William & Mary Stuns Villanova with Last-Minute Comeback in FCS Season Opener
College football returned with excitement as William & Mary staged an impressive comeback to defeat Villanova, overcoming a 10-point deficit in the final minute of play to secure a 35-32 victory on the road.
The Tribe’s resurgence began with a 40-yard field goal from Max Lipinski, narrowing the gap with just 53 seconds remaining in the game. In a dramatic twist, William & Mary recovered an onside kick inside Villanova’s territory after the ball deflected off a Wildcat player.
Just three plays after the recovery, quarterback Winston Watkins connected with receiver Kai Austin for a stunning 37-yard touchdown pass, tying the game at 32-32 after an extra point with only 22 seconds left on the clock.
In a final twist, Villanova’s quarterback Pat McQuaide attempted a deep pass as time wound down, but Cade Ellis intercepted the throw, marking his second interception of the night and McQuaide’s third overall.
With only five seconds remaining, Lipinski seized the moment, kicking a 45-yard field goal to clinch the win for William & Mary. This thrilling finish marks one of the most remarkable comebacks of the season.
The victory serves as a strong start for William & Mary, which is entering its first season in the Patriot League after nearly a decade in the Coastal Athletic Conference. Villanova commenced the game ranked No. 8 in the NCAA FCS preseason poll, while William & Mary was receiving votes.
Lipinski, a transfer from James Madison with limited prior experience, played a crucial role in the win, successfully converting all five field goal attempts, while sophomore kicker Sam Braidwood executed the pivotal onside kick.
Villanova’s loss dampens their home opener and poses a challenge as they prepare for a three-game road stretch, which includes an FBS matchup against Louisville on September 11. Meanwhile, William & Mary is set to face its own FBS opponent, Duke, on September 26.
College football is back with a bang: In an FCS Week Zero treat, William & Mary pulled off a jaw-dropping, double-digit comeback against Villanova on the road in less than a minute of play.
After finding themselves down 10 points late in the fourth quarter, the Tribe stormed back for a 35-32 win.
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The Tribe began their rally with a 40-yard Max Lipinski field goal with 53 second left in the game. Needing a touchdown, William & Mary recovered an onside kick inside the Villanova 40 after it bounced off a Wildcat.
Three plays later, W&M quarterback Winston Watkins lofted the ball deep to receiver Kai Austin, who cradled it for a 37-yard touchdown. With an extra point, William & Mary tied the game in stunning fashion with 22 seconds left.
But the Tribe wasn’t done: Wildcats QB Pat McQuaide threw deep with the clock winding down and got picked off by Cade Ellis. The interception was Ellis’ second Friday night and McQuaide’s third in all.
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With 5 seconds left, that set up Lipinski’s 45-yard field goal to win the game, completing one of the wildest comebacks you’ll see this season.
It was quite a start to the season for William & Mary, who is in its first year in the Patriot League after nearly a decade in the Coastal Athletic conference.
Villanova headed into the game ranked No. 8 in the NCAA FCS preseason poll, while William & Mary was receiving votes.
Quite a bit of credit goes to Lipinski, a transfer from James Madison with limited experience. Lipinski went 5-for-5 on field goals. Sophomore kicker Sam Braidwood, though, got the successful onside kick.
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The loss to William & Mary sours Villanova’s home opener, especially as the Wildcats are about to embark on a three-game road trip, including an FBS matchup against Louisville on Sept. 11. The Tribe, meanwhile, will face their own FBS challenge with a game against Duke on Sept. 26.
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