Villanova ends two-game winning streak in a 27-3 road loss at Towson

Villanova appeared to be moving in the right direction after two needed Colonial Athletic Association wins. But Towson proved to be too much for the Wildcats as they fell, 27-3, on the road.

In the first half, both teams struggled offensively with the Tigers holding a 10-3 lead at the break. Villanova found its only points of the day on a 17-play first drive that resulted in a field goal.

Before the half, the Wildcats (5-4, 3-3 CAA) punted three times and were intercepted once, never running more than a five-play drive. Towson’s Keegan Vaughan, meanwhile, missed two field goals.

The second half was no different for the Wildcats. Towson, however, found an offensive rhythm with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter that gave the Tigers some insurance.

Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins struggled in the air, completing just 7 of 21 passes , with one interception. Watkins was missing Jaaron Hayek, his top receiver , who was out after he suffered an injury last week against Hampton.

Saturday’s loss likely puts the ‘Cats out of FCS playoff contention, landing them seventh in the conference.

The Wildcats have struggled to defend the run all season. While they had improved over the previous two games, holding Albany to 57rushing yards and Hampton to 26, the Tigers posed a tougher challenge, as they finished the game with 267 yards on the ground.

With a struggling defense , Villanova has relied heavily on its offense. And with a Towson defense that ranks close to last in the CAA, giving up 437.6 yards a game,, the Wildcats anticipated taking advantage. However, Villanova, which averages nearly 31 points a game, was held to just the three points and 150 total yards.

For Towson, receiver D’Ago Hunter had an impressive outing on special teams. The redshirt senior leads the CAA with two touchdowns on kick returns, and on Saturday, he added another, taking a 77-yard punt return to the house.

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The Wildcats continue on the road, as they’ll visit William and Mary (8-1, 5-1 CAA) on Saturday. (1 p.m., FloSports).