Connor Watkins’s two rushing touchdowns lead Villanova to victory over Youngstown State

Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins scores two touchdowns against Youngstown State on Thursday night.
Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins scores two touchdowns against Youngstown State on Thursday night.

The Villanova Wildcats (1-0) hosted the Youngstown State Penguins (0-1) on Thursday night from Villanova Stadium to kick off the 2024 season. The Wildcats beat the Penguins 24-17.

Villanova had 336 yards on offense (90 yards passing, 246 yards rushing) and 15 first downs. Quarterback Connor Watkins completed 6 of 17 passes (35.2%) for 90 yards, 10 carries for 107 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Running back Isaiah Ragland had 7 carries for 65 yards and one catch for 5 yards.

Wide receiver Ja’briel Mace made 1 catch for 35 yards, and wide receiver Daniel Lopes made 1 catch for 23 yards. Kicker Ethan Gettman made two field goals with a long of 42 yards. Villanova’s defense made 69 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 1 sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and 2 pass breakups.

Youngstown State had 321 yards on offense (152 yards passing, 169 yards rushing) and 21 first downs. Quarterback Beau Brungard completed 18 of 25 passes (72%) for 152 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions, 16 carries for 82 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Running back Ethan Wright had 12 carries for 63 yards and 3 catches for 27 yards.

Wide receiver Cyrus Traugh made 3 catches for 42 yards, and 1 touchdown, while wide receiver Max Tomczak made 5 catches for 38 yards. Kicker Andrew Lastovka made one field goal for 27 yards. Youngstown State’s defense made 37 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, and one pass breakup.

Next Saturday, Villanova visits Colgate at 6 pm on ESPN+. Purchase Villanova tickets today on StubHub, and Viagogo.

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About Michael Heilman 6637 Articles
My name is Michael Heilman. I'm the Founder of BGMSportsTrax. An independent blog dedicated to covering regional and national sports, while presenting commentary on sports-related stories.