They say some things are worth the wait. If that’s the case, then Penn fans must be over the top following Thursday night’s 24-13 victory over Villanova in a Thursday night FCS contest on the Main Line. Penn, winners of just two games a season ago, stunned No. 4/5 Villanova, the first victory for the Quakers over the Wildcats since 1911. It was also the first coaching victory for new Penn football coach Ray Priore. Not even the Pope could have saved Villanova in this one.
A full photo gallery available here: http://t.co/ru6qeqTaH0 pic.twitter.com/tenRvFsOgH
— Penn Football (@PennFB) September 25, 2015
Villanova was certainly hurt by the loss of dynamic quarterback John Robertson, 2014 FCS Player of the Year, but give credit to Penn for being the more physical and aggressive, and as such the more confident team on the field Thursday night. The Quakers marched right down the field on Villanova on the game’s opening possession to take an early 7-0 lead with Alek Torgersen completing a 12-yard touchdown pass to Justin Watson.Watson would add a second touchdown in the second quarter to give Penn a 14-0 lead, and it was all on Penn’s defense from there.
Freshman Sam Philippi had an interception in the third quarter that sparked Penn to a long field goal for a 17-0 lead. After Villanova got on the scoreboard later in the third quarter, Penn’s defense once again came through with a monster play when Donald Panciello picked up a loose football as Villanova was marching toward the end zone. Panciello ran 90 yards down the field to give Penn a defensive touchdown, essentially serving as the final nail in the coffin for Villanova’s comeback attempt.
In the history of Penn’s storied football program, it had recorded a victory over a top five team just twice before, in 1940 and in 2002. It was also the first win over the Wildcats since 1911, although it should be noted these two programs have played just 20 times before Thursday night. Villanova had won 14 straight meetings between the two local universities.
The Wildcats have now dropped two games and should plummet in the FCS rankings as a result of this game. The banged up Wildcats could be in some real danger now with Robertson at quarterback. Next up for Villanova is a CAA conference game against always tough William & Mary (The Tribe nearly beat Virginia last week). Road games to Albany and Towson follow after that.
First Temple picked up its first win against Penn State since 1941, now Penn celebrates its first win over Villanova since 1911. Good things are happening in the overlooked Philadelphia college football scene. Let’s see if the Quakers can keep their good vibes going. Penn’s next game will be against Ivy League foe Dartmouth next week in Franklin Field.
Photo credit: Penn Athletics
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