Villanova Football Drops UAlbany, Pushes Winning Streak to Five

Villanova Football closed out an ugly win over the UAlbany Great Danes on Saturday, Oct. 25, winning 29-16 on their homecoming weekend behind two long touchdown connections from Pat McQuaide to Luke Colella.

Colella notched his fifth game with 100 or more receiving yards, hauling in scoring passes of 34 and 36 yards as the No. 11 Wildcats (6-2, 5-1 CAA) struggled to find an offensive rhythm until after halftime. Linebacker Shane Hartzell racked up eight tackles and two sacks.

While the Great Danes have struggled to a miserable 1-7 record this season (0-4 CAA), they managed to play Villanova tough once again.

The Wildcats went three-and-out to open the game, then saw the Great Danes pull ahead 7-0 on a Jack Shields touchdown pass. Villanova special teams ace Ja’briel Mace reeled off a 70-yard return in response but kicker James Bozek dragged him down at the UAlbany 29-yard line — a cardinal sin, per head coach Mark Ferrante.

Villanova Turns Things Around

The Wildcats made nothing of that positive field position, turning the ball over on downs, but managed to pull ahead 12-7 in the second quarter with a 5-yard rushing touchdown from David Avit and two Jack Barnum field goals. Even those drives weren’t without mishaps, however, as Barnum’s extra point try was batted away.

McQuaide threw his second interception of the season out of the half, giving the Great Danes a short field, but Wildcats’ defensive back Kaleb Moody returned the favor, blocking the ensuing field goal try as Villanova’s defense held.

The Wildcats’ veteran signal caller responded with his first touchdown of the afternoon, finding Colella on a deep shot; defensive back Zahmir Dawud gave Villanova another possession immediately, picking off a pass on the first play of the Great Danes’ drive that went on to set up another Barnum field goal.

McQuaide and Colella linked up for another touchdown early in the fourth quarter, providing insurance on the way to victory.

Villanova Football will have their bye week next week before traveling to face Towson at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8.