Villanova’s offense disappears in 23-0 loss to Richmond

Villanova played their worst game of the game of the season, and were punished for it losing 16-0 on the road to Richmond. The Villanova defense did its part against of the best offenses in the conference. The offense was another story, taking penalty after penalty along with several botched snaps to set them back all day.

Zach Bednarczyk struggled mightily and went just 6-15 for 67 yards and two very bad INTs before exiting with a headache, likely putting him in the concussion protocol for this week. The ‘Cats avoided a third turnover when officials refused to overturn a Javon White fumble in ‘Nova territory, even though video replays were 100% conclusive that the ball was out and that Richmond recovered.

For as bad as the offense was, the defense kept the ‘Cats in the game. Kyle Lauletta hit Brian Brown for a 57-yard touchdown, but the defense toughed up after that. Rob Rolle made consecutive tackles on one drive to limit the Spiders to a field goal to make the score 10-0.

Ed Shockley and Bryan White combined for a massive hit on the next series to force a fumble which Trey Johnson recovered to stop another long Spiders drive. Austin Calitro then ended the Spiders’ final drive of the half with a sack on 3rd down.

Da Silva’s opening drive of the second half didn’t go anywhere, but the ‘Nova defense responded again by flipping the field on Richmond. Disaster struck again though as Jason Ceneus’ indecision on whether to catch or let the punt bounce cost ‘Nova the ball when it bounced off him and was recovered by Richmond.

Richmond took advantage of the free series by driving for a field goal to make it 13-0 halfway through the 3rd quarter.

Both defenses began to impose their will as the teams traded punts heading into the 4th quarter. Villanova mounted a nice drive to begin the 4th, but couldn’t convert a 4th down on the edge of the red zone and turned it over.

Richmond again took advantage and stretched the lead to 16-0 on the ensuing drive. Villanova couldn’t do anything with their last drve and the Spiders were able to punch in a Deontez Thompson touchdown to top off the day.

Villanova falls to 5-2 (3-1 CAA) and returns home to face Albany for Homecoming next weekend.