The world of FCS college football never fails to deliver heart-pounding action, and the 2024 season opener between the Youngstown State Penguins and the Villanova Wildcats was no exception. On August 29, 2024, at Villanova Stadium, these two powerhouse programs clashed in a battle that showcased grit, strategy, and standout individual efforts. For fans dissecting the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats, this game offers a treasure trove of insights into what makes FCS football so captivating. With Villanova edging out a 24-17 victory, the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats reveal a tale of dominant rushing attacks, critical turnovers, and resilient second-half comebacks.
This article dives deep into the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats, breaking down every category from passing and rushing to defense and special teams. Whether you’re a die-hard Penguins supporter or a Wildcats enthusiast, these numbers tell a story of near-misses and game-changing moments. We’ll explore how key players influenced the outcome, drawing from official box scores and post-game analysis to provide a comprehensive, unique perspective. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of why this matchup remains a benchmark for FCS excellence. Lets go started!
Match Overview: Setting the Stage for Statistical Glory
Before we plunge into the nitty-gritty of the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats, let’s set the scene. Ranked No. 25 entering the season, Youngstown State arrived with high expectations after a strong 2023 campaign that included a playoff berth. Villanova, meanwhile, boasted the No. 6 ranking and a Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) title defense on their minds. The game kicked off under the lights in Villanova, Pennsylvania, with perfect weather—clear skies and a crisp 68-degree evening—that amplified the electric atmosphere.
The Wildcats struck first with a 42-yard field goal from Ethan Gettman, setting a tone of precision. Youngstown State responded with a field goal of their own, but Villanova’s ground game exploded in the first half, building a 17-3 lead. The Penguins mounted a furious rally in the second half, scoring 14 unanswered points and driving deep into Wildcats territory late. However, a crucial interception sealed Villanova’s win. Overall team stats from the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats highlight Villanova’s edge in total offense (336 yards to 321) and time of possession efficiency, despite Youngstown State’s slight advantage in plays run (65 to 47).
What made this game memorable? The Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats underscore a classic FCS narrative: balanced offenses clashing against stout defenses. Youngstown State controlled the ball for 36:12, converting 4-of-10 third downs, while Villanova’s 8.2 yards per rush attempt proved decisive. Penalties were even at 4-for-30 yards each, but turnovers—two interceptions for YSU—tipped the scales. As we break down the individual contributions, these overarching numbers come alive through the players who executed them.
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Full Team Statistics: Youngstown State Penguins vs. Villanova Wildcats (August 29, 2024)
Below is a comprehensive table summarizing the full team statistics from the Youngstown State vs. Villanova football game. Data is compiled from official box scores (ESPN, YSU Athletics, and NCAA sources). Categories include offensive, defensive, special teams, and efficiency metrics. Youngstown State (YSU) lost 17-24.
| Category | Youngstown State (YSU) | Villanova (VIL) |
| Score | 17 | 24 |
| First Downs (Total) | 21 | 15 |
| First Downs Rushing | 9 | 11 |
| First Downs Passing | 12 | 3 |
| First Downs Penalty | 0 | 1 |
| Rushing Yards (Net) | 169 | 246 |
| Rushing Attempts | 40 | 30 |
| Avg. Per Rush | 4.2 | 8.2 |
| Rushing TDs | 1 | 3 |
| Yards Gained Rushing | 184 | 262 |
| Yards Lost Rushing | 15 | 16 |
| Passing Yards (Net) | 152 | 90 |
| Completions-Attempts | 18-25 | 6-17 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 2 | 0 |
| Passing TDs | 1 | 0 |
| Avg. Per Attempt | 6.1 | 5.3 |
| Avg. Per Completion | 8.4 | 15.0 |
| Total Offense Yards | 321 | 336 |
| Total Plays | 65 | 47 |
| Avg. Per Play | 4.9 | 7.1 |
| Third Down Efficiency | 4-of-10 (40.0%) | 3-of-9 (33.3%) |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | 2-of-3 (66.7%) | 0-of-0 (-) |
| Red Zone Scores-Chances | 3-3 (100%) | 2-3 (66.7%) |
| Turnovers (Total) | 3 (2 INT, 1 Fumble) | 0 |
| Fumbles-Lost | 1-1 | 0-0 |
| Penalties | 4-30 yards | 4-30 yards |
| Time of Possession | 36:12 | 23:48 |
| Sacks By (No.-Yds) | 2-13 | 1-7 |
| Punts (No.-Yds-Avg) | 2-110 (55.0) | 3-138 (46.0) |
| Punts Inside 20 | 2 | 2 |
| Punts 50+ Yards | 1 | 1 |
| Punt Touchbacks | 0 | 0 |
| Punt Fair Catches | 1 | 2 |
| Kick Returns (No.-Yds-Avg-Long-TD) | 5-101 (20.2)-23-0 | 2-53 (26.5)-42-0 |
| Punt Returns (No.-Yds-Avg-Long-TD) | 0-0 (-)-0-0 | 0-0 (-)-0-0 |
| Kickoffs (No.-Yds-Avg-TB) | 4-236 (59.0)-2 | 5-302 (60.4)-0 |
| Field Goals | 1-1 (100.0%, Long: 27) | 1-1 (100.0%, Long: 42) |
| Extra Points | 2-2 (100.0%) | 3-3 (100.0%) |
| Defensive Interceptions | 0 | 2 |
| Defensive Fumble Recoveries | 0 | 1 |
Passing Stats: Where Precision Met Peril in the Youngstown State Football vs Villanova Wildcats Football Match Player Stats
Passing games in FCS football often hinge on quarterback poise, and the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats in this category paint a vivid contrast. Youngstown State’s Beau Brungard took the reins as the starter, completing 18 of 25 attempts for 152 yards, one touchdown, and—critically—two interceptions. His efficiency (72% completion rate) kept drives alive, but the picks, including one late in the first half to Zahmir Dawud, proved costly. Brungard’s longest completion was an 18-yard strike to Cyrus Traugh for YSU’s lone passing score, showcasing his arm strength under pressure.
On the flip side, Villanova’s Connor Watkins, the CAA Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, adopted a conservative aerial approach, going 6-for-17 for 90 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Sacked twice for a 13-yard loss, Watkins’ passing line reflects a game plan heavy on the run, averaging just 5.3 yards per attempt. His completions were efficient when they connected, with a 35-yard bomb to Jaylen Sanchez standing out as the game’s longest pass play. No other quarterbacks saw action, keeping the focus squarely on these two signal-callers.
Diving deeper into the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats for passing, Brungard’s dual-threat nature (he also rushed for 82 yards) added layers to YSU’s attack, but the interceptions highlight areas for growth. Watkins, meanwhile, exemplified Villanova’s trust in their ground game, using short passes to set up runs. These stats not only explain the low-scoring first half but also foreshadowed Youngstown State’s second-half surge, where Brungard connected on key third-down throws to keep hopes alive.
Rushing Stats: Ground-and-Pound Dominance Defines the Youngstown State Football vs Villanova Wildcats Football Match Player Stats
If passing was measured, rushing was explosive in the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats. Villanova’s 246 rushing yards on 30 carries (8.2 average) dismantled Youngstown State’s front seven, with three touchdowns sealing their edge. Leading the charge was Watkins again, bulldozing for 107 yards on 10 carries, including a 45-yard scamper and two scores—a 29-yard burst in the third quarter that ballooned the lead to 24-3. His 10.7 yards per carry epitomized the Wildcats’ read-option mastery.
Supporting Watkins, running back Ja’briel Mace churned out 65 yards on seven carries, including a 1-yard touchdown plunge that opened the scoring in the second quarter. Backup contributions from Devin Smith (42 yards on five carries) and others rounded out the attack, with a longest run of 31 yards by Mace. This balanced rushing assault controlled the clock and forced YSU into predictable pass-heavy situations.
Youngstown State countered with 169 yards on 40 carries (4.2 average) and one touchdown, grinding out possessions in a comeback bid. Brungard led with 82 net yards on 16 attempts (5.1 average, longest 17 yards), blending scrambles with designed runs. Ethan Wright added 63 yards on 12 carries (5.3 average), providing burst on outside zones, while Tyshon King powered through for 24 yards on 12 attempts, including a 10-yard touchdown scamper that cut the deficit to 24-17 late. The Penguins’ ground game, per the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats, showed resilience but couldn’t match Villanova’s explosiveness, losing 15 yards on sacks and fumbles.
These rushing figures from the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats reveal why Villanova’s offense clicked: high averages meant fewer third-and-longs, while YSU’s volume approach (40 carries) wore down defenses over time. It’s a blueprint for FCS success—run to win.
Receiving Stats: Targets Who Turned Heads in the Youngstown State Football vs Villanova Wildcats Football Match Player Stats
Receiving corps often amplify a quarterback’s impact, and the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats here spotlight reliable hands amid sparse opportunities. For Youngstown State, 18 receptions totaled 152 yards (8.4 average), with Cyrus Traugh emerging as the star: three catches for 42 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown that ignited the second-half rally. Max Tomczak hauled in five for 38 yards (7.6 average), serving as a safety valve on short routes. Ethan Wright doubled up with three grabs for 27 yards, while Tyshon King added three for 25 yards, showcasing YSU’s balanced distribution.
Latrell Fordham snagged one for 10 yards, Brandan Serrano two for nine, and Colt Sechrest one for a single yard—evidence of Brungard’s quick reads under duress. No receiver exceeded 14 yards per catch on average, reflecting a dink-and-dunk style that kept chains moving.
Villanova’s six receptions for 90 yards (15.0 average) were sparse but potent, aligning with their run-first ethos. Jaylen Sanchez led with two catches for 35 yards (including that long ball), while tight end Rayjuon Fox-Davis had two for 24 yards. Single receptions went to Mace (15 yards), Parker Hanna (10 yards), and Devin Smith (6 yards). The Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats in receiving underscore efficiency over volume: Villanova’s big plays complemented rushes, while YSU’s targets built momentum for their late push.
This category from the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats highlights how receivers like Traugh can flip scripts, turning modest yards into momentum-shifting scores.
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Defensive Stats: Turnovers and Tackles That Shaped the Youngstown State Football vs Villanova Wildcats Football Match Player Stats
Defense wins championships, and the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats on this front were turnover-heavy. Villanova’s unit forced two interceptions and recovered one fumble, holding YSU to 17 points despite 321 yards. Leading tackler Makai Shahid posted seven stops (five solo), while Stephon Hall and Michael Wells each had four. Isaiah Hackett added three solos, and Hunter Allen notched the game’s only sack (seven yards). Jaylen Castleberry broke up a pass, and Kerion Martin hurried the QB twice.
Zahmir Dawud’s first-half pick set up a short field, and the secondary’s coverage limited Brungard after halftime. Youngstown State’s defense, per the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats, struggled against the run, allowing 246 yards but sacked Watkins twice (13 yards total). Standouts included Preston Zandier (two tackles) and Dawan Martin (two assists, 0.5 sack). They forced no turnovers but held Villanova to 3-of-9 on third downs.
These defensive gems from the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats—interceptions, sacks, hurries—proved pivotal, turning potential YSU leads into Wildcats points.
Special Teams: Kicks Punts and Returns in the Youngstown State Football vs Villanova Wildcats Football Match Player Stats
Special teams added flair to the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats. Villanova’s Ethan Gettman was perfect on field goals (1/1, 42 yards) and extra points (3/3), while YSU’s kicker nailed 1/1 FG (27 yards) and 2/2 XPs. Punting favored YSU: two boots for 110 yards (55 average, both inside 20). Villanova’s three punts averaged 46 yards, with two inside 20.
Returns were modest: YSU’s five kick returns netted 101 yards (20.2 average, longest 23), Villanova’s two for 53 (26.5 average, 42 long). No punt returns occurred. These subtle edges in the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats flipped field position, aiding Villanova’s early leads.
Key Performers: Stars Who Lit Up the Youngstown State Football vs Villanova Wildcats Football Match Player Stats
No analysis of the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats is complete without spotlighting MVPs. Watkins’ 197 total yards and three TDs earned him game MVP honors, blending QB savvy with runner’s vision. For YSU, Traugh’s touchdown grab and Brungard’s 234 total yards (152 pass, 82 rush) embodied Penguin fight. Defensively, Dawud’s pick loomed large.
These performers elevated the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats from numbers to narrative.
Conclusion: Lessons from the Youngstown State Football vs Villanova Wildcats Football Match Player Stats
Reflecting on the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats, this 2024 opener was a microcosm of FCS football’s beauty—unpredictable, physical, and player-driven. Villanova’s rushing dominance and opportunistic defense secured the win, but Youngstown State’s late surge signals playoff potential. As both teams eye 2025, these stats serve as a roadmap: balance offenses, minimize turnovers, and elevate special teams. For analysts and fans, the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats remain a goldmine, reminding us why we love the game. Here’s to more clashes like this—may the stats always tell an epic tale.
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FAQs: Common Questions on Youngstown State Football vs Villanova Wildcats Football Match Player Stats
What was the final score in the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats game?
Villanova won 24-17, with their rushing attack proving decisive based on the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats.
Who led the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats in rushing?
Connor Watkins of Villanova rushed for 107 yards and two touchdowns, topping the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats in that category.
How many passing yards did Beau Brungard record in the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats?
Brungard threw for 152 yards, one TD, and two INTs, a key line in the Youngstown State football vs Villanova Wildcats football match player stats.
