Villanova Football Gets Back On Track With Blowout at Fordham

Villanova Football picked up a much-needed win over Fordham on Saturday, Oct. 17, playing a complete game for the first time all season on the way to a 38-17 final in the Bronx. The Wildcats (3-4, 2-2 Patriot League) rode their tandem of running backs Ja’briel Mace (13 carries for 79 yards and a score) and Isaiah Ragland (10 carries for 94 yards and a score) to a 14-7 first quarter lead.

Quarterback Pat McQuaide got in on the fun in the second quarter, tossing a 14-yard touchdown to Braden Reed. The Wildcats’ defense made a fourth down stop on the next drive with the help of two run stops from linebacker Omari Bursey. Villanova recorded eight tackles for loss, five sacks and six pass breakups on the day, allowing just 60 passing yards.

Fordham had a chance to close within a touchdown late in the second quarter, but Bursey helped force a field goal with a pass breakup and a tackle. McQuaide led a nine-play touchdown drive on the ensuing scramble drill, punching the ball in himself with a four-yard tote that made it 28-10.

Wildcats’ defensive lineman Capri Martin sacked Gunnar Smith on the first play of the second half but left with an injury after the play. The sack led to a three-and-out, and McQuaide found Julian Glantz for a one-yard touchdown pass in response. Garrett Rogan gave Villanova the ball back almost immediately, intercepting Smith and setting up a 25-yard field goal from Dominic LeBlanc late in the third quarter. Fordham managed a touchdown and converted an onside kick in the fourth but couldn’t make up for lost ground.

Up next, Villanova will host Lehigh at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24.