Villanova football ended its regular session with a huge 38-28 win over Delaware in the 58th all-time “Battle of the Blue.” With Delaware moving to the FBS next season, it was potentially the last matchup between the rivals in the near future.
“As far as where this rivalry stands, and the opportunity to go against them today for the last time potentially to play for the Battle of the Blue, it feels pretty darn nice,” head coach Mark Ferrante said. “I almost got emotional running on the field after the game.”
Delaware has been dominant this season, boasting a 9-1 overall record, up to this point to place them second in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). The Wildcats, who were sitting in fourth place, earned the win to wrap up the regular season and get a good shot at a playoff spot.
Villanova’s record now sits with a 9-3 overall record (6-2 conference record) and third place in the CAA. This was a bounceback performance after a 40-33 defeat by Monmouth last weekend.
It was a high-scoring match up that saw a combined nine touchdowns. Villanova got the scoring started by capitalizing off a missed field goal by Delaware. This ultimately led to big runs from freshman running back David Avit, 28 yards on the opening drive, and graduate quarterback Connor Watkins, who added 25 yards on the ground. Avit then scored the first points of the game with a one-yard rushing touchdown.
The Wildcat defense came to play, scoring on a pick-six on the very next Delaware drive. Graduate linebacker Brendan Bell made the play, starting off an impressive day for him in which he scored two touchdowns and led the defense with 11 tackles.
The Blue Hens got the ball back and their first-down play was called back for an offensive pass interference. After Villanova stalled Delaware on third down, Villanova got the ball back at the end of the first quarter.
The Wildcats then scored yet another touchdown off a 36-yard pass from Watkins to sophomore wide receiver Kenyon Miles. The score quickly became 21-0 with over nine minutes remaining in the first half.
On the following kickoff, the ball fell off the tee, resulting in a shanked kick that went out of bounds at midfield. With the addition of the penalty, the Blue Hens were set up nicely.
The Blue Hens eventually scored on a 14-yard touchdown run off a well-executed wide receiver end around play by junior JoJo Bermudez. The Wildcats were then forced to punt, which was followed by another scoring drive finished off by Delaware running back Marcus Yarns.
Villanova continued to lose the lead as Watkins threw a pick, setting Delaware up with good field position and a good chunk of time left. On the second play of the drive, Delaware quarterback Nick Minucci threw a bomb to a wide-open Yarns for a 65-yard touchdown. It was a tied game, 21-21, going into the half.
The Wildcats lost all of the momentum they had in the first quarter, but started the second half with a scoring drive that finished with a 37-yard touchdown run by Watkins.
The Blue Hens then answered late in the third with another passing touchdown to tie it 28-28.
Villanova managed to take over the fourth quarter on both sides of the ball. An interception by graduate defensive back Ty Trinh set the Wildcats up for a field goal. Graduate kicker Ethan Gettman nailed the 37-yarder.
The following drive saw graduate defensive back Ethan Potter recover a fumble that put Villanova on Delaware’s 18-yard line. The ‘Cats then extended their lead on a six-yard touchdown run by Bell, his second touchdown of the game, but this time on the offensive end.
After another strong defensive stand, Villanova chewed up most of the clock giving the Blue Hens 19 seconds. They tried to lateral on the last play, resulting in a Villanova recovery to seal the game.
Watkins had a stellar performance with 203 passing yards, 80 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns. The highlight of the game was Bell’s touchdowns on both sides of the ball, a rare accomplishment.
“Personally, I love both sides of the ball,” Bell said. “I can’t decide whether Coach calls my name or not, but if he doesn’t I’m going to block my heart out. And if he gives me the ball, I’m going to get in the endzone.”
Bell’s do-it-all attitude and Watkins electric quarterback play led the Wildcats to their biggest win of the season.
The victory puts Villanova in position to earn a chance to continue the season and make a run in the FCS playoffs. Villanova’s playoff possibilities will be confirmed on Sunday, Nov. 24 during the FCS Playoff Bracket Selection Show (ESPNU, 12:30 p.m.)
