Villanova's fake punt, which led to a 47-yard touchdown run by redshirt sophomore Jamal Abdur-Rahman, had the college football world talking this weekend.The fake-out was so complete that even the ESPN camera crew who was following the play appeared to be tricked, following the fake hand-off run to the right, while Abdur-Rahman broke loose with the ball to the left.
Why didn't anybody tell me Villanova ran the 'The Annexation Of Puerto Rico' Saturday?
— Mycroft Holmes (@Atypical_B) September 2, 2013
It was one of the best fake punt plays most people have seen. The Wildcats planned to deploy that one early on in the game, which made some sense with Abdur-Rahman not appearing on the punting team later in the game.
A ton of media outlets took notice:
- Villanova fake punt fools everyone, including cameraman - Sporting News
- Villanova's perfect fake punt ends with 47-yard touchdown run - USA Today/FTW
- College Football Is Back, Bro: Villanova Pulls Fake Punt Fumblerooski On Boston College - SportsGrid
- Villanova Fake Punt Fools Boston College, ESPN Camera Crew, Leads to 47-Yard Touchdown (VIDEO) - HuffPo
- Villanova fake punt confuses cameraman, entire BC defense - SB Nation
- Boston College, cameraman fooled by Villanova fake punt - Fox Sports Carolinas
- Villanova's fabulous fake punt even fooled the camera crew - MSN.com
- Villanova fools Boston College and everyone else with fake punt (Video) - LarryBrownSports.com
- Villanova fakes out Boston College on opening drive of the season - WEEI
In fact, the play was so well talked-about that social media exploded with commentary about the play all weekend as well. Some of the including:
Shout-out to @NovaFootball's Jamal Abdur-Rahman, whose TD on fake punt was a #SCTop10 play. http://t.co/9AfVF2KTeT (last play) #CAAFB
— CAA Football (@CAAFootball) September 1, 2013
How is Villanova not getting more credit? They ran a f*cking Fumblerooski on Saturday! That should be automatic FBS bid.
— LostLettermen.com (@LostLettermen) September 2, 2013
So Villanova ran the ol' Fumblerooski. Somewhere former #EastLaurens coach Buddy Sorrow is smiling!
— Tren Hester (@TrenHester) September 2, 2013
Villanova's fake punt was crazy
— Hudy with a booty (@Tylerhudock11) September 2, 2013
Did you see this awesome fake punt by Villanova? http://t.co/IcJggx6WGT
— This is Coop (@ProducerCoop) September 2, 2013
you know its an excellent fake punt when you fool the camera man #villanova
— Luke Zoellick (@LZoellick23) September 2, 2013
Not sure if I'm more proud of Villanova's fake punt being the number one @SportsCenter top play or making it to the front page of Reddit.
— Matt Lancos (@youthLARGE) September 2, 2013
The fake punt Villanova did against Boston College.. Shewwww
— Gabriella Kain (@Gabb_Kain) September 2, 2013
The fake punt play by 'Nova that led to a Abdur-Rahman TD run at BC was sick! #CFB
— JALEN ROSE (@JalenRose) August 31, 2013
Villanovas fake punt >>>>
— David Fohlbrook (@DavidFohlbrook) September 2, 2013
Villanova fake punt only makes me angry at @ESPN camera angles. I hate that they insist on tight shots. Show the secondary, idiots.
— Jason Staples (@jasonstaples) September 2, 2013
That Villanova fake punt play was awesome
— Ryan (@Ryan_Kent) September 2, 2013
Novas fake punt though>>>>
— Matthew Small (@matt_small64) September 2, 2013
Villanova's fake punt touchdown was one of the greatest football plays I've ever seen #respect
— Nate Fretz™ (@IGOT_HEEEEM) September 2, 2013
Villanova's fake punt had an amazing play design
— Zac Sicilian (@Z_Sicilian) September 2, 2013
Villanova's fake punt!! >> well executed!
— Brandon C-Silva (@BLCSilva) September 2, 2013
Villanovas fake punt yesterday is probably the best I've seen
— Aaron Smith (@a_smith2014) September 2, 2013
If you have not seen Villanova's fake punt yet, look it up
— Carson Coffield (@CarsonCoffield) September 2, 2013
Villinovas fake punt play was so sick
— Mike Quarino (@like__MIKE) September 2, 2013
that vilanova fake punt still confuses me
— Twist (@Graff_Liife) September 2, 2013
So how about the fake punt by Villanova. So funny
— Michael Lillis (@MLillis177) September 2, 2013
I rewound it five times and still have no idea what happened on that fake punt. #BCEagles
— Joe Gravellese (@joegrav) September 2, 2013
@petenajarian Pete, great job yesterday at the BC vs V nova game. Have you ever seen a better scripted fake punt in your life??
— Harold Western (@MrFlyTrap) September 1, 2013
Did Villanova just run the annexation of Puerto Rico against BC??? Top 10 Highlight
— Brett Turnbull (@BTurnbull_02) September 2, 2013
just watched the highlights of the villanova vs boston college game and nova scored on the annexation of Puerto Rico hahahah #littlegiants
— Lee Gealow (@LeeGealow) September 1, 2013
Congrats to Villanova football, Jamal Abdur-Rahman and Coach Roc Bellantoni on a well executed play. I suspect people will keep talking about that one for a while.