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.
