One of the most successful seasons in recent Eastern Kentucky football history ended in controversial fashion Saturday afternoon. The Colonels lost 22-17 in the first round of the FCS playoffs at No.

Villanova’s chance to preserve a lengthy home winning streak — and advance in the FCS playoffs — came down to the final 15 seconds against Eastern Kentucky in their first-round game Saturday. Villanova (10-3) held a five-point lead,

Connor Watkins threw for a pair of touchdowns and Villanova rallied to beat Eastern Kentucky 22-17 in an opening-round game of the FCS playoffs

The game’s sharpest turn came with 1:58 left in the third. At its 17, Watkins was pressured by linebacker Frank Lee, who appeared to poke the ball out, defensive lineman Jeremiah Bailey scooping and rumbling 30 yards for a touchdown. But video review overturned the call, saying Watkins’ arm was moving forward, trying to shovel toward a receiver.

Villanova clinched an at-large bid in the FCS playoffs following a 38-28 win over longtime rival Delaware in the “Battle of the Blue” last Saturday. The No. 11-seeded Wildcats look to keep the energy going with another game on their home turf.