US EditionMcQuaide's 4th-quarter TD pass to Reed lifts Villanova to 26-21 FCS quarterfinal win
Villanova Wildcats extended an 11-game winning streak with a late touchdown, overcoming a 21-12 deficit to reach the FCS semifinals for the first time since 2010.
- On Saturday in Stephenville, Texas, Villanova graduate quarterback Pat McQuaide threw an 11-yard fourth-quarter touchdown to freshman wide receiver Braden Reed, rallying the 12th-seeded Villanova Wildcats to a 26-21 win over the fourth-seeded Tarleton State Texans to reach the FCS semifinals.
- Tarleton State capitalized early with Omar Emmons blocking a Villanova punt and Daniel Creek scoring, while Villanova endured turnovers including an interception at the 7 and trailed 21-12 after a Gabalis-to-West score.
- A replay reversal late in the game overturned Trevon West's apparent touchdown, and Villanova forced a turnover on downs to end a 14-play drive, sealing the win.
- Villanova will now prepare for the winner of Illinois State and University of California Davis on Dec. 20, extending its 11-game winning streak and upset playoff run.
- In the season context, Villanova’s win sends them to the FCS semifinals for the first time since 2010, with Ja'briel Mace rushing 151 yards and Villanova defense recording four sacks and nine tackles for loss.
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The Reporter
The Delaware County Daily TimesCollege Football: ‘Resilient’ Villanova escapes early hole to upset Tarleton State, reach semis
Villanova’s trip to Tarleton State for Saturday’s FCS quarterfinal couldn’t have started much worse. Villanova’s defense couldn’t have finished it much better, with a little assist from the replay booth. The 12th-seeded Wildcats spotted No. 4 Tarleton State 14 points in the game’s first 7:30, then held the highest scoring offense in FCS to seven points the rest of the way to advance to the FCS semifinals with a 26-21 win. Braden Reed, who threw …
Villanova upsets Tarleton State and advances to FCS semifinals with comeback win
The Villanova Wildcats overcame an early deficit to upset Texas' Tarleton State and advance to the FCS semifinals, where they'll play the winner of Illinois State vs. UC Davis.
Associated Press News
McQuaide's 4th-quarter TD pass to Reed lifts Villanova to 26-21 FCS quarterfinal win
Pat McQuaide threw a fourth-quarter touchdown pass to Braden Reed for Villanova’s first lead and the Wildcats narrowly escaped with a 26-21 win over Tarleton State in an FCS quarterfinal on Saturday.
FCS Playoffs Quarterfinal-Round Scoreboard
The 2025 FCS playoffs continue to provide thrills and surprises. We’re reviewing how teams won quarterfinal-round games to take another step in pursuit of the national championship. The power conferences are flexing their muscle in the FCS playoffs. But this time, the Big Sky Conference has gotten the better of the Missouri Valley Football Conference this year. If the Valley can even land a semifinalist. The Big Sky advanced two teams and CAA Fo…
Villanova Football Shocks Tarleton St. With 26-21 Upset Victory
STEPHENVILLE, TX – On Saturday, Dec. 13, No. 12 Villanova football pulled off a 26-21 upset victory over No. 4 Tarleton State University on the road at Tarleton Memorial Stadium. After trailing 14-0 minutes into the game, Villanova stormed back to win its 12th consecutive game of the season, advancing to the semifinals for the first time since 2010 and fourth time in program history. The Wildcats held the best scoring offense in the FCS, Tarleto…
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