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University of Massachusets Athletics
University of Massachusetts
5-4
Villanova
2-8 , 1-6
Turnovers Hurt Football In 35-17 Loss To Villanova
November 05, 2011 | Football
Nov. 5, 2011
Box Score |
Photo Gallery 
AMHERST, Mass. - Villanova forced the UMass football team into committing six turnovers on Saturday as the Wildcats spoiled Homecoming for the Minutemen, 35-17, at McGuirk Stadium on Saturday afternoon. James Pitt accounted for three interceptions to lead Nova. Julian Talley had a career-high 155 yards receiving to lead UMass in the loss.
The Minutemen fall to 5-4 on the season, while Villanova improves to 2-8 overall and 1-6 in the CAA. UMass will return to action next Saturday at Maine for a 12:30 PM kick-off.
Talley was the favorite target for Brandon Hill who completed 27-of-45 attempts for 300 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions.
Jonathan Hernandez led the Minutemen on the ground with 99 yards, while Tyler Holmes and Darren Thellen each had double-figure tackles for the defense with 14 and 10, respectively.
Chris Polony was 20-of-31 for 183 yards and three touchdowns to lead Villanova.
UMass jumped on the scoreboard first as Brandon Yelovich converted a 24-yard field goal at the 6:27 mark of the first quarter to cap a 10-play, 61 yard drive.
Villanova responded with three-straight touchdowns. Polony hit Austin Medley for three-yards and Jamal Abdur-Rahman for a 30-yard touchdown reception to put the Wildcats up 14-3 with 9:23 left in the second quarter. Just over five minutes later, Medley made it a 21-3 game with a two-yard touchdown plunge.
Matt Campbell pulled the Minutemen within two scores as he plunged in from one-yard out with 1:25 left in the second quarter to make the score 21-10.
The Wildcats responded as Polony tossed his third touchdown of the game hitting Dorian Wells for 13 yards with 14 seconds left putting Villanova up 28-10 at the halftime.
Hill found Talley for a 12-yard touchdown with 11:40 left in the third quarter as UMass tried to recapture momentum. The defense stood tall with a pair of three-and-outs and forced turnover on downs on the next three Villanova possessions, but were unable to capitalize.
Villanova's Lawrence Doss ran for a seven-yard touchdown with 21 seconds left on the clock to seal the 35-17 win.
Team Stats
VU 0, UMASS 3
UMASS - B. Yelovich 24 yd field goal 10 plays, 61 yards, TOP 4:21
VU 7, UMASS 3
VU - MEDLEY, Austin 3 yd pass from POLONY, Chris (HAMILTON, Mark kick) 4 plays, 13 yards, TOP 1:22
VU 14, UMASS 3
VU - ABDUR-RAHMAN, J 30 yd pass from POLONY, Chris (HAMILTON, Mark kick) 3 plays, 48 yards, TOP 1:28
VU 21, UMASS 3
VU - MEDLEY, Austin 2 yd run (HAMILTON, Mark kick), 9 plays, 46 yards, TOP 3:44
VU 21, UMASS 10
UMASS - M. Campbell 1 yd run (B. Yelovich kick), 9 plays, 74 yards, TOP 3:12
VU 28, UMASS 10
VU - WELLS, Dorian 13 yd pass from POLONY, Chris (HAMILTON, Mark kick) 7 plays, 52 yards, TOP 1:11
VU 28, UMASS 17
UMASS - J. Talley 12 yd pass from B. Hill (B. Yelovich kick) 11 plays, 74 yards, TOP 3:20
VU 35, UMASS 17
VU - DOSS, Lawrence 7 yd run (HAMILTON, Mark kick), 6 plays, 37 yards, TOP 3:03