GLEN HEAD, N.Y. (Interstat) — Villanova used a balanced offensive attack and two interceptions to defeat Long Island 20-16 on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in an NCAA Football Championship Division game at Shark Stadium. The Wildcats improved to 2-2. The Sharks moved to 0-1. Villanova scored three points in the first quarter, 10 in the second and seven in the third. Long Island scored three in the first, three in the second and 10 in the third.

Pat McQuaide led Villanova, completing 19 of 27 passes for 223 yards and one touchdown. The 6-foot, 190-pound quarterback from Solon, Ohio, also ran four times for 31 yards. McQuaide entered the game after completing 18 of 31 passes for 166 yards and one touchdown in a loss at Louisville. Villanova previously beat Bucknell 17-16 and lost to William & Mary 35-32. Against Long Island, McQuaide spread the ball to several receivers. Brandon Binkowski, a 6-3, 205-pound receiver from Haymarket, Va., had six receptions for 113 yards. Braden Reed, a 5-9, 180-pound receiver from Pottstown, Pa., added four catches for 45 yards and returned one punt 30 yards. Chris Colby had one catch for 9 yards. Jake Hilton had one catch for 8 yards. Nolan Clayton had one catch for 1 yard.

Ja’briel Mace powered the Wildcats on the ground and in the return game. The 5-9, 175-pound running back from Somers Point, N.J., ran 14 times for 97 yards and a touchdown. He caught three passes for 35 yards and another touchdown. He also returned two kickoffs for 38 yards. Isaiah Ragland, a 5-9, 195-pound running back from Alexandria, Va., added 11 carries for 43 yards and three receptions for 11 yards. Julian Glantz returned three kickoffs for 34 yards. Dominic LeBlanc made field goals of 24 and 31 yards and converted both touchdown extra points. He missed a 49-yard attempt. Luke Myers punted twice for 61 yards.

Villanova’s defense limited Long Island’s passing game and made key plays. Christian Caballero recorded 10 tackles. Omari Bursey had eight tackles. Walker Murray finished with seven tackles. Jordan Taylor and Jamie Tyson each had five tackles. Tyson also intercepted a pass. Ugo Nwotite had four tackles. Jayvont Williams and Garrett Rogan each finished with four tackles. Newton Essiem added two tackles and an interception. Capri Martin, Brenden Toppin, Josh Oluremi and Ivan Murray Jr. each had two tackles. Mikey Allen and Amari Jackson each recorded one tackle.

Long Island was led by quarterback Ethan Greenwood, who completed 8 of 21 passes for 113 yards and carried 26 times for 142 yards. The 6-1, 190-pound quarterback from Baldwin, N.Y., kept the Sharks moving on the ground. Sam Slade, a 5-10, 190-pound running back from North Bergen, N.J., added 12 carries for 43 yards. Tyselle Spencer ran five times for 17 yards. Jayden Simpson caught one pass for 47 yards. Evan Brooks had four receptions for 33 yards and one tackle. Gianni Marino caught one pass for 15 yards. Josiah Brown had one reception for 11 yards and two kickoff returns for 18 yards. Santana Young caught one pass for 8 yards. Nathan Gray had one reception for 7 yards. Tristin McFarland caught one pass for 5 yards. Luca Stanzani completed both of his pass attempts for 13 yards. Callum Brent punted twice for 85 yards.

Long Island’s defense got production from Rafael Fasolino, who had 11 tackles and one sack. Ryan Maxwell added nine tackles. Braylon Vincent recorded seven tackles, an interception and a touchdown. LJ Hall had five tackles. Felix Matos and Jackson Barry each had four tackles. Xavier Cannaday, Kezni Brown, Marquacious Wright and Noah Livingston each finished with three tackles. Will Johnson made field goals of 34, 28 and 29 yards for the Sharks.

The scoring unfolded with field goals and touchdowns from both teams. Will Johnson opened the scoring for Long Island with a 34-yard field goal. Dominic LeBlanc answered for Villanova with a 24-yard field goal. LeBlanc later missed a 49-yard attempt. Ja’briel Mace then broke free for a 20-yard touchdown run. Johnson made a 28-yard field goal for the Sharks. LeBlanc connected on a 31-yard field goal for the Wildcats. Johnson added a 29-yard field goal. Braylon Vincent returned an interception for a touchdown for Long Island. Pat McQuaide later found Mace for a 13-yard touchdown pass. LeBlanc converted the extra point.

Villanova’s win came after a difficult nonconference stretch. The Wildcats opened the season with a loss to William & Mary, defeated Bucknell and fell at Louisville before Saturday’s result. Long Island, now 0-1, will look to rebound after the home defeat. Villanova will host Colgate on Sept. 26. Long Island will travel to Florida International on Sept. 26. Villanova also has upcoming games against Morgan State, Fordham, Lehigh, Lafayette, Richmond, Holy Cross and Georgetown. Long Island’s upcoming schedule includes Mercyhurst, Wagner and New Haven.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Villanova 45, Long Island 26. Interstat’s ELO system had projected Villanova with a 95.5 percent probability to win.