Villanova Used a Better Second Half in Loss at Maryland
September 21, 2024 –
The Villanova Wildcats schedule a game against an FBS opponent to give the team experience in playing football on a high level. The Wildcats are raked fifth in the FCS, and play well enough to be in those games. But in order to win, they can not get behind early and play uphill. That is what happened to Villanova who fell behind early in a 38 – 20 loss to the Maryland Terrapins of the Big Ten in College Park, Maryland.
“We challenged the guys at halftime to go out there and forget about everything that happened in the first half, forget about what the scoreboard says, just go out and play a good second half,” Villanova Coach Mark Ferrante said. “I think our guys responded and did that, so this will help up down the road.”
In the first quarter Maryland scored; via the pass on an 18-yard strike from Billy Edwards, Jr. to Kaden Prather, on the ground as Roman Hembry scored from 6-yards out, and by special teams as Jack Howes connected on a 46-yard field goal for a 17 – 0 lead. Villanova got a drive going, but a field goal attempt was blocked. It appeared that the Wildcats scored later in the second quarter, but Jaylan Sanchez did not make a full catch and the touchdown call was over ruled. The Terps took a 24 – 0 lead into halftime.
In the third quarter Villanova regained their equilibrium in accepting the challenge. On the Terps first offensive play of the quarter Nova defensive back Ty Trinh intercepted a pass in Maryland territory giving the offense the ball at the 32 yard line. The drive netted a minus-8 yards which resulted in a 33-yard field goal by Ethan Gettman to put the first points on the board for Villanova. On the ensuing kick off Gettman recovered the onside kick to get the ball back. The Wildcats took advantage with a 6-play, 53-yard drive in 5:03 capped by a 17-yard touchdown pass from Connor Watkins to Devin Smith to cut the deficit to 24 – 10.
Maryland responded with a touchdown pass from Edwards to Tai Felton. The catch set a career-high for receptions in a single game for Felton who had 14 in the game for 157 yards. His longest catch was for 61 yards. This is the fourth consecutive game in which the wide receiver has gone over the 100 yard mark.
In the fourth quarter Gettman nailed a 37-yard field goal and backup quarterback Tanner Maddocks scored on an 8-yard scamper, his first career touchdown.
Villanova totaled 20 points, their highest total against an FBS team.
For Maryland this was their 15th straight non-conference victory.
The Wildcats (3 – 1, 1 – 0) return home next week for a CAA game against LIU.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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