Jan 19, 2025, 6:00 PM UTC
Dream Bowl
2024 Youngstown State vs Villanova

Villanova Vs. Youngstown State Football Recap

Villanova Vs. Youngstown State Football Recap

Villanova football starts the season against Youngstown State, a rematch from the 2023 FCS playoffs. Here's a recap of the game.

Aug 30, 2024 by R. R. Ellis
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Villanova Wildcats football and Youngstown State Penguins, two distinguished FCS programs and rivals, faced eachother on Aug. 29 for a highly anticipated rematch.

Connor Watkins and the Villanova defense showed up as the Wildcats defeated Youngstown State in week 1 of the college football season.

Watkins went 6-17 for 90 yards passing, but the quarterback used his legs to gain 120 rushing yards and two touchdowns. He had a huge run in the first half, finding an open lane to go 45 yards.

Redshirt freshman Isaiah Ragland had another 65 yards on the ground for Villanova.

Youngstown State quarterback Beau Brungard did a lot of with a little. The Villanova defense swarmed him but he was able to pass for 152 yards and rush for another 84 to keep the Penguins in the game. 

However, the Villanova defense showed up, gathering one fumble and two interceptions.

The Wildcats will travel to play Colgate a week from Saturday in Hamilton, New York.

Here's a recap of the Villanova vs. Youngstown State games, including all of the scores.

Final Stats

Offense

Total Yards:

  • Villanova: 336
  • Youngstown State: 321

Rushing Yards:

  • Villanova: 246
  • Youngstown State: 169

Passing Yards:

  • Villanova: 90
  • Youngstown State: 152

Average Yards per Play:

  • Villanova: 7.1
  • Youngstown State: 4.9

Defense

Fumble Recoveries:

  • Villanova: 1
  • Youngstown State: 0

Interceptions: 

  • Villanova: 2
  • Youngstown State: 0

Closer Look At Richie Kimmel Inception

End Of Game; Villanova 24, Youngstown State 17

Villanova wins the game. 

A valiant effort from Youngstown State to try to get back in the game. 

In the end, Villanova's defense was too much.

Villanova Interception To Win It!

Richie Kimmel snags the ball out of the air to give Villanova the possession. 

The Wildcats are going to win this game 24-17. 

Villanova Punts To YSU With 2 Minutes Left

The ball lands inside the 10-yard line. 

Penguins will have 2 minutes to go 90 yards to tie it up or win it with a touchdown and two-point conversion. 

Villanova Trying To Rush Clock Away; 4Q 4:03

Only four minutes left in the game. Villanova has it on their own 25. 

Youngstown State Scores; 24-17

Tyshon King takes it up the middle for the rushing touchdown. 

Field goal converted.

10 plays and 80 yards on the drive. 

Brungard Takes It To 1-Yard Line

Penguins close to scoring to make this a one-score game.

Brungard was short of the 1-yard line on his run, but the play is under review.

Penguins At Villanova's 25-Yard Line

Brungard has helped YSU down the field with their best offensive possession of the game.

YSU Offense Looks Better

This half the Youngstown offense has looked quite a bit better. 

Brungard is 14-20 with 109 passing yards. 

Brungard along with Tyshon King and Ethan Wright have accumulated 123 yards rushing.

Nine Minutes Left In The Game; Villanova 24, YSU 10

Youngstown State takes over in their own territory. 

They'll want to hurry up if they're going to score on consecutive possessions.

Closer Look At Jaylan Sanchez Reverse

Connor Watkins Up To 101 Yards Rushing; 24-10

...and Villanova is in the red zone. 

Closer Look At Wild Bungard Throw, Traugh Catch

Villanova Has Touchdown Called Back; Third Quarter Ends

Isaiah Ragland ran for what he thought was a 44-yard touchdown, but there was holding by an offensive lineman on the Wildcats. 

Third quarter ends with Villanova up 24-10. Penguins can get back in the game if they get another touchdown. 

Huge Throw From Brungard, YSU Touchdown; 24-10

Brungard creates with his legs and heaves it up for Cyrus Traugh to high-point catch in the end zone. 

Penguins put their first touchdown on the board. YSU converts field goal.

YSU Close To Scoring

The Penguins make it to the red zone on the legs of Beau Brungard.

First and 10 on the Villanova 23. 

Youngstown Goes For It On Fourth-And-One

Brungard passed to Brandan Seranno for five yards to get a new set of downs.

YSU at the 36-yard line.

YSU Into Villanova Territory; 24-3

The Penguins have put together their best drive of the day, rushing and passing their way past the 50-yard line. 

3rd-down and three for Youngstown with seven minutes left in the third quarter.

Closer Look At Watkins 2nd TD; 3Q 8:22

Closer Look At Huge Ragland Run

Connor Watkins Runs For 2nd Touchdown; 24-3

Watkins looks like an All-American in the first half. He gets his second rushing touchdown of the game. 

The Wildcats made it down the field after Watkins made a huge throw that was broken up, but ended up being a holding penalty on the Penguins defense.

Ragland Runs For 31 Yards

Isaiah Ragland has 50 yards on four carries and is averaging 12.5 yards per gain.

Villanova Defense Overwhelms YSU

Youngstown State goes three-and-out with their first possession after halftime.

YSU is averaging four yards per play.

Second Half Begins; 17-3

Youngstown receives the kick from the Wildcats.

Closer Look At Dawud Interception

Halftime Stats

Offense

Total Yards:

  • Villanova: 176
  • Youngstown State: 136

Rushing Yards:

  • Villanova: 101
  • Youngstown State: 86

Passing Yards:

  • Villanova: 75
  • Youngstown State: 50

Average Yards per Play:

  • Villanova: 7
  • Youngstown State: 4.4

Defense

Tackles:

  • Villanova: 35
  • Youngstown State: 18

Solo Tackles:

  • Villanova: 23
  • Youngstown State: 12

Fumble Recoveries:

  • Villanova: 1
  • Youngstown State: 0

Interceptions:

  • Villanova: 1
  • Youngstown State: 0

Halftime; Villanova 17, Youngstown State 3

Lots of talk between the teams as the half ended. 

Villanova is pretty easily defeating the Penguins, and it almost feels like they should be up more if not for errors. 

Youngstown State has run the ball 20 times, but against this big Villanova defensive line they haven't been able to create a tempo. Tyshon King still only has six attempts. Quarterback Beau Brungard has five rushing attempts. 

Villanova Doesn't Do Much With Possession

The Wildcats' possession after the interception went quickly. Not much came of it and they've punted it back to the Penguins, who are pinned in their own 10-yard line.

Zahmir Dawud Interception

Villanova defensive back Zahmir Dawud gets a takeaway with only a minute-and-a-half left in the half. 

Closer Look At Isaiah Ragland Touchdown

Two-Minute Warning; Villanova 17, YSU 3

Villanova is up 17-3 against Youngstown State. The Penguins have the ball on their own 23-yard line. 

YSU's offense has mostly sputtered so far this half, with the team focusing on passing rather than handing off to Tyshon King, who has only seen two rushing attempts.

Ragland Runs It In For TD; 17-3

Isaiah Ragland socres for Villanova right before halftime. 

Youngstown will get a chance to put some points on the board with 2:20 left. 

Villanova Close To Scoring; 10-3

Wildcats about 10 yards from the endzone.

Four Minutes Until Halftime

Villanova is working their way up the field slowly. Watkins threw to Daniel Lopes on 2nd and 20. 

Youngstown Convert Field Goal; 10-3

Andrew Lastovka kicks it through the uprights and the Penguins put their first points on the board.

YSU Run It Up The Middle On 3rd And 8

Youngstown is stuffed by the Villanova defense and will settle for a field goal. 

Big Run By Brungard

Youngstown quarterback Beau Brungard runs for 13 yards as the Penguins get closer to putting up their first points. 

First down in the red zone.

Closer Look At Watkins Touchdown

YSU Stringing Plays Together; 2Q 13:00

After a brief review, a Brungard pass to Latrell Fordham was confirmed for 10 yards. Likely the Penguins best play of the game so far.

End Of First Quarter; Villanova 10, YSU 0

Connor Watkins led the way as Villanova goes up 10-0 in the first quarter. 

Watkins only went 2-7 for 42 yards, but ran five times and gained 59 rushing yards and touchdown.

Connor Watkins Runs In For Touchdown; 10-0

Connor Watkins passes it up the field, before running it in himself. Gettman makes the extra point. 

Closer Look At Connor Watkins' 45-Yard Run

Youngstown Punts To Villanova; 1Q 5:27

After a huge potential score turned into a penalty, the Penguins fail to score as the Villanova defense shuts them down and retakes the ball. 

Closer Look At Villanova Fumble Recovery

Villanova Field Goal; 3-0

Ethan Gettman converts the field goal for the Wildcats.

Huge Run From Connor Watkins; 0-0

Connor Watkins breaks away from the Youngstown defense to run for 45 yards on the carry.

Villanova Recovers A Fumble

Youngstown QB Brungard tries to run it but fumbles, Villanova recovers. 

Wildcats Go Three-And-Out On First Possession

Chalk it up to early-game nerves, but the Wildcats didn't do much with their first possession. 

They've punted to the Penguins, who will take over at their own 45-yard line, 1st and 10.

Let The Game Begin

Youngstown State kicks off to Villanova at Villanova Stadium. 

Tyshon King Is Youngtown State's Player To Watch

YSU will likely feed Tyshon King all night as they try to create a tempo against this Villanova defense. 

King had a breakout season for the Penguins a season ago. 

Here are some key stats from his 2023 season.

  • Rushing Yards: 1011
  • Touchdowns: 9
  • Longest Run: 62 yards
  • Average Yards Per Attempt: 5.4
  • Average Yards Per Game: 77.8

Weather In Philly, Villanova Stadium

Looks like it's going to be a perfect night for football. 

The current temperature is 77 degrees, mostly cloudy with a slight breeze at 11mph. There is a low chance for precipitation.

How To Watch Villanova Vs. Youngstown State Football Stream

Villanova vs. YSU football will stream live on FloFootball and the FloSports app.

Game replays, highlights and breaking news will be available on both platforms. 

Connor Watkins Is Villanova's Player To Watch

Villanova quarterback Connor Watkins will be a crucial part of the Wildcats success in 2024. 

Watkins had an impressive 2023 season in which he played in 13 games. 

Here are some key stats from Connor Watkins last season.

  • Rating: 157.32
  • Passing Yards: 2681
  • Touchdowns: 20
  • Longest Pass: 79 yards
  • Average Yards per Game: 206.23

Who Has More Championships, Villanova Or Youngstown State?

Youngstown State has more FCS championship titles than Villanova. YSU has won four FCS titles, while Villanova has won just one. 

Youngstown State FCS Titles

  • 1997
  • 1994
  • 1993
  • 1991

Villanova FCS Titles

  • 2009

What Is The Record Between Youngstown State And Villanova Football?

Youngstown State has a 7-3 advantage in the overall series against Villanova, with a 3-1 record in FCS playoff games.

  • Dec. 2, 2023 - Youngstown State 28 Villanova 45
  • Nov. 13, 1999 - Youngstown State 28, Villanova 21
  • Dec. 6, 1997 - Youngstown State 37, Villanova 34
  • Nov. 28, 1992 - Youngstown State 23, Villanova 20
  • Nov. 30, 1991 - Youngstown State 17, Villanova 16
  • Oct. 6, 1979 - Youngstown State 27, Villanova 22
  • Oct. 28, 1978 - Villanova 22, Youngstown State 17
  • Sept. 10, 1977 - Youngstown State 14, Villanova 10
  • Oct. 23, 1976 - Villanova 34, Youngstown State 14
  • Nov. 8, 1975 - Youngstown State 25, Villanova 6

How To Watch Villanova Vs. Youngstown State Football Stream

Villanova vs. YSU football will stream live on FloFootball and the FloSports app.

Game replays, highlights and breaking news will be available on both platforms. 

Villanova Vs. Youngstown State Prediction

Here is a Villanova vs. YSU prediction from FloFootball expert Kyle Kensing. 

Connor Watkins' goal-line touchdown run and his 64-yard connection with Jaylan Sanchez completely changed the complexion of Villanova's 45-28 playoff win over Youngstown State last December. 

Watkins — who also ran in a 14-yard carry in the fourth quarter that effectively slammed the door on the Penguins — reunites with Sanchez to power the Villanova offense into 2024. 

The Wildcats also boast a veteran defense with potential All-Americans across each unit. Linebacker Shane Hartzell made 14 tackles with a sack against the Penguins in the Playoffs, and matched his partner in the linebacker corps, Brendan Bell, with three quarterback hurries. Isas Waxter, meanwhile, picked off a pass against Youngstown State. 

While the December meeting was decidedly in Villanova's favor, comparing 2024 with 2023 isn't necessarily one-to--one. The Penguins roster undergoes considerable turnover, which Wildcats coach Mark Ferrante noted. 

"You might going in thinking they're going to do certain things, but how might they approach that differently with turnover?" he said, adding Villanova will instead focus internally. "Let's prepare and let's get ready to execute what we're trying to do as well as we can in a consistent fashion." 

What's more, Villanova isn't without its own changes. All three of the running backs who formed the Wildcats triple-threat rushing attack — Jalen Jackson, DeeWil Barlee and TD Ayo-Durojaiye — are gone. Watkins is a more than capable ball-carrier, but Villanova's offense has typically been at its best when distributing touches among a variety of runners. 

Thursday's season opener will be a major opportunity for Isaiah Ragland, who saw 24 in 2023, to break out as a No. 1 option. 

Prediction: Villanova 38, Youngstown State 17

Villanova Football Schedule 2024

All Times Eastern.

YSU Football Schedule 2024

All Times Eastern.

  • Thursday, August 29 - Youngstown State vs. Villanova - 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 7 - Valparaiso vs. Youngstown State - 2:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 14 - Duquesne vs. Youngstown State - 2:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 21 - Youngstown State vs. Pittsburgh - 3:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, September 28 - Youngstown State vs. Missouri State - 3:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 5 - Indiana State vs. Youngstown State - 2:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 12 - Youngstown State vs. South Dakota State - 3:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 19 - South Dakota vs. Youngstown State - 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 26 - North Dakota vs. Youngstown State - 6:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 2 - Youngstown State vs. Illinois State - 3:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 9 - Youngstown State vs. Southern Illinois - 1:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 16 - UNI vs. Youngstown State - 12:00 p.m.

FCS Preseason Rankings 2024 - Stats Perform Top 25 Poll

  1. South Dakota State (52) - 1396
  2. North Dakota State (3) - 1327
  3. Montana - 1285
  4. Montana State (1) - 1199
  5. South Dakota - 1155
  6. Villanova - 1151
  7. Idaho - 1021
  8. Sacramento State - 874
  9. Chattanooga - 868
  10. Southern Illinois - 832
  11. Central Arkansas - 724
  12. Furman - 678
  13. Richmond - 625
  14. UIW - 605
  15. William & Mary - 546
  16. Albany - 527
  17. Lafayette - 359
  18. UC Davis - 351
  19. Illinois State - 350
  20. Western Carolina - 318
  21. Tarleton State - 302
  22. Weber State - 268
  23. Nicholls - 201
  24. North Dakota - 197
  25. Youngstown State - 177

Others Receiving Votes

Elon - 174, UT Martin - 169, Eastern Illinois - 139, Mercer - 98, Florida A&M - 65, North Carolina Central - 52, Austin Peay - 51, Alabama State - 17, Holy Cross - 17, Eastern Washington - 14, Duquesne - 8, Drake - 8, Samford - 6, Harvard - 6, UNI - 4

When Do The 2024 FCS College Football Playoffs Start?

The FCS playoffs begin on November 30, 2024.

The 2024 Division I FCS College Football Championship game will be played on January 6, 2025, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

College Football Rankings 2023 - Final FCS Coaches Poll

  • 1. South Dakota State, 15-0
  • 2. Montana, 13-2
  • 3. North Dakota State, 11-4
  • T-4. Idaho, 9-4
  • T-4. South Dakota, 10-3
  • 6. Furman, 10-3
  • 7. UAlbany, 11-4
  • 8. Montana State, 8-4
  • 9. Villanova, 10-3
  • 10. Florida A&M, 12-1
  • 11. Delaware, 9-4
  • 12. Austin Peay, 9-3
  • 13. Southern Illinois, 8-5
  • 14. UIW, 9-2
  • 15. Sacramento State, 8-5
  • 16. North Dakota, 7-5
  • 17. Chattanooga, 8-5
  • 18. North Carolina Central, 9-3
  • 19. Lafayette, 9-3
  • 20. Mercer, 9-4
  • 21. Youngstown State, 8-5
  • 22. Richmond, 9-4
  • 23. UT Martin, 8-3
  • 24. Eastern Illinois, 8-3
  • 25. Holy Cross, 7-4

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Watch The 2024 College Football Season On FloFootball 

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