Play of the year? FCS QB unleashes TD pass in middle of somersault
By Keith Farner
Published:
Daniel Smith didn’t come out on top on Saturday, but the Villanova quarterback somehow pulled off a play that he won’t forget anytime soon.
Smith threw his second touchdown pass of the 27-20 loss to undefeated Delaware, a one-yard pass to tight end Charlie Gilroy.
The third and one play appeared to surprise broadcasters calling the game as it was a bit of a roll of the dice. Yet even as he was tumbling down on a would-be shoestring tackle, Smith flicked the ball into the air circus-style and it somehow landed in Gilroy’s arms. Likewise, this had to be a head-scratching play for the Delaware defense. It’s a play we haven’t seen, and likely won’t see for a while.
Smith was 12-for-29 passing overall for 143 yards and two touchdowns with an interception.
Villanova was hampered by 10 penalties for 100 yards. The Blue Hens also hit on big-play touchdowns of 38 and 18 yards. Quarterback Nolan Henderson was at the controls for Delaware and had a very efficient outing of 20-for-24 passing for 270 yards and two touchdowns.
Smith is a transfer from Campbell University where he collected 5,411 yards of total offense, including 25 rushing touchdowns, 3,471 passing yards and 31 passing touchdowns.
What?!? How?!? Look at this TD Pass from @NovaFootball as they cut it to a one-score game with 3 minutes remaining. pic.twitter.com/Jpc3aIkGRW
— CAA Football (@CAAFootball) April 17, 2021
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
