The Wildcats Celebrate Homecoming With a 29 – 16 Win Over UAlbany
October 25, 2025 –
The home winning streak reaches a twenty games for the #11 Villanova Wildcats, the longest in school history, who downed the Great Danes of UAlbany 29 – 16 on Homecoming Day. Ironically, it was a win over UAlbany on Homecoming day in 2022 that started this streak. The Wildcats did scuffle somewhat on offense, but did have the Pat McQuaide to Luke Colella connection working. Then the defense would rise up. The result, a 29 – 16 win which keeps Villanova one-game behind in the loss column of the top spot in the Costal.
Coach Mark Ferrante did not think this was a pretty win, but a win. And it was special to extend the winning streak on Homecoming Day.
“The environment today was great,” said Ferrante. “The Wildcat Walk was the best one we’ve had so far this year, with everyone back there. Whatever the record is of the streak, it is what it is. We just try to go 1 – 0 every week.”
McQuaide to Colella Connection
It is har to get the offense rolling when the team does not convert on third down. Villanova converted 2 of 12 third down opportunities. But the tandem of quarterback Pat McQuaide to wide receiver Luke Colella did provide what the team needed. Colella, a graduate transfer from Princeton, caught 6 passes for 107 yards, his fifth 100-yard game this season. Two were for touchdowns. The first scoring toss came with 8:21 in the third quarter, a 34-yard strike that gave Villanova a 19 – 7 lead. His fourth quarter catch covered 36-yard and gave the Wildcats a commanding 29 – 10 lead at that point.
Colella gives the credit to the leadership of McQuade for their success.
“He (McQuaide) is a great player, a great leader, and I wanted to build that connection with him,” Colella said. “Every day is awesome, and making this connection, it’s been super fun so far.”
Defense Doing Its Job
Although UAlbany scored the first points of the game, an 8-yard touchdown pass from Jack Shields to Carter Moses, the defense held them in check. UAlbany also converted only 2 of 12 third down conversions and was 0 – 1 on fourth down chances. The Great Danes got only 52 yards on the ground and 102 in the air. Shane Hartzell led the attack with 8 total tackles and 2 sacks. The Wildcats had a season-best 4 sacks.
“After that first drive, a lot of time it takes a little to settle in,” said Hartzell. “It just takes a little bit to get a feel.”
Special Special Teams
Safety Kaleb Moody blocked a 48-yard field goal attempt by UAlbany. It was the first blocked kick of the season for Nova. Kicker Jack Barnum, a transfer, made three field goals against his former team.
What the Numbers Say
Villanova gained only 53 rushing yards, but doubled up UAlbany with 203 passing yards. McQuaide went 15 of 22 for the air attack. He had 2 touchdowns and one interception. Running back David Avit ran for 80 yards.
Shields threw for all 102 Great Danes (1 – 7, 0 – 4) passing yards. He had a touchdown and one pass picked off by Zahmir Dawud.
Up Next
A bye week for Villanova who are on a five-game winning streak. The Wildcats are in sole possession of third place in the league. A game at Towson awaits on November 8.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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