Bronx, N.Y. – The Fordham football Rams dropped a 38-17 decision to Villanova on Saturday afternoon at Moglia Stadium at Jack Coffey Field.

With the loss, Fordham falls to 2-6 overall and 2-3 in the Patriot League, while Villanova improves to 3-4 overall and 2-2 in conference play.

Villanova opened the scoring on its first possession, driving 83 yards in eight plays before Isaiah Ragland scored on a 15-yard touchdown run with 11:15 remaining in the first quarter.
Fordham answered on its ensuing possession. The Rams marched 75 yards in five plays, with senior quarterback Gunnar Smith finishing the drive with a 17-yard touchdown run to tie the game at 7-7.

The Wildcats regained the lead later in the first quarter when Ja'briel Mace scored on a seven-yard touchdown run, putting Villanova ahead, 14-7.

Villanova extended its advantage in the second quarter, before Fordham responded with a nine-play, 55-yard drive that ended with a 27-yard field goal from junior Bennett Henderson, cutting the deficit to 21-10 with 1:39 remaining in the second quarter.

The Wildcats added another touchdown just before halftime and scored 10 points in the third quarter to extend their lead.

Fordham continued to battle in the final period, putting together an eight-play, 40-yard drive that culminated with Smith's second rushing touchdown of the afternoon, a three-yard scoring run with 8:29 remaining, but it wasn't enough, as Villanova came away with the victory.

Fordham finished the game with 282 yards of total offense, including 222 rushing yards. Sophomore Yohan-Li Louis led the Rams on the ground with 115 yards on 14 carries, including a 48-yard run in the first quarter. Senior Jamell James added 72 yards on 11 carries.

Defensively, senior Andrew Osmun led Fordham with eight tackles, while freshman Kemaury Tye recorded nine tackles. Sophomore Lorenzo Riddick added six tackles, including two tackles for loss.

Notes
• Fordham finished with 222 rushing yards.
• Fordham converted 5-of-13 third-down attempts and 2-of-4 fourth-down attempts.
• Smith accounted for both of Fordham's touchdowns on the night and eclipsed 4,000 yards of total offense for his career on the night.
• Yohan-Li Louis reached the century mark on the ground for the second time this season.

By the Numbers

222 – Fordham rushing yards.
244 - Career tackles for Andrew Osmun at the conclusion of tonight's game.
115 – Rushing yards for Yohan-Li Louis.
94 – Rushing yards for Villanova's Isaiah Ragland.
72 – Rushing yards for Jamell James.
9 – Tackles for Kemaury Tye.
2 – Rushing touchdowns for Gunnar Smith.

What's Next?

The Rams will close out their three-game homestand on October 24 against Lafayette at Moglia Stadium, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m.