A balanced performance from Villanova saw the Wildcats cruise to a 37-14 win against Coastal Athletic Association newcomer North Carolina A&T.

Villanova produced 289 yards through the air and 248 on the ground for 537 total yards, while holding the Aggies to 172 yards – 118 of which came in the second half. 

A 20-point second quarter from Villanova put the game out of reach, and the Wildcat defense held N.C. A&T scoreless in the second half to preserve the advantage.

Villanova improves to 4-2 overall and 2-1 in CAA play, while denying North Carolina a first win in its new conference. The Aggies, who picked up their first win last week, fall to 1-4 on the season and 0-2 in conference action.

Subscribe To Watch All Of The CAA Action This Season

Rewatch The FloFootball Games Of The Week: Oct. 7

Sophomore wide receiver Jaylan Sanchez led the offensive effort for Villanova on Saturday, catching six passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns. 

He entered the game a week removed from the first touchdown of his collegiate career and nearly was able to improve on his FCS-leading 26.7 yards per reception this season. He averaged 26. 3 yards per catch against North Carolina A&T, including touchdown grabs of 58 and 59 yards, respectively. 

Graduate quarterback Connor Watkins led the aerial attack for the Wildcats, connecting on 16-of-23 passes for 289 yards and three scores. His third touchdown pass was a nine-yard strike to graduate wide receiver Rayjuon Pringle in the second quarter. 

Three Wildcats rushed for more than 60 yards on the day, with a memorable 21-yard touchdown run from graduate running back DeeWil Barlee in the second quarter helping him become the 12th Villanova player in history to surpass 2,000 career rushing yards.

Host North Carolina A&T wasn’t without it’s flashes of excellence, as redshirt senior Taymon Cooke broke free for a 94-yard kickoff return to put the Aggies ahead 7-3 early in the first quarter. 

Villanova graduate kicker Matthew Mercurio had opened the scoring with the first of his three field goals on the day.

Offensively, North Carolina A&T just couldn’t get it done. 

Freshman quarterback Kevin White was 8-for-17 for 64 yards and rushed for another 44, including running for his team’s only offensive score of the day. Redshirt sophomore running back Kenji Christian ran for a team-best 64 yards on 11 carries.

On the way to the victory, Villanova fumbled the ball three times, but only lost one. That was the game’s only turnover, and the Aggies were not able to capitalize.

Another statistical anomaly was the lack of the penalties in the game. The first didn’t come until late in the second half – a holding call on N.C. A&T for 10 yards. The Aggies earned all three flags in the game for 20 total yards.

Highlights From Villanova's 37-14 Win Over N.C. A&T

Next up for Villanova is a conference matchup with Elon next Saturday at Villanova Stadium. It will be the fourth of eight consecutive CAA games for the Wildcats. 

Elon was defeated by North Carolina Central on Saturday, 34-23. The Phoenix fall to 3-3 overall but remain undefeated in CAA play (3-0).

Next week, North Carolina A&T will continue its own run of CAA games, traveling to Newark, Delaware, to face the Delaware Blue Hens, who defeated Duquesne in a nonconference game Saturday, 43-17. Delaware is 4-1 overall and 2-0 in CAA play.

Final Stats - Villanova | North Carolina A&T

Villanova's Jaylan Sanchez Has Breakout Day

Last week, Villanova's Jaylan Sanchez scored the first touchdown of his career. Against North Carolina A&T on Saturday, the sophomore wide receiver had 158 yards and another two touchdowns on six catches.

Wildcats quarterback Connor Watkins was 16-for-23 for 289 yards and three touchdowns.

Second-Half Stats - Villanova | N.C. A&T

Final Score - Villanova 37, North Carolina A&T 14

Villanova improves to 4-2 and 2-1 in the CAA, while North Carolina A&T again is denied a first win in its new conference. The Aggies fall to 1-4 overall and 0-2 in the CAA.

Villanova Defense Shuts Down N.C. A&T

The Villanova defense shut down any chance of a final North Carolina A&T score after the fumble, as Aggies quarterback Kevin White was sacked twice to get the ball back for Villanova. 

The Wildcats take over on downs and have the chance to run down the final minute of the game.

Villanova Has First Turnover Of The Day

Jalen Jackson has the ball knocked away while driving up the middle. North Carolina A&T recovers. 

Villanova Clears 500 Yards Of Total Offense

Graduate running back TD Ayo-Durojaiye runs for 25 yards to help the Wildcats clear the 500-yard mark for the day. 

North Carolina A&T FG Attempt No Good

After a five-yard delay-of-game penalty, North Carolina A&T kicker Owen Daffer misses on a 41-yard field goal attempt (wide left).

Villanova takes over, knocking on the doorstep of 500 yards of total offense.

Villanova Dominating North Carolina A&T

Through three quarters in Greensboro, North Carolina, Villanova is up 37-14.

Even more impressive, the Wildcats have put up 475 yards of total offense, while holding the Aggies to just 94 total yards (87 rushing, 7 passing).

There have been zero turnovers in the game, though Villanova did cough up the ball two times.

The game only has seen two penalties, both for N.C. A&T, for a total of 15 yards.

Villanova Scores First In Second Half 

Connor Watkins connects with Jaylan Sanchez AGAIN for another Villanova touchdown. This time, it was for 59 yards. Sanchez had a 58-yard TD reception in the first quarter. 

Matthew Mercurio adds the extra point, and the Wildcats lead North Carolina A&T, 37-14.

Nothing Happening For North Carolina A&T

The Aggies were unable to capitalize on getting the back back so quickly, and they're forced to punt, as well. 

Caleb Brickhouse boots it 53 yards, and Villanova will take over on its own 35. 

There's 5:53 left in the scoreless third quarter - Villanova leads 30-14.

N.C. A&T Defensive Stepping Up

Redshirt junior cornerback Karon Prunty gets huge third-down sack of Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins for a loss of six yards. 

The Wildcats looked like they were going to go for it on fouth-and-16, but Watkins ended up punting it (34 yards).

Aggies take over inside their own 10.

Second Half Is Underway - N.C. A&T Has The Ball

The Aggies are down 30-14 at home to new CAA foe Villanova.

First-Half Stats - Villanova | North Carolina A&T

Villanova Ends First Half With Field Goal

The Wildcats fail to find the endzone again, but Matthew Mercurio is able to kick another one through, giving Villanova a 30-14 halftime lead on the road at North Carolina A&T.

Villanova Recovers Ensuing Kickoff

A surprise sky kick by the Villanova kick team catches the Aggies off guard, and the Villanova offense gets another chance to pile on some points before the first half ends.

Villanova Scores Again As First Half Winds Down

Connor Watkins connected with graduate wide receiver Rayjuon Pringle for nine yards to cap off a seven-play, 62-yard drive for the Wildcats. Matthew Mercurio PAT is good.

There's 1:24 left in the half. Villanova leads North Carolina A&T, 27-14.

Watch The DeeWil Barlee Score For Villanova

With the run, Barlee went over 2,000 rushing yards for his career with the Wildcats. He's the 12th player in Villanova history to eclipse the milestone.

And the seesaw flips back to the Wildcats 😾
Villanova RB DeeWil Barlee goes 21-yards to help take back the lead, 20-14!@NovaFootball | @CAAFootball pic.twitter.com/3KdlKHEHXe

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) October 7, 2023

A Clean Game Between The Aggies And Wildcats

It took 25 minutes of play for the first penalty of the day between Villanova and North Carolina A&T. It was holding call on the Aggies for 10 yards late in the second quarter.

Back And Forth We Go - Villanova Leads N.C. A&T

The DeeWil Barlee 21-yard rushing touchdown is good for Villanova. Matthew Mercurio adds the extra point, and the Wildcats lead 20-14 with five minutes remaining in the half.

It was nine plays, 85 yards for the Wildcats.

Villanova Touchdown Play Under Review

Was it good? Did DeeWil Barlee get in? We'll know in a minute. It's also monumentally important, as it would give the Villanova graduate running back 2,000 rushing yards for his career.

In Case You Missed It: N.C. A&T's Opening Score

WHAT A START FOR @NCATFootball 🔥 Taymon Cooke takes a kickoff 94 yards to the house! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iJQ0oMtgFr

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) October 7, 2023

North Carolina A&T Offense Comes Alive

Freshman quarterback Kevin (KJ) White gives North Carolina A&T the lead with a 25-yard touchdown scamper. Daffer's PAT kick is good, as well. Aggies lead 14-13.

The Aggies capitalized on a short field position and went 33 yards on three plays.

Villanova Offense Busy In First Half

Early in the second quarter, Villanova has 178 total yards, versus eight total yards for North Carolina A&T. 

The Wildcats lead in time of possession - 15:06 to 3:01.

Villanova Kicking Game, Ground Game Strong

A nine-play, 47-yard drive ended with another Villanova field goal. Matthew Mercurio kicked it through from 39 yards. Wildcats lead 13-7 early in the second quarter.

End Of First Quarter - Villanova Leads 10-7

At the end of the first quarter in Greensboro, North Carolina, visiting Villanova leads 10-7.

Three And Out For North Carolina A&T

The Aggies first offensive opportunity ended quickly, as the Wildcat defense shut things down, forcing N.C. A&T to punt. Redshirt sophomore Caleb Brickhouse booted it 39 yards. Villanova ball.

Villanova Air Attack Puts Wildcats Back In Front

Sophomore wide receiver Jaylan Sanchez scored his first career touchdown last week, and he added another in the first quarter against North Carolina A&T, this time with a 58-yard reception from graduate quarterback Connor Watkins.

Matthew Mercurio added the PAT to make it 10-7 late in the opening quarter.

North Carolina A&T Strikes Back, Leads 7-3

Redshirt senior Taymon Cooke returned the ensuing kickoff 94 yards to give N.C. A&T the lead. Owen Daffer add the PAT for a 7-3 advantage.

Villanova Scores First In North Carolina

The Villanova Wildcats chewed up more than six minutes of clock to start the game and scored first, as graduate kicker Matthew Mercurio tapped in a 25-yard field goal to secure a 3-0 lead.

The Wildcats went 63 yards and made four first downs before the score.

N.C. A&T Football Wins Coin Toss, Defers To Second Half

North Carolina A&T won the opening coin toss and deferred to the second half, allowing visiting Villanova to start their first meeting with the ball.

When Is The Villanova Vs. North Carolina A&T Football Game?

Villanova will take on North Carolina A&T at Truist Stadium in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Saturday, Oct. 7 at 4 p.m. Eastern.

How To Watch The Villanova Vs. N.C. A&T Football Game

Football action is streaming live on FloFootball and the FloSports app, including the Villanova and North Carolina A&T football game during Week 6. 

Replays and postgame highlights also will be available on both platforms. 

Watch Past Highlights And Replays

Villanova | North Carolina A&T

So Far Today In The CAA

Rhode Island def. Brown, 34-30
Virginia def. William & Mary, 27-13
Stony Brook at Morgan State, canceled
*Campbell def. Hampton, 30-27
*North Carolina Central def. Elon, 34-23
*Delaware def. Duquesne 43-17
*Richmond def. Maine, 42-31
*UAlbany 17, Towson 17 - fourth quarter

*Streaming on FloFootball

Fast Fact: Villanova Football Sophomore Jaylan Sanchez Making Name For Himself

Villanova sophomore wide receiver Jaylan Sanchez scored the first touchdown of his collegiate career during the second quarter of last week’s 31-10 conference loss to UAlbany.

While it may have been his first score, Sanchez leads the FCS this season with 26.7 yards per reception.

Fast Fact: N.C. A&T Against First-Time Opponents

North Carolina A&T has met 10 first-time opponents since 2021. The Aggies are 5-5 in those games. One way or the other, they’ll be breaking the deadlock Saturday against a talented foe in powerhouse Villanova. 

Week 5 Highlight: Trick Play Goes Wrong For Villanova, Wildcats Get First Down Anyway

This second-half trick play from Villanova last week went all wrong, but the Wildcats were able to make something happen, allowing them to pick up a first down against UAlbany.

Watch Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins make the cross-field catch.

North Carolina A&T’s BJ Turner Makes History

North Carolina A&T graduate linebacker BJ Turner made history this week when he was named the CAA’s Co-Defensive Player of the Week. He became the first NC A&T football player to win a weekly award from the conference.

In helping the Aggies to their first win of the 2023 campaign, a 28-26 nonconference victory over Norfolk State, Turner had a career-high 19 tackles, including nine unassisted and 2.5 for a loss. He also broke up a pass. 

Turner leads the country in solo tackles per game (nine) and is third in total tackles (54). 

Turner shared the CAA honor with Elon defensive back Caleb Curtain, who had 11 tackles and a sack in the Phoenix’s 14-6 win over top 5-ranked William & Mary.

Other Things To Watch For Around The CAA This Week

Courtesy of CAA:

Four conference games highlight the Week 6 slate in CAA Football. 

UAlbany visits Towson in a matchup of teams coming off wins over nationally ranked foes. Hampton tries to stay unbeaten in CAA play as it hosts Campbell. Maine and Richmond meet for the 30th time in a closely contested series (UR leads 15-14), while Villanova and North Carolina A&T play each other for the first time.

CAA teams are 17-8 against nonconference FCS opponents this season and will look to continue that success on Saturday. 

Rhode Island looks to bring home the Governor’s Cup for the fifth straight time, as it makes the short trip to Brown. 

In a top-25 clash, No. 25 Elon welcomes No. 14 North Carolina Central.  

Delaware entertains Duquesne, while William & Mary visits ACC member Virginia. 

Stony Brook's game at Morgan State was canceled following the shooting on the MSU campus last Tuesday that injured five people.

Check out FloFootball’s Picks For This Week’s CAA Games

Villanova Football Schedule 2023

All times Eastern

• Sept. 2: Villanova 38, Lehigh 10 (W)
• Sept. 9: Villanova 42, Colgate 19 (W)
• Sept. 16: University of Central Florida 48, Villanova 14 (L)
• Sept. 23: Villanova 35, Rhode Island 9 (W)
• Sept. 30: UAlbany 31, Villanova 10 (L)
• Oct. 7: at North Carolina A&T, 4 p.m., FloSports
• Oct. 14: Elon, 1 p.m., FloSports
• Oct. 28: Stony Brook, 2 p.m., FloSports
• Nov. 4: at New Hampshire, 1 p.m., FloSports
• Nov. 11: Towson, 1 p.m., FloSports
• Nov. 18: at Delaware, 1 p.m., FloSports

Highlights: Villanova Vs. UAlbany | 2023 CAA Football

N.C. A&T Football Schedule 2023

All times Eastern

• Aug. 31: University of Alabama at Birmingham 35, North Carolina A&T 6 (L)
• Sept. 9: North Carolina Central 30, North Carolina A&T 16 (L)
• Sept. 16: at Elon 27, North Carolina A&T 3 (L)
• Sept. 30: North Carolina A&T 28, Norfolk State, 26 (W)
• Oct. 7: Villanova, 4 p.m., FloSports
• Oct. 14: at Delaware, 3 p.m., FloSports
• Oct. 21: Richmond, 1 p.m., FloSports
• Oct. 28: at Hampton, 2 p.m., FloSports
• Nov. 4: Towson, 1 p.m., FloSports
• Nov. 11: at Rhode Island, 1 p.m., FloSports
• Nov. 18: Campbell, 1 p.m., FloSports

Week 6 CAA Football Schedule

Here’s what the CAA action looks like this week. All times are Eastern.

Saturday, Oct. 7

• Rhode Island at Brown, noon
• William & Mary at Virginia, noon
• Stony Brook at Morgan State, canceled
• *Campbell at Hampton, 2 p.m.
• *North Carolina Central at Elon, 2 p.m.
• *Duquesne at Delaware, 3 p.m.
• *Maine at Richmond, 3:30 p.m.
• *UAlbany at Towson, 4 p.m.
• *Villanova at North Carolina A&T, 4 p.m.

*Streaming live on FloSports

Watch The CAA Top 10 Plays Of The Week From Week 5

2023 CAA Football Standings

FCS Football Rankings As Of Oct. 1, 2023

Here is the Week 6 FCS Coaches Poll

Others Receiving Votes (schools listed on two or more ballots): New Hampshire 143; Rhode Island 119; Albany117; Villanova 117; Eastern Illinois 79; Northern Iowa 64; Austin Peay 62; Tarleton State 46; Mercer 29; Samford 16; Southeast Missouri State 16; Youngstown State 11; Eastern Kentucky 10; Fordham 9.

Archived Footage On FloFootball

Video footage from the event will be archived and stored in a video library for FloFootball subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions.

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