[ by Rick Pettine ]
September 6, 2025 – Villanova, PA — The Villanova Wildcats opened their 2025 season by defeating the Colgate Raiders 24-17 under a twilight rain.
It was a close game, but Nova’s veteran experience from graduate student transfer QB Pat McQuaide (7) proved to be the difference. In addition to one passing and one rushing TD, McQuaide set a Villanova record for most passing yards in his team debut with 299 yards.
Villanova got off to a 14-0 lead before Colgate tied the game 17-17 in the 3rd quarter. McQuaide then dropped a 56-yard touchdown pass to wide-receiver Lucas Kopecky (19) to retake the lead to secure the win.
Next week, the Wildcats travel to Penn State for a tough match in Happy Valley in front of 100,000+ fans.
Click on the thumbnail photos below for more game action:
