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Rivalry Renewed: Villanova Looks to Extend Three-Game Winning Streak Against Penn State

Tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 25, the rivalry between Penn State and Villanova will resume. Their first matchup in 70 years, Villanova looks to extend a three-game winning streak against Penn State. Prior to Saturday, the Wildcats have faced the Nittany Lions eight times. Although Penn State leads the series by a 3-4-1 count, Villanova has won the last three: 1936 (13-0), 1949 (27-6), and 1951 (20-14). Saturday’s showdown, the first of a two-game series, begins at noon. The teams will meet again on Sept. 13, 2025. Both games will be played at Beaver Stadium in State College, PA.

Before kickoff, be sure to check out some photos from the rivalry’s previous meetings. Images courtesy of the Villanova University Digital Library.

1936

Image featured in the 1936 Belle Air yearbook (p. 157).

Villanova defeats Penn State (13-0). Image featured in the 1936 Belle Air yearbook (p. 157).

1949

Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 196).

Villanova defeats Penn State (27-6). Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 196).

 

Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 199).

“Ralph Pasquariello and the rest of the team had a great day in turning the tables on a very good Penn State club that has been highly rated.” Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 199).

 

Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 200).

Villanova defeats Penn State (27-6). “The Lions’ lone touchdown was harmless, scored in the last period as a result of a blocked punt.” Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 200).

 

Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 204).

“Big John Sandusky leads the way for little John Gippi as he steps off yardage against Penn State in the Cats’ 27-6 win.” Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 204).

 

Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 205).

“Pasquariello picking his way through Penn State players as he carries forward for the ‘Cats. This game marked the first time in many years that the Staters were defeated in their opening game.” Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 205).

1951

Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 180).

“The scrappy Wildcats clawed the Nittany Lions (20-14), in what many considered a surprise victory.” Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 180).

 

Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 183).

“Yes, you may take one giant step—but that’s all! Bill Brannau’s pass finds Jake Patrick on the Penn State 3-yard line in the second quarter at Allentown.” Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 183).

 

Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 184).

“Shopa of Penn State is tripped by Ralph Cecere.” Image featured in the 1949 Belle Air yearbook (p. 184).

Go ‘Cats! Beat State!


Kallie Stahl ’17 MA is Communication and Marketing Specialist at Falvey Memorial Library.

 

 


References:

Villanova University. (2018, August 30). Villanova and Penn State Announce Two Game Football Series. https://villanova.com/news/2018/8/30/villanova-and-penn-state-announce-two-game-football-series.aspx?path=football


 

 


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Last Modified: September 24, 2021

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