PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Villanova University football team has advanced to the quarterfinals of the NCAA FCS Playoffs — where the Wildcats will visit South Dakota State on Saturday.
Villanova is 10-2 on the season and riding a 7-game winning streak. The Wildcats advanced last week with a 45-28 second round victory over Youngstown State.
In that win, fifth-year quarterback Connor Watkins rolled up 331 of the team's 466 total yards and ran for two scores while throwing a third touchdown. Head coach Mark Ferrante says his quarterback brings a lot to the table.
"He's got great size. He's a good athlete. He's got a real strong arm, he makes great decisions. He's a smart football player. He's physical, he's competitive," said Ferrante.
"When he does run the ball, he'll slide but not always. He'll lower a shoulder on a guy, especially if he feels it's gonna allow him to either get in the end zone or get a first down. He's not gonna slide short if he doesn't have to."
Villanova will be taking on the defending FCS national champions in South Dakota State. The Jackrabbits are 12-0 this season and coming off a 41-0 win over Mercer in the second round — their 26th straight win dating back to last season.
"They have great depth. I know they carry a large roster. They're big, they're physical," said Ferrante of the Jackrabbits.
"They're also fundamentally sound, they do the little things well, and on defense, same thing. They've got big guys in the middle, they tackle well and they don't hurt themselves."
The two teams previously met in the quarterfinals in 2021, with Villanova losing 35-21 at home.
