The Villanova Wildcats (10-2) hosted the Eastern Kentucky Colonels (8-5) on Saturday afternoon from Villanova Stadium in the first round of the 2024 FCS playoffs. Villanova had 324 yards on offense (177 yards passing, 147 yards rushing), and 20 first downs to hold off the Colonels 22-17.
Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins completed 14 of 24 passes (58.3%) for 177 yards, two touchdowns, one interception, and 13 carries for 42 yards. Running back David Avit had 17 carries for 94 yards, and two catches for 75 yards.
Wide receiver Lucas Kopecky made six catches for 61 yards, while Devin Smith made one catch for 13 yards, and one touchdown and James Welde made one catch for five yards and one touchdown. Villanova’s defense made 63 tackles, six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and six pass breakups.
Eastern Kentucky had 286 yards on offense (75 yards passing, 211 yards rushing), and 19 first downs. Quarterback Matt Morrissey completed 9 of 27 passes (33%) for 75 yards, one touchdown, and five carries for 34 yards. Running back Joshua Carter had 21 carries for 150 yards, one touchdown, and four catches for 43 yards.
Wide receiver Marcus Calwise Jr. made two catches for 19 yards, and one touchdown, while Jayden West made one catch for five yards. Eastern Kentucky’s defense made 66 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, three sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, one interception, and four pass breakups.
Villanova will take on the Incarnate Word Cardinals next Saturday in the second round of the FCS playoffs at 2 pm on ESPN+. Purchase Villanova tickets today on StubHub, and Viagogo.
