By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
Villanova, Pa. — The No. 11 playoff seed Villanova Wildcats defeated the Eastern Kentucky Colonels on Saturday afternoon at Villanova Stadium. The Wildcats won 22-17 over the Colonels.
The Wildcats advanced in the FCS playoffs with a win. Their next game will come on the road against No. 6 seed The University of Incarnate Word Cardinals on Saturday, December 7th, at 2 pm EST in San Antonio, Texas.
The Colonels season has come to an end. Their season ends with an 8-5 mark.
The Wildcats are 10-3 overall. They’ll be facing a team next Saturday that is 10-2 overall and has not lost at home this season.
The Cardinals are 7-0 at Benson Stadium in 2024.
The Colonels did not score in the second half. But they were inches — if that — away from changing the outcome of the game and getting the win.
Facing a final play of the game with six seconds left from the six yard line, Matt Morrissey connected with Jackson House. He caught the ball in the end zone.
However, when House’s foot came down, his foot hit the white line in the end zone. Therefore, by the slimmest of margins, he was out of bounds.
Eastern Kentucky got the ball with one minute left. After a penalty, the ball was moved into the Villanova territory.
With 10 seconds left, there was a targeting call. This could have set up the Colonels deep in the Wildcats territory.
However, after a review, it was ruled that there was not targeting.
This set up a 4th and 2 play. Eastern Kentucky went for it and gained six yards.
Then, the final play happened when House nearly caught the game-winning touchdown as time expired.
Wildcats quarterback Connor Watkins went 14 of 24 for 177 yards. He had two touchdown passes and one interception.
David Avit had 17 carries for 94 yards. Lucas Kopecky had six receptions for 51 yards.
Colonels quarterback Morrissey went 9 of 27 for 75 yards. He had one touchdown pass.
Joshua Carter had 21 carries for 150 yards and one touchdown. Carter also had four receptions for 43 yards.
The Wildcats outscored the Colonels 13-0 in the second half. Watkins hit James Welde for a five-yard touchdown reception.
Ethan Gettman made a 42-yard field goal. He also made a 31-yard field goal.
Eastern Kentucky led 17-9 at halftime. Carter scored on a 77-yard rushing touchdown.
Morrissey also hit Marcus Calwise Jr. for an 11-yard touchdown reception.
Kicker Patrick Nations also made a 48-yard field goal.
The Wildcats first half touchdown came when Watkins hit Devin Smith for a 13-yard touchdown reception.
Villanova got on the board first when they recorded a safety.
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