Villanova Football Survives Bucknell With Garrett Rogan’s Heroics

Villanova Football survived a scare at Bucknell on Saturday, Sept. 5, winning 17-16 after fifth year defensive back Garrett Rogan jumped through the line and got a hand on Juan Garanton’s 29-yard field goal attempt, pushing it wide left with 1:55 to play.

The No. 17/18 ranked Wildcats (1-1, 1-1 Patriot League) built a 14-0 first half lead on the strength of two touchdown passes from quarterback Pat McQuaide to Braden Reed. The first was a 26-yard deep shot on fourth-and-three, while the second came on a two-minute drill at the end of the half.

Bucknell dominated the third quarter, converting a pair of fourth downs on a 15-play drive that ended with a touchdown catch from Swarthmore native Sam Milligan. A three-and-out set up another methodical drive capped with a Milligan touchdown, but a missed extra point maintained a miniscule lead for Villanova… and served as a sign of things to come.

Bend But Don’t Break

Another three-and-out gave the Wildcats’ defense no time to coalesce. A 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty exacerbated a 47-yard punt return, putting the Bison in field goal range from the first play of their drive. Villanova’s defense held firm, but a 40-yard kick put Bucknell in front 16-14; their offense surged downfield in response. McQuaide found Brandon Binkowski for gains of 14 and 30 yards, but a first down sack in the red zone put the Wildcats behind the sticks. As a result, they had to turn to kicker Dominic LeBlanc to put them back in front with a 22-yard chip shot.

The next Bison drive went for 12 plays and 62 yards, burning 6:23 off the clock. Jayvont Williams helped stifle Bucknell with a first down tackle for loss, setting up the stop and the eventual blocked kick. Four straight touches from running back Isaiah Ragland picked up a pair of first downs and sealed the win.

Up next, Villanova Football will travel to face Louisville at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11.