STEPHENVILLE, Texas (Interstat) — A clash of national contenders headlines the college football weekend when the Tarleton State Texans host the Villanova Wildcats on Saturday at Tarleton Memorial Stadium. Both teams enter the postseason showdown with impressive resumes. Tarleton State (12-1), the home team, boasts the nation’s longest active winning streak at 11 games. Their lone loss came on the road to Abilene Christian on Nov. 1. Villanova (11-2) arrives with momentum of its own, having won nine of its last ten, including a gritty 14-7 defensive victory at Lehigh last Saturday. The game features a compelling quarterback duel. Villanova’s Pat McQuaide has been efficient and productive, throwing for multiple touchdowns in four straight games. In the Wildcats’ last four outings, he has passed for nine touchdowns and rushed for three more, demonstrating dual-threat capability. His performance will be critical against a stout Texans defense. For Tarleton State, quarterback Victor Gabalis is the catalyst of a high-powered offense. In his last three games, he has thrown for 10 touchdowns and added another on the ground. In the Texans’ 31-13 win over North Dakota last week, Gabalis accounted for three touchdowns and nearly 300 yards through the air. His connection with a dynamic receiving corps will test the Wildcats’ secondary. Villanova’s path has been built on consistent execution, with its only recent close call a 30-27 win over Stony Brook on Nov. 15. Tarleton State has shown a flair for drama, edging Austin Peay 45-44 on Nov. 22. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the Texans are favored to advance, projecting a 34-23 victory. The model likely weighs Tarleton State’s home-field advantage and offensive firepower. However, Villanova’s proven ability to win tight, low-scoring games suggests this matchup could defy projections. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CST Saturday. The winner will take another significant step toward a national championship bid.