Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Villanova Stuns No. 3 Lehigh 14-7 to Reach FCS Quarterfinals

The 12th-seeded Wildcats earned their first playoff road win since 2010 to secure a third quarterfinal berth in five seasons.

Overview

  • Quarterback Pat McQuaide threw for 208 yards and connected with Braden Reed on a 28-yard touchdown with 3:02 remaining to give Villanova its first lead.
  • Defensive lineman Obinna Nwobodo stripped Lehigh quarterback Hayden Johnson in the red zone and linebacker Shane Hartzell recovered to seal the upset.
  • Villanova (11-2) advanced as a 12 seed over previously unbeaten Lehigh (12-1), which had been ranked No. 3 nationally.
  • The Wildcats will face the winner of North Dakota and Tarleton State in the FCS quarterfinals.
  • Villanova and Lehigh are set to become Patriot League rivals next season, turning this postseason matchup into a preview of an annual conference meeting.