Villanova beats Holy Cross 38-28 in FCS playoffs

VILLANOVA, Pa. — Chris Whitney threw one touchdown and rushed for a score to lead Villanova to a 38-28 win over Holy Cross on Saturday in the first round of the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

The Wildcats (11-1) will host either McNeese State or New Hampshire in the quarterfinals on Dec. 5. It will be the second consecutive trip to the quarterfinals for Villanova, which lost to James Madison 31-27 last season.

Whitney, who finished with 62 yards rushing, broke a 14-14 tie in the second quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run. The Wildcats kept hold of their lead en route to their sixth straight win. They have also won 17 of their last 18 games at home.

Villanova’s Matt Szczur had 130 yards receiving on seven receptions. Whitney threw for 239 yards, including a 29-yard TD pass.

Dominic Randolph threw for 347 yards and three touchdowns for Holy Cross (9-3).