September 4, 2022 –
# 6 Villanova Opens Season Victorious
# 6 Villanova 45 Lehigh 17
Noteworthy: The Wildcats started the season at home, the first season opener on the Main Line since 2004. There is a new signal caller for Villanova, Connor Watkins. In his first start he set a program record for the most yards passing by a first-time starter. He threw for 298 yards and 3 touchdowns. Watkins completed scoring tosses of 66 yards to Dez Boykin and 68 yards to Jaaron Hayek. The junior quarterback ran for a score.
The Wildcats took command of the game in the second quarter. The touchdown reception by Boykin was followed by an interception by Daniel Abraham. The turnover led to a 3-play scoring drive and a 17 – 0 lead.
What the Numbers Say: Wide Receivers Hayek and Boykin set records for their longest completions in their collegiate career. Hayek caught 6 passes for 141 yards, which is his career-high for receiving yards. Lehigh quarterback Dante Perri threw for 227 yards and ran for 40. He had 2 touchdowns and an interception.
Duke 30 Temple 0
Noteworthy: The Owls opener under new coach Stan Drayton did not go the way they hoped it would. Neither the offense nor the defense got untracked. Duke outgained Temple 500 – 179 total yards. The Blue Devils scored on their first possession. The lead grew to 24 – 0 at halftime. For the game Duke, opening at home with a new coach, had a touchdown called back and sent 3 for 6 in field goal attempts. The deepest drive for the Owls got to the hosts 37-yard line when the clock ran out.
What the Numbers Say: Temple ran for a total of 65 yards, with 8 players carrying the ball. Through the air they gained 114 yards. Duke quarterback Riley Leonard headed the offense completing 24 of 30 passes for 328 yards and 2 touchdowns, finding 8 different players for receptions. Leonard also led his team in rushing gaining 64 yards on 11 carries.
RECORDS / SCHEDULE
Villanova 1 – 0 overall, 0 – 0 CAA Next: at LIU September 10
Temple 0 – 1, 0 – 0 American Next: vs. Lafayette at the Linc September 10
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