Villanova's star quarterback John Robertson didn’t play against the Quakers on Thursday night. And it just didn’t matter.

For Penn football, the celebration has begun. The Quakers defeated No. 4 Villanova for the first time in 104 years, giving coach Ray Priore his first win at the helm for the Red and Blue.

Penn football defeated No. 4 Villanova 24-13 on Thursday night, the Quakers’ first victory over their crosstown rivals since 1911, a span of over 37,000 days.

Wow, things are going pretty well. The Quakers, heavy underdogs in tonight’s matchup with crosstown rival Villanova, are hanging right with the No.

Follow along live as sports editor Colin Henderson and associate sports editor Tom Nowlan cover Penn football's game against No. 5 Villanova. Penn leads 24-7 in the 4th quarter. 

In case you haven’t heard, there will be a divine presence in Philadelphia this weekend. And for Penn football, that holy visit might be just the good-luck charm they need. The Quakers, fresh off a disappointing 42-21 season-opening loss to Lehigh, will travel to take on No.

If Penn football is going to buck one of the longest active losing streaks in the sport, it might actually be the squad's lack of game experience in 2015 that helps it out.

Although sometimes Pass’ prayers and devotional readings relate to football, for most players the daily prayer circle transcends the game and reminds them that what they do on the field is not the most important thing in life.

As a first year coach, there is reason to be nervous about a lot of things. But delivering a successful snap to the quarterback isn't necessarily one of them.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — They are what we thought they were. Coming into its first game of the season, no one thought Penn football would be flawless.

Maybe this season won't be about change after all.

When you think of Bethlehem, your first thought probably isn’t football. When Penn football travels to Bethlehem on Saturday, they won’t need to fly and their trip won’t be one of any religious importance.

"For anything to be worth anything, it takes time."

The play of Penn football’s defense in 2014 was, well, indefensible. The Quakers struggled mightily to stop opposing offenses a year ago, surrendering an average of 31.9 points per game.

Change is inevitable. Nothing continues forever... except for time and, maybe, space, but that’s not the point.

Anyone who says numbers never lie didn’t watch Penn’s offense last season. A year ago, then-sophomore quarterback Alek Torgerson was near the top of not only the Ivy League, but the entire Football Championship Subdivision in multiple passing categories.

Penn football operates under a microscope. With that said, it seems curious that the biggest guys on Franklin Field are consistently the most overlooked.