Villanova Football Slides in FCS Poll; Bursey Named Player of the Week

Villanova Football dropped three spots to No. 21 in the FCS Stats Perform poll published on Monday, Sept. 7 after struggling to defeat Bucknell on the road. The Wildcats (1-1, 1-1 Patriot League) took a 14-0 lead in the first half behind a pair of touchdown connections between Pat McQuaide and Braden Reed, but Bucknell scored 16 straight points after the break. The Bison forced a pair of three-and-outs, helping them wear Villanova’s defense down and control the pace of play.

The Wildcats’ offense came back to life in the fourth quarter, taking the lead on a 22-yard kick from Dominic LeBlanc, and fifth year safety Garrett Rogan blocked Bucknell’s attempt at a go-ahead field goal with 1:55 to play.

Villanova linebacker Omari Bursey earned FCS Defensive Player of the Week honors for his performance, amassing 14 tackles (eight solo). Three of his stops went for a loss or no gain; he also made three tackles on the final Bison drive, helping the Wildcats get off the field. Bursey currently leads the FCS with 29 total tackles.

The Wildcats will return to action at Louisville, ranked No. 24 in the FBS, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11.