VILLANOVA, Pa. — Villanova's offense came alive on Saturday afternoon, keeping coach Andy Talley's final playoff run going for at least one more week.
The Wildcats opened the FCS playoffs at Villanova Stadium with a 31-21 win against St. Francis, earning a second round matchup at South Dakota State next Saturday. The win could be the final home game for Talley, who is retiring after this season.
After settling for a field goal from Gerard Smith on their opening drive, the Wildcats scored touchdowns on their next two possessions. Aaron Forbes got in first after a 10-play drive that went for 91 yards, and tight end Ryan Bell followed him with a 59-yard touchdown reception.
The Wildcats weren’t the only ones scoring in the opening quarter. After totaling just nine yards on its first drive, St. Francis came roaring back with a 74-yard touchdown catch from wide receiver Kamron Lewis on its next possession to make it a 10-7. This was the closest the Red Flash would get, as Villanova continued to drive the ball down the field.
The second quarter was much of the same for the home team. Quarterback Zach Bednarczyk started Nova's first drive of the quarter with a 53-yard touchdown pass to Jarrett McClenton with 12:36 left in the half. Eight minutes later, Villanova extended its lead to 31-7, after Bell’s second touchdown of the afternoon.
Villanova continued to have success on offense in the second half. Although it didn’t score, it was able to move down the field and keep the clock moving. St. Francis struggled to stay disciplined, and ended up committing 10 penalties that cost it 105 yards.
Offense
Bednarczyk threw for 254 passing yards and also ran for 50. He threw for three touchdowns in the game, while Matt Gudzak ran for 62 yards. The Wildcats scored 31 points in the first half, and had the ball for 18:46. After the scoring outburst in the first half, they failed to score the rest of the game.
St. Francis had just 27 yards rushing.
Lewis finished with 129 receiving yards and one touchdown for St. Francis. Zach Drayer had a one-yard touchdown run with 33 seconds left in the game.
Defense
Villanova gave up the big touchdown to Lewis in the first quarter, but after that it was stout the rest of the game. It gave up just 264 yards and had two interceptions in the win.
The Wildcats consistently brought pressure, and sacked Drayer six times. Jeff Steeb led the team in tackles with six.
St. Francis had trouble containing Villanova from the start of the game. It allowed the Wildcats to have 498 yards. Jalen Wells had a pick-six for the Red-Flash with 14:10 left in the game to make it 31-14.
Special teams
Villanova's sophomore kicker Gerard Smith made his lone field goal attempt in the first quarter.
What’s it mean?
The Wildcats move on to face South Dakota State in the second round of the FCS playoffs.
Loose notes
Saturday marked Villanova’s 12th playoff appearance, while St. Francis played in its first postseason game.
Bell set a career high in receiving yards with 110, and had his third multi-touchdown game.
What’s next?
Villanova will play South Dakota State next Saturday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. in the second round of the FCS playoffs.