Hamilton, NY: As the month of August comes to end, the start of the 2019 College Football season is upon us. The Villanova Wildcats took on the Colgate Raiders from Andy Kerr Stadium in Hamilton, NY on Saturday. This was a special game as it is the first game to kick off the 150th year of College Football.
Both Villanova & Colgate offence would struggle in a scoreless first quarter. The Wildcats got the Scoring going in the second quarter as QB Danny Smith connected with Jalen Jackson from 18 yards for the first touchdown of the entire season
The Touchdown by Jalen Jackson:
There it is. The FIRST touchdown of the 2019 college football season.
Jalen Jackson finds his way into the end zone for @NovaFootball. pic.twitter.com/xMhTX99HnN
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) August 24, 2019
The Wildcats would extend the lead on the next Colgate drive as Jaquan Amos picked off a pass for touchdown from 29 yards for 14-0 lead.
Pick 6 for Villanova:
.@NovaFootball now has the first offensive AND defensive touchdowns of the 2019 season after hauling in this pick-six. pic.twitter.com/7vsy7fWl3b
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) August 24, 2019
The Raiders tried to stay in the game but the defense by Villanova held strong and everything was going for them. Villanova added to the lead as Danny Smith threw a 45 yard TD to Change Hodge which made it 20-0.
Change Hodge Touchdown:
That's a STRIKE from @NovaFootball.
45 yards from Daniel Smith to Changa Hodge. pic.twitter.com/Se95g27Xx7
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) August 24, 2019
This was a very dominant game for the Wildcats in the first half as they took a 27-0 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Colgate would wake up and fight their way back into the game as Nick Draught would score Colgate first Touchdown of the season
Nick Draught touchdown:
Nick Draught scores his first career college TD, ending the scoring drought to start the 2019 season for @ColgateFB. pic.twitter.com/vlmNBwOwr3
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) August 24, 2019
Colgate forced the Wildcats a 3 and out and drive down and on fourth and goal, the Raiders score touchdown to cut into the lead
Raiders Touchdown on fourth down:
On 4th-and-goal @ColgateFB converts for a touchdown.
That's 14 unanswered points, can Colgate complete the comeback? pic.twitter.com/I0JpnllX0A
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) August 24, 2019
After taking the initial shots from Colgate, the Wildcats drove down the field and ended whatever momentum the Raiders had as QB Danny Smith ran in a 9 yard TD for a 34-14 lead.
Danny Smith rush TD:
After giving up 14 unanswered points, @NovaFootball and Daniel Smith answer with a score of their own to get some extra cushion back in their lead. pic.twitter.com/eVkJO8Q2Xm
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) August 24, 2019
The Villanova Wildcats would come out with a Statement as they took down the 13th ranked team in FCS on the first game of the 2019 season with a 34-14 win,
Villanova returns to game action on September 7 for their home opener when they take on Lehigh while Colgate will try to rebound from this loss as they go on the road to play Air Force on August 31.
Final Stats:
Villanova Wildcats:
QB Danny Smith: 14-29 for 205 yards, 3 pass TD & 1 rush TD
RB Justin Covington: 19 rush for 134 yards
WR Simon Bingelis, 3 catches for 58 yards
Colgate Raiders:
QB Grant Breneman: 21-36 for 211 yards, 1 TD & 1 INT
RB Malik Twyman: 8 rush for 47 yards
WR Garrett Oakey: 5 catches for 69 yards
