STONY BROOK, N.Y. - The Stony Brook football team led by three points at the break and 10 points after scoring a touchdown to begin the second half, but Villanova responded with 28 unanswered points to ultimately defeat the Seawolves, 42-24, at LaValle Stadium.
Roland Dempster totaled 115 yards to lead the Seawolves' ground attack and added three touchdowns in the game, averaging 4.8 yards per carry along the way. Dempster also tacked on 41 receiving yards. Tyler Knoop tacked on 37 yards on the ground. Cal Redman led the way on the outside, hauling in three catches for a team-high 50 yards.
On the defensive side, Chayce Chalmers had three tackles, 1.0 TFL, and one sack, while Rushawn Lawrence finished with five tackles, 1.5 TFL, and one sack. Tyson McCloud and Rodney Faulk each amassed half a sack and McCloud led the team with six total tackles. The Seawolves forced one turnover in Saturday's contest, with Stony Brook turning that takeaway into seven points. The squad held up well against the Villanova passing attack, limiting the Wildcats to just 152 yards through the air.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Following a sack from Lawrence to force a punt, Stony Brook got on the scoreboard first with a nine-yard rushing touchdown by Dempster.
- After both teams traded punts, Villanova responded with seven points of their own as time expired in the first quarter. Connor Watkins connected with Lucas Kopecky for a 26-yard game-tying touchdown.
- Stony Brook answered right back with an 11-play, 75-yard drive that culminated with a two-yard rushing touchdown by Dempster to go up 14-7 in the second quarter.
- Villanova would tie the game on its next possession on a one-yard rushing touchdown by David Avit.
- With 1:37 remaining in the second half, Stony Brook took advantage of a muffed punt by the Wildcats at the seven yard line. Enda Kirby kicked a 24-yard field to give the Seawolves a 17-14 lead into the break.
- To begin the second half, Stony Brook went down the field for 66 yards on nine plays that ended with Dempster's third touchdown of the game. This time, the redshirt senior ran it in from one yard out to put the Seawolves ahead 24-14.
- The Seawolves muffed a punt with 7:58 remaining in the third quarter and the Wildcats turned that into seven points following a one-yard touchdown run by Avit.
- Villanova forced a Stony Brook punt with 5:19 left in the third quarter and scored on a 59-yard rushing touchdown by Avit to take a 28-21 lead.
- The Wildcats scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter with 8:50 and 2:31 left to ultimately secure a 42-24 victory.
STATS AND NOTES
- Dempster rushed for 115 yards on 24 attempts with three touchdowns. He also had six reception for 41 receiving yards. He has eight touchdowns in his last three games and leads the CAA in rushing touchdowns (12) and rushing yards (700).
- Knoop completed 68.8% of his passes on the day, going 22-of-32 for 147 yards and an interception.
- For the second straight game, Redman led the team in receiving yards (50) on three receptions.
- Four different Seawolves recorded at-least a half-sack (McCloud, Lawrence, Faulk, and Chalmers).
- Sebastian Regis recorded a career-high four tackles.
- Shakhi Carson tallied a career-best seven receptions.
- Stony Brook won the time of possession battle 31:58 to 28:02.
- Stony Brook went 2-for-2 on fourth down, converting on 100 percent of attempts.
- Villanova outgained Stony Brook 432-310 in yards during the contest.
- Stony Brook moved to 3-5 all-time against Villanova.
- The Seawolves are now 11-37 all-time against nationally-ranked FCS opponents.
QUOTES FROM THE SEAWOLVES
UP NEXT
Following its bye week, Stony Brook returns to the field in Baltimore, Maryland against Towson on Saturday, October 19. The Seawolves are 3-6 all-time against the Tigers and are looking to end a four-game losing streak against Towson. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. and the contest will stream live on FloFootball.
To purchase season, single game, mini plans or group tickets, click here or call 631-632-WOLF (9653) or email seawolvestickets@stonybrook.edu.
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