[ by Rick Pettine ]
November 30, 2024 – Villanova, PA — In a close back and forth playoff battle, Villanova came out victorious with a 22-17 win over the Eastern Kentucky University Colonels. How close? The outcome came down to a EKU receiver landing just out of bounds on the endline with only seconds remaining.
The game was also littered in yellow flags with each team earning 10 penalties. But luck was also on the Wildcats’ side, having a Connor Watkins fumble and EKU return for a TD reversed, and a targeting call reversed during a key EKU drive.
Once again Nova’s defense was stellar, overcoming a slow 1st quarter start to hold the Colonels to only 3 points during the rest of the game, and nothing the entire second half.
After Villanova swarmed an EKU fumbled punt attempt for a safety, Devin Smith and James Welde caught TD passes from Watkins, and Ethan Gettman would tack on 2 field goals in the last quarter to seal the win.
Next up for the ‘Cats is a trip to San Anonito, Texas for round-2 of the FCS Playoffs against the Incarnate Word Cardinals.
More game action in the gallery below:
