It was a strange game for the Syracuse Orange, as they needed double overtime to defeat a stubborn Villanova squad. The Orange won 27-26, but there were plenty of talking points, including their star quarterback Terrel Hunt getting ejected for punching a Villanova player.
Villanova dominated the time of possession in the first half, but only had 7 points to show for it. Syracuse opened the scoring when Prince-Tyson Gulley broke through a gapping hole for a 65 yard touchdown run. The drive originally was kept alive when Villanova was called for a running into the kicker penalty on 4th and 4. Syracuse led 7-0, but Villanova would not back down.
The Wildcats drove right down the field and ended up with a 34-yard field goal attempt. However, Chris Gough's kick was no good and the Wildcats still trailed by a touchdown. It would not last long, as Villanova used a 12 play, 60-yard drive to tie the game at 7 apiece. Kevin Monangal ran for the 5 yard touchdown.
Syracuse came back down the field, but had to settle for a 38-yard Ryan Norton field goal to give them the lead at 10-7. The Orange's next possession was when Hunt was ejected for punching a player. Hunt took exception to the way Dillon Lucas tackled him and decided to punch him the in facemask. Two officials saw the incident and Hunt was properly ejected from the game. The first half ended at a 10-7 advantage for Syracuse.
Syracuse opened the second half with a touchdown drive courtesy of Adonis Ameen-Moore from 2 yards out. The Orange looked to be in control at 17-7. However, the Wildcats' Poppy Livers took a punt return 67 yards to the house to make it 17-14 game. Chris Gough hit a 25 yard field goal halfway through the fourth quarter to tie the game at 17.
Villanova had a chance to win the game in the final minute, but Gough missed his second field goal of the night when he pushed a 25 yarder wide right, which sent the game into overtime.
Both teams traded field goals in the first overtime. Syracuse started the second overtime with the ball and managed to get down to the Villanova 1 yard line. The Orange lined up for a field goal, but it was a fake, as the holder, Riley Dixon, threw a 1 yard touchdown strike to Kendall Moore to give the Orange a 27-20 lead.
Villanova had one last chance and they scored a touchdown when Josh Robertson threw a 9 yard pass to Gary Underwood in the corner. The Wildcats decided to go for the win and try a 2 point conversion. Unfortunately, the play was blown up in the backfield and Villanova had no chance to pull the upset.
It was a cruel fate for Villanova, especially quarterback Josh Robertson. Robertson threw for 199 yards and 1 touchdown on 16 of 27 passing. He also ran for 115 yards on 34 carries.
Austin Wilson played a solid game in relief of Hunt after his inexcusable actions. He finished 11 of 17 for 89 yards. Prince-Tyson Gulley ran for 100 yards on 11 carries.
Villanova will take on Fordham next Saturday. For Syracuse, they will have a week off before traveling on the road to face Central Michigan on September 13.