By Tiffany Williams –
Villanova left Stephenville, Texas, bruised but victorious, surviving a gut-check in the FCS quarterfinals against Tarleton State, 26-21. This wasn’t some polished highlight reel for the Wildcats—it was a war. And make no mistake, Villanova came out swinging, took hits, and landed enough of their own to walk off the field with their playoff lives intact.
The game opened with a shockwave. Peyton Kramer, Tarleton’s wideout, immediately told Villanova, “We’re not here to roll over.” One minute, 11 seconds into the first quarter, he caught an 80-yard bomb from quarterback Victor Gabalis and was gone. Just like that, the Wildcats were staring down a scoreboard that said Tarleton State 7, Villanova 0. But if you thought the Wildcats would fold under that early punch, you clearly don’t know Ja’briel Mace. Mace wasn’t just running the ball—he was a freight train barreling through Tarleton’s defensive front. He finished with 151 yards on 18 carries, but the real dagger came in the third quarter: a 47-yard touchdown run that ripped the Texans’ heart out and swung the momentum firmly back to Villanova.
Quarterback Pat McQuaide deserves equal credit. He threw for 180 yards and a touchdown, orchestrating Villanova’s offense with a mix of patience and aggression. But the biggest trick in Villanova’s bag was Braden Reed, who threw a 27-yard touchdown pass on a trick play that left Tarleton’s defense standing there, confused and humiliated. This was Villanova saying, “You can’t just pressure the QB; we’ll burn you any way we want.” Lucas Kopecky, who only caught one pass for 27 yards, still found the end zone, proving Villanova doesn’t need volume—they need efficiency. Luke Colella’s 71 receiving yards were the glue, chaining together key plays and keeping drives alive.
Tarleton State fought like a team that refused to be a stepping stone. Gabalis was 12-of-23 for 210 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He didn’t shy away from big throws, and Trevon West made him pay with a crucial 15-yard touchdown that briefly put the Texans ahead in the third quarter. Kramer’s early explosion set the tone, but beyond that, Tarleton’s ground game was putrid: 56 yards on 31 carries. Tylan Hines led with 75 yards on 19 carries, which sounds solid until you realize the rest of the team combined for negative or near-zero impact on the ground. This is what allowed Villanova’s defense to dominate the trenches. Four sacks, nine tackles for loss, 54 total tackles, and one interception from Anthony Hawkins—they didn’t just defend; they dictated the terms.
This game was a masterclass in timing and response. Tarleton jumps out early, Villanova immediately answers. Texans regain the lead, and Mace responds explosively. Then, in the fourth quarter, McQuaide drives Villanova 78 yards over 12 plays, capped by an 11-yard touchdown pass to Reed. That was the knockout blow. Time of possession told the story: Villanova held the ball for 33:33 compared to Tarleton’s 26:27, converting third downs at a higher clip and controlling the line of scrimmage when it counted most. Special teams didn’t dominate headlines, but Villanova’s clean handling and field position management quietly made a huge difference.
Statistically, Villanova was balanced and brutal. 426 yards of offense, split almost evenly between 207 passing and 219 rushing. Tarleton? 266 total yards, with just 56 on the ground. Villanova averaged 5.8 yards per carry while Tarleton barely moved the chains. Both teams threw an interception and lost zero fumbles, but Villanova’s ability to combine offensive efficiency with defensive aggression created a formula that Tarleton simply couldn’t overcome. Penalties slightly favored Tarleton (4 for 30 yards to Villanova’s 9 for 84), but that barely mattered; Villanova’s strategic execution erased mistakes.
The mental aspect can’t be ignored. Villanova faced pressure in hostile territory, with an early 80-yard touchdown screaming that they were the underdogs in this shootout. But instead of folding, they responded immediately and repeatedly. That 47-yard burst from Mace wasn’t just a touchdown; it was a statement. Villanova made Tarleton adjust defensively in ways that opened the field for other big plays, including the trick play to Reed and timely throws from McQuaide. This is playoff football—the kind where quick responses, balance, and opportunistic aggression decide the outcome.
Tarleton had flashes. Kramer’s opening touchdown was as electric as it gets. Gabalis showed the ability to stretch the field and connect on big throws. Trevon West and Kramer each found the end zone, reminding Villanova that they were dealing with skilled, dangerous playmakers. But flashes don’t win playoff games; execution does. Villanova executed when the spotlight was hottest. They converted key third downs, controlled possession, and scored when it mattered most. That’s why Mace gets MVP honors: he wasn’t just a cog; he was the engine, consistently moving the chains and breaking the game open at critical moments.
This game also underlined Villanova’s depth and versatility. They’re not just a one-trick pony—they run, pass, and even throw trick plays effectively, all while a defense capable of four sacks and nine tackles for loss applies pressure from every angle. In other words, Villanova is a nightmare matchup: balanced, physical, and adaptable. Tarleton had opportunities, but the Wildcats didn’t just survive—they imposed their will when the game was on the line.
Looking forward, Villanova’s victory isn’t just a win; it’s a message to the rest of the FCS playoff bracket. They can withstand early shocks, respond explosively, and finish drives that define games. Tarleton showed talent, but playoff football doesn’t reward flashes—it rewards toughness, execution, and timing. Villanova delivered all three. Ja’briel Mace ran like a man possessed, McQuaide managed the game with poise, Reed and Kopecky struck at opportune moments, and the defense never let Tarleton breathe. Villanova didn’t just win—they reminded everyone that in the FCS playoffs, survival isn’t enough—you have to dominate when it counts, and they just did exactly that.
The Wildcats’ path forward is now lit. This was more than a quarterfinal; it was a statement. Villanova proved they can handle the pressure, adjust on the fly, and impose their will in hostile territory. Tarleton made them work, but the balance, toughness, and timely explosiveness of Villanova carried the day. Playoff football is unforgiving, and the Wildcats not only survived—they thrived. This isn’t a team that just hopes to make noise; this is a team that forces it.
Sports Insider Daily Game MVP is Ja’briel Mace (Villanova, RB).
He powered Villanova’s rushing attack with 151 yards on 18 carries and scored a crucial 47-yard touchdown in the third quarter that helped shift momentum. His explosive runs consistently moved the chains and forced Tarleton State to adjust defensively, making him the most impactful player on the field.
Sports Insider Daily 