Villanova Ekes Out Another Shaky Win, 20-16 at Long Island

Villanova Football narrowly avoided disaster in their 20-16 win at Long Island on Saturday, Sept. 19, needing a late touchdown drive to overcome the Sharks (0-4) after allowing ten points in the fourth quarter. As has been the case throughout the season, the No. 22/No. 23 Wildcats (2-2, 1-1 Patriot League) shot themselves in the foot repeatedly on offense.

Braden Reed fumbled at the one-yard line in the first quarter, turning an opening drive touchdown into a touchback for Long Island as the ball rolled out of bounds. The Sharks executed a balanced offensive game plan, melting 9:32 off the clock with a 22 play field goal drive that put them in front. Villanova responded with a field goal drive of their own, their offense moving freely between the 20s before stalling out in the red zone. Kicker Dominic LeBlanc missed a 49-yard try late in the half, however, sending the Wildcats to the locker room tied 3-3.

Flirting With Disaster

Villanova marched downfield to start the third quarter, taking the lead on a 20-yard carry from Ja’briel Mace. They then traded field goal drives with the Sharks, starting the final quarter with a 13-6 lead. Ugo Nwotite recovered a fumble in Wildcats’ territory early in the fourth, setting the offense up to land a knockout blow, but quarterback Pat McQuaide threw an interception that Long Island defensive back Braylon Vincent returned for a game-tying touchdown.

Villanova went three-and-out in response, setting up a go-ahead field goal drive for the Sharks with 2:44 to play. The Wildcats woke up in time to save themselves with Mace’s second touchdown of the game, a 13-yard catch. Jamie Tyson intercepted Sharks’ backup quarterback Ethan Greenwood to seal the win.

Up next, Villanova will host Colgate at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26.