McQuaide and Reed connect for two TDs as Villanova defeats Bucknell 17-16

LEWISBURG, Penn. -- — Pat McQuaide threw for 218 yards and two touchdowns, Braden Reed hauled in both passing scores, and Villanova avoided a late rally from Bucknell in a 17-16 win on Saturday night. Villanova, ranked 18th in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25, have won 12 straight against Bucknell and lead the series 16-11-2. Brandon Binkowski led with three receptions for 71 yards and Reed had five receptions for 68 yards. Ja'briel Mace rushed for 70 yards on 13 carries. The Wildcats took a 14-0 lead before halftime. McQuaide connected with Reed on a 26-yard touchdown with 5:24 remaining in the first, and the duo linked up again for a 16-yard score with 1:13 to go before the half. Bucknell began a rally with a one-yarder from Chris Dietrich to Sam Milligan, and came within one thanks to a 10-yard scoring catch from the pair. Juan Garanton kicked a 40-yard field goal, making up for a missed PAT on the last drive and giving the Bison the lead. LeBlanc's 22-yard field goal put the Wildcats back ahead, and a miss from 29 by Garanton following the two-minute timeout allowed Villanova to run down the clock and pick up their first win of the campaign. Up next Villanova: Visits Louisville for its only FCS-FBS matchup of the season. Bucknell: At VMI to begin its non-conference slate. ------ Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage here