The 2024 NCAA FCS Playoffs kick off with an exciting First Round matchup between the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (8-4) and the Villanova Wildcats (9-3) on November 30, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET. This game, to be broadcast live on ESPN+, promises to deliver a thrilling contest between two powerhouse teams.
Game Details
- Date & Time: November 30, 2024, 2:00 PM ET
- Location: Villanova Stadium, Villanova, PA
- Coverage: ESPN+ (for streaming)
- Live stream: Watch here
Game Overview
The game will take place at Villanova Stadium, where the Villanova Wildcats will aim to defend their home turf. The Colonels, coming off a solid 8-4 regular-season record, have shown resilience and are riding high after a strong finish to the season. Villanova, with a 9-3 record, enters the game as the higher seed and a favorite, with an 8.5-point spread in their favor.
Key Players to Watch
Eastern Kentucky:
- Quarterback M. Morrissey has been a key player for the Colonels this season, passing for 2,013 yards with 13 touchdowns and 8 interceptions.
- Running back J. Carter is the workhorse of the team, with 226 carries for 1,108 yards and 13 touchdowns.
- Wide receiver M. Calwise Jr. leads the receiving corps with 40 receptions for 507 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Villanova:
- Quarterback C. Watkins has thrown for 1,822 yards, completing 150 of 291 passes with 11 touchdowns and just 3 interceptions.
- Running back D. Avit has been Villanova’s primary ball carrier, rushing 146 times for 793 yards and 9 touchdowns.
- Wide receiver J. Sanchez provides a reliable target with 32 catches for 477 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Recent Performances
Eastern Kentucky’s Last Five:
- 11/24/24: W vs. UNA (21-15)
- 11/17/24: W @ APSU (30-27 OT)
- 11/10/24: W vs. CARK (31-24)
- 11/3/24: W @ TAR (17-13)
- 10/27/24: W vs. UTU (28-17)
The Colonels come into the game riding a 5-game winning streak, showing their ability to close out tight contests, including an overtime win against APSU and a strong victory over UNA in their regular-season finale.
Villanova’s Last Five:
- 11/24/24: W vs. DEL (38-28)
- 11/16/24: L @ MONM (33-40)
- 11/10/24: W vs. NCAT (31-3)
- 11/2/24: W @ HAMP (20-14)
- 10/27/24: W vs. UNH (14-6)
Villanova comes off a dominant win over Delaware but suffered a setback in a high-scoring loss to Monmouth. Their defense has been a strong suit, as shown by their victories over NCAT and UNH, where they allowed just a combined 9 points in those two games.
Betting Odds & Predictions
According to ESPN BET, Villanova enters as the favorite with a -8.5 point spread. The over/under for total points in the game is set at 47.5. Villanova’s solid defense and potent offense make them the likely favorites, but Eastern Kentucky has shown they are more than capable of pulling off an upset, especially after their recent performances.
The game will be a battle of styles, with Eastern Kentucky relying on a balanced attack with a potent rushing game led by J. Carter, while Villanova looks to capitalize on the arm of C. Watkins and a strong defensive unit.
Final Thoughts
The Eastern Kentucky Colonels and the Villanova Wildcats are set to square off in what promises to be a thrilling FCS Playoff First Round contest. Villanova enters as the favorite, but Eastern Kentucky’s momentum and determination could make for an exciting upset. Fans can tune in to ESPN+ to catch all the action live at 1:00 AM ET on December 1st.
