LEWISBURG, Penn. — Villanova defeated Bucknell 17-16 on Saturday night, extending their winning streak against the Bison to 12 games and leading the overall series 16-11-2. Pat McQuaide threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Braden Reed for both scores.
The Wildcats jumped to a 14-0 lead before halftime. McQuaide and Reed connected on a 26-yard touchdown pass with 5:24 remaining in the first quarter, and again for a 16-yard score with 1:13 left in the second. Villanova, ranked 18th in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, maintained the lead despite a late rally by Bucknell.
Bucknell began their comeback with a one-yard touchdown pass from Chris Dietrich to Sam Milligan, followed by a 10-yard scoring connection between the pair, bringing the score within one point. Juan Garanton then kicked a 40-yard field goal, giving Bucknell a brief lead. However, a missed PAT on the last drive proved costly.
Villanova regained the lead with a 22-yard field goal by LeBlanc. A subsequent 29-yard field goal attempt by Garanton was unsuccessful, allowing Villanova to run out the clock and secure their first win of the season. Brandon Binkowski led Villanova with three receptions for 71 yards, while Reed finished with five receptions for 68 yards. Ja'briel Mace rushed for 70 yards on 13 carries.
Villanova’s next game is a visit to Louisville for their only FCS-FBS matchup of the season. Bucknell will travel to VMI to begin their non-conference schedule.
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