Mace, who fumbled on the opening drive, recovered quickly and has averaged about 175 rushing yards over his last three games.

Villanova built a commanding 21-3 halftime lead as Mace punched in an 80-yard rushing TD and a 10-yard receiving TD in the second quarter, while the Wildcats’ defense held Sacred Heart to a single touchdown.

The win extends Villanova’s impressive run, including an eight-game overall streak, a 22-game home streak, and a 21-game non-conference regular-season streak over the past decade, adding up to a 42-14 record since 2021.

Pat McQuaide finished 17 of 29 through the air for 216 yards with two touchdowns, spreading the ball to seven different receivers, highlighted by Chris Colby’s career-best 112 receiving yards.

Postgame notes highlight media coverage, playoff scheduling, and the availability of archived footage on FloCollege.

Sacred Heart ends the season 8-4 after an independent schedule and is set to join the CAA next year.

Defensive standouts, including Shane Hartzell with six tackles, one sack, and two quarterback hits, helped limit Sacred Heart’s ground game led by Mitchell Summers.

Villanova now awaits Selection Sunday to learn its seed and opponent for the FCS playoffs.

Sacred Heart struggled offensively with 368 yards total (88 rushing, 278 passing), and committed penalties and turnovers that stalled drives.

The game sits within broader postseason implications, as Villanova pursues an FCS playoff bye and Sacred Heart eyes an at-large bid as it moves to the CAA in 2026.

Turnovers and defense were pivotal, with Sacred Heart scoring only one touchdown and Villanova forcing two second-half turnovers, including a Turner Inge fumble recovery and a Kaleb Moody interception.

Villanova’s defense held Sacred Heart to 88 rushing yards, continuing a strong trend of limiting opponents on the ground.

Three Wildcats linebackers—Anthony Hawkins, Shane Hartzell, and Richie Kimmel—each logged six tackles to lead the defense.

Sacred Heart’s Payton Rhoades had 113 receiving yards and Jason Palmieri 95 on 10 catches, accounting for the Pioneer’s lone TD.

Sacred Heart quarterback Jack Snyder went 28 of 35 for 278 yards with 1 TD and 1 INT, while the Pioneer rushing attack was stifled early.

Coaches and players noted season-long stability, with Mark Ferrante moving into sole possession of second place on Villanova’s all-time coaching wins list.

The article includes links to ongoing college football updates, including ESPN profiles and AP News resources.

Key late-game stops included a fourth-quarter pass breakup and a Kaleb Moody interception to seal the win.

Villanova improved to 9-2 and positioned itself for an NCAA Division I Football Championship playoff bid, with the Selection Show on ESPNU and another installment on the horizon.

Graduate kicker Jack Barnum added two third-quarter field goals, extending the margin after an earlier 3-0 start by Sacred Heart.

Luke Colella surpassed 2,000 career receiving yards while Lucas Kopecky extended his NCAA streak with a catch in a 22nd straight game.