Freshman Running Back David Avit Sets Personal Records
September 28, 2024 –
The #6 Villanova Wildcats were coming off their first loss of the season last week at Maryland. Nova was seeking their 12th consecutive home victory and got it defeating the Sharks of LIU 24 – 10 on a drizzly night on the Main Line. The Wildcats won this game in a manner for which they are familiar, running the ball and defense. And freshman running back David Avit set his collegiate records in rushes and yards while adding his first collegiate touchdown.
“It’s super surreal,” said Avit. “I think that having such a high level of trust, that makes us where we preach what our theme is, tough and physical. That’s how we intend to come into the game.”
On the ground Nova gained 264 yards on 53 carries and all three touchdowns were rushing scores. Nova ran 72 offensive plays. Defensively, LIU was limited to 176 total yards and 10 first downs. The Sharks scored all 10 points in the fourth quarter, and those were the last points of the game.
Running Back by Committee
During the contest five players recorded positive rushing yards. There are three running backs that will get the bulk of the carries, and they will be complemented by quarterback Connor Watkins. Avit gained 160 yards on 24 attempts, a career-high in both for him. Receiving 14 handoffs was Isaiah Ragland who gained 47 yards and crossed the goal line twice. Ja’Briel Mace ran the ball 4 times for 27 yards. Watkins ran the ball 8 times for 30 net yards.
“They’re good,” said Villanova Coach Mark Ferrante in assessing the running backs. “We’re so proud of what they are doing. We thought from watching them in practice and the preseason that they had a chance to be pretty good. I’m excited that our thoughts seem to be going in the right direction.”
What the Numbers Say
Once the running game is established it opens passing lanes. Watkins threw the ball 18 times completing 10 for 128 yards. There two big gain receptions; a 45-yarder by Jaylan Sanchez and 25-yard catch by Mace. Devin Smith caught 4 passes for 29 yards.
The defense forced LIU to just 1 of 9 third down conversions, and had 2 takeaways.
Villanova won the time of possession battle 37:05 to 22:55.
“That’s where our maturity is now,” Ferrante said about the defense. “We have a lot of older guys and returning players on defense. I think they’re playing a little more consistent right now. We are rotating guys trying to keep them fresh. I think we had the ball for 22 minutes to their 8 or something like that (at halftime). So they’re (the defense) only out on the field for eight minutes. That will keep them fresh.”
Choquette Ludovick led the Sharks with 62 running yards. Pat Bowen got the only touchdown on a 25-yard run.
Up Next
The CAA schedule resumes as Villanova plays at Stony Brook on Saturday. The Wildcats come in on a winning note playing to an identity.
“Winning is hard and we’re excited we came out with a win,” said Ferrante. “We were able to run the ball early on. The defense was swarming to the ball and we won the turnover battle. That’s always huge.”
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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