The Villanova Wildcats (9-2) hosted the Youngstown State Penguins (8-4) on Saturday afternoon from Villanova Stadium in the second round of the FCS Playoffs. This was the fourth playoff meeting between these two teams with the Penguins the first three matchups. However, the Wildcats finally beat the Penguins 45-28 to advance to the quarterfinals.
Villanova had 559 yards on offense. Quarterback Connor Watkins completed 12 of 21 passes (57.1%) for 275 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, 9 carries for 56 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Running backs Jalen Jackson and DeeWil Barlee combined with 18 carries logging 142 yards, and 3 touchdowns.
Villanova wide receiver Jaylan Sanchez had 2 catches for 91 yards and 1 touchdown. Villanova’s defense had 69 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, and 3 pass breakups.
Youngstown State had 533 yards on offense. Quarterback Mitch Davidson completed 27 of 44 passes (61.4%) for 287 yards, 3 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and 9 carries for 18 yards. Running back Dra Rushton had 13 carries for 48 yards.
Youngstown State wide receivers Joey Farthing and Luke Hensley combined with 6 catches logging 94 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Youngstown State’s defense had 36 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 1 interception, and 1 pass breakup.
The Wildcats will play either South Dakota State in the quarterfinals on Friday, December 8th, or Saturday, December 9th from Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. Time to be determined.
