Villanova Holds Off Tarleton for a 26 – 21 Win in Texas
December 13, 2025 –
Tappng The Rock! Resilient! Never giving up! Play as a group! The #12 Villanova Wildcats showed that and more in their FCS Quarterfinal Round game at #4 Tarleton State to earn a 26 – 21 win and are in the FCS Final Four.
“We given great effort regardless of where we’ve been early in the game or late in the game,” said Villanova Coach Mark Ferrante. “We have a mantra called Tap the Rock. It’s show up, put in the work, and good things will happen. The rock will break. It showed all year long. I’m really excited for this team.”
Dramatic Ending
It would be hard to see how much worse the game could have started for Villanova. But the team persevered, and finally took the lead with 12:49 to play in the fourth quarter on an 11-yard touchdown pass from Pat McQuade to Braden Reed. Later in the game the Wildcats had to withstand a Tarleton State drive holding them on fourth and goal from the Nova 11 yard line with 1:52 on the clock.
That fourth down play was initially called a touchdown for the Texans, a completed pass from quarterback Victor Gabalis to Trevon West. Wildcats defensive back Damil Bostic was not going to get to the ball but maneuvered West toward the sideline. After a review the officials determined that West caught the ball, but his right foot landed out of bounds first, and the pass was incomplete.
There was still 1:52 on the clock. Villanova did not to give Tarleton State another chance. It would still take a 6-yard completion from McQuaide to Reed to ice the victory.
The Start
Nova did drive down the field on the first possession getting to the 7 yard line. Bu McQuaide was intercepted on a bad flutter pass by Blake Smith in the endzone.
The Texans made the Wildcats pay for that on the first play when Gabalis hit Peyton Kramer for an 80-yard touchdown pass. On the next possession Omar Emmons blocked a punt by Luke Larsen setting up Tarleton State deep in Villanova territory. The short drive was capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by Daniel Greek giving the Texans a 14 – 0 lead.
The Turnaround
After getting a Jack Barnum field goal Villanova righted the ship when defensive back Anthony Hawkins intercepted a pass. The turnover resulted in a 27-yard touchdown pass from McQuaide to Lucas Kopecky. The extra point was missed, but Barnum got a field goal later in the quarter. Tarleton State led 14 – 12 at halftime. Villanova proved to themselves that they could play with their opponent.
Second Half Standoff
The teams traded touchdowns in the third quarter. Tarleton State got a 15-yard touchdown pass from Gabalis to West. Villanova answered when Ja’Briel Mace scored on a 47-yard touchdown run at 11:46, and a 21 – 19 deficit. The defenses took over which set up the dramatic ending.
What the Numbers Say
Tarleton State had 266 yards of total offense. Consider that 80 yards came on their first offensive play. Peyton hauled in 4 passes for 104 yards.
Shane Hartzell had a game-high 7 tackles for Villanova. Jason Hill and Christion Sapp made 6 stops each.
Mace ran for a game-high 151 yards.
Villanova had 9 penalties for 84 yards. Of those 35 yards came on the final drive by Tarleton State.
Up Next
The semifinal round of the FCS Championships for the fourth time in program history. The opponent is Illinois State. The venue is Villanova Stadium.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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