William & Mary pulls off stunning comeback against No. 7 Villanova
Trailing by 10 with 55 seconds left, William & Mary scored 13 unanswered points to upset Villanova 35-32. A 40-yard field goal and a successful onside kick set up a 37-yard touchdown pass with 22 seconds remaining. The win marked a dramatic start to the FCS season for the Tribe.
The comeback began with Lipinski's 40-yard kick, followed by a fortunate onside bounce recovered at the Villanova 39. Watkins then connected with Austin for the tying score. After Villanova's final possession ended in Ellis's interception, Lipinski converted from 45 yards for the win.
McQuaide's eligibility saga added drama. A judge's injunction against the Patriot League allowed him to play just hours before kickoff. He threw for 270 yards but three interceptions, the last proving decisive.
This game could resonate beyond the scoreboard, as the eligibility ruling affecting McQuaide may influence how conferences handle similar cases. The upset may also shift early FCS rankings and attention toward William & Mary, potentially affecting recruiting and program visibility. For Villanova, the loss may raise questions about closing out games under pressure.