Quarterback Pat McQuaide has thrown 24 touchdowns and only three interceptions this season for the Villanova Wildcats, who are on an 11-game winning streak. (Photo by Villanova.com)
By Barry Bottino
Falling behind 14-0 in less than 8 minutes Saturday wasn’t exactly how Villanova wanted to start its FCS quarterfinal game at Tarleton State.
But a familiar phrase kept the Wildcats focused as they chipped away and eventually earned a 26-21 victory to advance to the national semifinals Saturday, Dec. 20.
No. 12 seed Villanova (12-2) will host unseeded Illinois State (11-4) at 6:30 p.m. Saturday on ESPN2.
“We a have mantra – ‘Tap the rock’ – which is to show up every day and put in the work and good things will happen,” Villanova head coach Mark Ferrante said. “Eventually that rock will crack. It’s about perseverance and resiliency, and this team has shown that not just (against Tarleton), but all year long.”
Tarleton entered the game averaging 44 points a game but managed only seven total points in the final three quarters.
“That’s what we talk about all the time with tapping the rock,” quarterback Pat McQuaide said. “It’s not always going to go your way but just continue to fight. It’s a long, long game.”
Here’s a deeper look at the Redbirds’ semifinal round opponent:
School: Villanova University.
Founded: 1842.
Location: Villanova, Penn.
Distance from Normal: 809 miles.
Population: 8,213.
Enrollment: 9,800.
Nickname; Mascot: Wildcats; Will D. Cat.
Colors: Blue and white.
Stadium: Villanova Stadium, which was built in 1927, seats 12,500 for football.
Conference: Colonial Athletic Association.
Head Coach: Mark Ferrante
Overall Record: 69-35 in nine seasons.
I-AA/FCS Playoff Appearances: 17, with three semifinal appearances and a national title in 2009.
Key players: McQuaide, a graduate student, has thrown 24 TDs and only three interceptions this season while leading the offense. Sophomores Ja’briel Mace (887 yards, 11 TDs) and Isaiah Ragland (721 yards, 2 TDs) lead the rushing attack. McQuaide’s favorite target is grad student Luke Colella (73 catches, 1,013 yards, eight TDs), but four other players range from 20 to 31 catches. Senior linebacker Shane Hartzell leads the team with 17.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and 94 tackles. Eight different players have at least one interception.
Quick facts about the Wildcats: The Villanova defense has 35 quarterback pressures and 12 forced fumbles this season. … Along with being named a first-team All-CAA running back, Mace was honored as the league’s Special Teams Player of the Year. He averages nearly 34 yards per kickoff return and has two return touchdowns this season. … Villanova’s 17 playoff appearances rank as the 10th-most among all FCS teams. The Wildcats won the 2009 national title with future Chicago Cubs outfielder Matt Szczur playing wide receiver, running back and wildcat quarterback.
Best Villanova player in the NFL: Pro Football Reference says 89 Villanova players have made the NFL, including four who have played more than 10 years in the league. Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman Howie Long spent 13 years in the NFL, earning a first-team spot on the league’s All-1980s Team. He compiled 91.5 sacks in his career, which was spent entirely with the Raiders.
Famous Villanova alumni: Jim Croce (musician); Andrew M. Allen (astronaut, Space Shuttle pilot); Pope Leo XIV (head of the Catholic Church); Don Bragg (1960 Olympic pole vault gold medalist); Ed Pinckney (former NBA player, MVP of 1985 Final Four, won by Villanova).
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