Villanova falls to Towson in a 45-35 shootout

The Villanova Wildcats dropped their home opener to the Towson Tigers on Saturday afternoon by a final score fo 45-35. The loss dropped Villanvoa to 2-1, while Towson improved to 2-1.

Early on, this looked like another Villanova route. The Wildcats jumped out of a 14-0 lead with big plays setting up their first two touchdowns. Changa Hodge hauled in a 66-yard pass on the opening drive which set up a 5-yard touchdown pass from Zach Bednarczyk to Aaron Forbes.

On the second drive, a 52-yard run by Forbes set up a 31-yard Bednarczyk touchdown pass to Ryan Bell to give the ‘Cats a commanding lead.

It was all downhill from there.

Towson ripped off 35 straight points to take control of the game, responding well initially with a long drive for a touchdown. After stopping Villanova on the ensuing possesion, Tom Flacco hit Shane Leatherbury on a 77-yard touchdown pass to knot the score at 14.

Things went from bad to worse on the kickoff, with Towson returning a fumble for a touchdown to take the lead. After a long Villanova drive, Bednarczyk was picked off deep in Towson territory and turned that into yet another touchdown drive.

A 3-and-out by the ‘Cats was turned into yet another Towson score to give the Tigers a 35-14 lead they would not relinquish.

While the ‘Cats cut the lead with a Ryan Bell touchdown before the half, the Tigers were able to manage the game down in the second half to come away with the win.

After dominant performances in their first two games, plenty of questions will be asked about the Villanova defense in the week ahead. The Wildcats return next Saturday evening when they host Bucknell at 6pm ET inside Villanova Stadium.