the game. It was a tough game out of league. I like the challenge of playing hard in the third quarter, and we are going to have to do that in the CAA or be behind, and figure out a way to come out and get it done in the fourth quarter and play for four quarters. I think we did that, but it was not really a great offensive show on our part. It was really done by our defense and special teams. We blocked a punt which gave us a short field. All in all, happy to get the victory and looking forward to being back in the league against Elon and playing teams where it really matters in terms of the league championship.

On the play of Tanoh Kpassagnon: He was certainly double teamed quite a bit, which was probably a smart move on Lafayette's part. I think Tanoh, right now at 6'7" and 290 pounds and skinny as a rail could really be 320 with a lot of quickness off the edge, is a definite pro prospect. All the guys that come into our place - we've had every pro team in twice looking at him. I think they feel he is a middle round guy. He could sneak into the third or second round. He's all of that. He's really an outstanding player. He has tremendous upside, great speed potential as a speed rush guy off the edge. So, I think he's one of the better guys to come into our league in a long time.

On the keys to the game against Elon: I think right now our concern is getting on an airplane and flying down to Elon and seeing how we play. We've never played there before and trying to become familiar with the surroundings. We'll be playing on grass, and we usually play on turf. So I think we need to make an adjustment there and just not being familiar with Elon's players or their style of offense and defense. So, I think we need to become aware quickly of the kind of team that we're playing. Certainly, their win over William & Mary got everybody's attention for sure. We know we're going to be in for a very, very difficult game. They are extremely well-coached. They just did a phenomenal job last week against William & Mary.

On the play of special teams against Lafayette: We looked like a real college football team. We made a 37-yarder, and we made all four extra points and looked good doing it. Our kickoff guy did a really good job. Our punter John Hinchen usually is one of the better punters in the league. So, we looked like a football team that actually has a pretty good kicking game. You've seen us early on. We really had some issues coming along. Hopefully, Gerard will continue his progress, and we'll do a good job in that area and be able to count on him. I won't take him out too far for field goals. I just want him to keep his confidence level up, and keep it in that 35-yard deal.

On how helpful it is to have a defense that scores points: Well, they saved us this past weekend against Lafayette. They really did. We just didn't have a very good outing offensively, and when you have a defense that can actually score points for you or get the ball knocked down and turn it over with an opportunity to have short fields, you're always in great shape. Right now, they have certainly produced in the last couple of weeks, and I hope that the progress continues. There are some game changers on the defensive side of the ball.

On how they have been getting interceptions late in the game: I think those things can never be predicted. You never really know when you're going to get one. Sometimes, you've got a guy covered and he makes a great catch, or sometimes you get a tipped ball and you have an opportunity to return it. It's not something you can count on. We try to play good pass defense and be in the right spot and put enough pressure on the quarterback to hopefully get a bad throw. I think we've just been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time.

On what he sees watching Elon on film: I was impressed. William & Mary is not a good place to play. It's a tough place to win. So that impressed me that Elon could go there and do that. They did it in convincing fashion. There was no question about it. They took control of the game early and were absolutely stout throughout the whole game. Defensively, they did a great job. They have a lot of team speed. I love their quarterback, terrific running back, and they can play defense. They can run. I think it's a typical southern team with some really good speed. They remind me of JMU a lot, and I think they're going to be a load for Villanova.

On what concerns him about the rest of conference play: Well, I think the biggest thing right now is to get back up on the horse and play at the level we did against Towson. I think because we didn't know Lafayette and Lehigh very much, that we kind of let down a little bit. The league is so competitive that when you're in the CAA, you have to roll out your best deal every single week. I think sometimes our players relax a little bit when we're playing out of league. So we're excited to be back. We have to play at a high level across the board to compete with Elon. From now on in, we're in the CAA so anybody can beat anybody on any given day, and that's what makes it a great league.