Against Colgate, Villanova’s Connor Watkins picked up where he left off in Wildcats win

Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins established six school records during last season’s home opener against Colgate. The 23-point victory was one of his best career performances.

In his sixth and final season with the Wildcats, Watkins is out to beat his standards. On Saturday night, he threw for 247 yards on 18-of-28 passing in No. 5 Villanova’s 28-3 defeat of Colgate (0-2).

The Wildcats (2-0) stamped out the Raiders in the fourth quarter for their second straight win in convincing fashion.

The Wildcats had an uncharacteristic first half with just one touchdown. Colgate capped a nine-play drive in the second quarter with a field goal and Villanova led 7-3 at halftime.

Penalties repeatedly hindered the Cats as seven whistles cost them 60 yards. Colgate, on the other hand, survived with only two penalties for 14 yards.

Graduate wide receiver Devin Smith had a major impact on the win. Smith scored his first and second touchdowns in a Villanova uniform since transferring from North Carolina Central.

On Villanova’s third drive, Watkins launched the ball 71 yards downfield to Smith for the touchdown.

Smith finished with six receptions for 116 yards, showing his ability to become a new focal point in Villanova’s offense.

Villanova overpowered the host team with a score in the third quarter and two touchdowns in the fourth.

The Wildcats started the third quarter efficiently, advancing 63 yards in 2 minutes, 59 seconds. The six-play drive culminated with redshirt freshman running back Isaiah Ragland scampering 1 yard for a touchdown.

Smith scored his second TD on an 8-yard pass from Watkins. With under four minutes to play, Watkins rushed right for 13 yards for Villanova’s final touchdown of the night.

While the Wildcats got moving offensively, the linebackers stifled the Raiders through the final minutes. Graduate student Brendan Bell posted 10 tackles as Villanova limited Colgate to just 3.9 yards per play and 264 total yards.

Junior safety Christian Sapp capped the win with an interception to end Colgate’s last drive.

Villanova’s next opponent, Towson (1-1), will be its first CAA matchup of the season. The Tigers and Wildcats last saw each other on Nov. 11, 2023, when Villanova emerged with a 33-10 win.

The Cats will host Towson at Villanova Stadium on Saturday (3:30 p.m., FloFootball).

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