Villanova Moves On the the FCS Playoffs Second Round Defeating Eastern Kentucky University 22 – 17
VILLANOVA, PA. 11/30/ 2024
A second round game awaits the Villanova Wildcats against #6 Incarnate Word (UIW) in San Antonio. The 11th seeded Wildcats advance with a wild, thrilling, and flag flag filled affair over the Eastern Kentucky Colonels 22 -17. The game not decided until the final play. EKU had the ball at the Villanova 10-yard line as 6 seconds to play. The final pass went over the endline, and once the play was confirmed, Villanova celebrated.
“WOW, I mean nailbiter,” said Villanova Coach Mark Ferrante. “Thankfully that guy was standing on the white part of the field and not the green part of the field on that last play . Just really happy we have another opportunity to play another week.”
The Key Sequence
The Colonels went ahead and held the lead at 17 – 16 late in the third quarter. Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins took the snap and was hurried and the ball came loose as the quarterback looked to get the ball to tight end James Welde. On the field it was ruled a fumble that was picked up by EKU defensive back EJ Clinkscale and returned 31 yards for an apparent touchdown. The play was reviewed and the pass was ruled incomplete. The Wildcats retained possession and drove to the EKU 25-yard line and lined for a 42-yard field goal that kicker Ethan Gettman got just inside the right upright for their first lead of the game.
“I pulled the ball; I thought I would have gotten outside of number 22. He grabbed my face mask, and then I tried to flip it out to Welde,” Watkins explained. “I’m glad that the replay showed that I was trying to flip it out there. The guy trapped my hand when I was going to throw it. ?My arm was moving forward. It’s one of those calls that if you’re on our side of the game, you’re going say it’s an incomplete pass, if you’re not on our side, you’re going to say it was definitely a fumble. That was the make or break at play.”
Defense Held EKU in Check
The Colonels scored on the the second play from scrimmage when running back Joshua Carter broke loose for a 77-yard touch down run. The lead doubled when Marcus Calwise, Jr. caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Matt Morrisey. EKU would only score 3 more points. The defense held until the Villanova got the offense rolling, something that happened during the season and paid dividends in this game.
“We love those situations,” said defensive back Tyrell Mims. “We’ve been in so many all year. We really don’t really want to be in them so much. We believe every time we touch the green, when we allow them is if you’re not going to get a touchdown, you’re not getting anything.”
EKU gained 75 yards through the air, and did not score in the second half.
Special Teams Did Their Part
In addition to the two field goals , the special teams played a big role in getting the win. Down by two touchdowns EKU had to punt. The snap bounced off punter Jacob Baker. The Colonels recovered in the endzone for a safety. Two points that got the Wildcats on the scoreboard, got them momentum, and at the end of the game forced EKU to go for a touchdown instead of a tying field goal.
Bell blocked a field goal attempt, the third time for Nova this season.
What the Numbers Say
Watkins threw for 177 yards and ran for 42 yards. Two passes were for scores. David Avit ran for 94 yards and gained 75 through the air. Welde caught a touchdown the first in his career. Devin Smith had a touchdown reception.
For EKU Carter ran for 150 yards and had 193 all purpose yards.
There were 20 penalties in the game, 10 for each team.
Up Next
A second round game.
Villanova remained unbeaten (7 – 0) at home, their program record 16th straight victory at Villanova Stadium. And Watkins, a six-year player, has his season continue.
“I said that to a couple of guys before the game started, it’s the last time I’m ever going to strap it up on Villanova’s field,” Watkins said. “We’ve been pretty successful in my tenure here at home, we haven’t lost too many games here and I knew that I didn’t want to I knew I didn’t want to leave this field with a loss. I’m super excited to have another game. I mean, at this point you’re playing on borrowed time and every week you get another one, you just have to be grateful for the opportunity. But you also have to take advantage of it and make the most of that opportunity. I know we’re super excited to head down to Texas.”
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@phillycollegesports.com
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