Penguins fall in season opener at Villanova

The Youngstown State football team opened up the 2024 season with a 24-17 loss at Villanova Thursday night.

The Wildcats opened the scoring with a field goal and a touchdown in the first quarter.

The Penguins got on the board in the second when Andrew Lastovka connected on a 27-yard field goal, but the Wildcats responded with another touchdown before the half and led 17-3 at the intermission.

Villanova opened the third quarter with a 29-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Connor Watkins and the Wildcats took a 24-3 lead.

Youngstown State made things interesting scoring with 1:30 left in the third quarter. Beau Brungard connected with the redshirt freshman Cyrus Traugh for the 18-yard touchdown and the Penguins trailed 24-10 at the end of the third.

In the fourth, YSU found the endzone again when Tyshon King punched one in from a yard out to make it 24-17 Villanova. It was part of a 10 play, 80 yard drive.

The Penguins had an opportunity to go tie things up with time winding down in the fourth, but Brungard's pass was picked off by Richie Kimmel with :57 seconds left in the game. It was Brungard's second interception of the game and third turnover overall.

Brungard was 18-25 for 152 yards and one passing touchdown. He also led the team in rushing with 16 carries for 82 yards.

The Penguins host Valparaiso in their home opener Saturday, September 7 at 2 p.m.