Rhode Island and Villanova both suffered narrow losses in the second round of the FCS playoffs on Saturday. Rhode Island fell 17-10 to Mercer despite holding their high-powered offense to 239 yards. The Rams finished with a program-record 11 victories but couldn’t convert a crucial 4th-and-2 in the fourth quarter. Hunter Helms passed for 266 yards and Marquis Buchanan had 11 catches for 119 yards in the losing effort.
Villanova limited UIW to their lowest point total in over five years but ultimately lost 13-6. Ethan Gettman’s career-best 52-yard field goal put Villanova ahead 6-3, but UIW took the lead in the fourth quarter and ultimately sealed the win with an interception. Connor Watkins passed for 103 yards and Jaylen Sanchez had six catches for 54 yards. Brendan Bell led the defense with 15 tackles and a forced fumble.
Both teams put up strong defensive performances but couldn’t overcome their opponents’ offenses in the close games. Despite the losses, both Rhode Island and Villanova showed resilience and determination in the playoffs. Rhode Island was making its first playoff appearance since 1985, while Villanova was in the playoffs for the third time in the past four years. Both teams will look to build on their successes this season and come back stronger for future playoff runs.
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