The Villanova Wildcats (10-3) visited Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium on Saturday afternoon against the No. 1 ranked South Dakota State (13-0) in the FCS Quarterfinals.
This was the second meeting between these two teams in the quarterfinals since 2021. Like 2021, Villanova’s season would come to an end with a 23-12 loss to the Jackrabbits.
Villanova had 219 yards on offense. Quarterback Connor Watkins completed 6 of 18 passes (33%) for 74 yards, one interception, and 13 carries for 50 yards. Running back Jalen Jackson had nine carries for 67 yards, one touchdown, and one catch for 16 yards.
Villanova wide receiver Rayjuon Pringle made two catches for 29 yards. Villanova’s defense made 76 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
South Dakota State had 343 yards on offense. Quarterback Mark Gronowski completed 11 of 19 passes (58%) for 101 yards, one touchdown, and eight carries for 39 yards. Running back Isaiah Davis had 27 carries for 192 yards, one touchdown, and two catches for 24 yards.
South Dakota State wide receiver Jaxon Janke made two catches for 22 yards, and one touchdown. South Dakota’s defense made 60 tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, and one interception.
