Penn State football linebacker Tony Rojas is all over the Villanova Wildcats' offense in this Week 3 matchup. The FCS team can't break through the Nittany Lions' defense, and this time around it's the junior that's causing havoc.
Rojas two sacks in the first half caught the attention of Penn State fans. While Dani Dennis-Sutton is the usual suspect for fan hype, Rojas' two sacks in the first half caught the attention of Penn State fans early on.
Tony Rojas ILB been making a name for himself since last year. Boy can ball. Amare Campbell is pretty good ILB as well
— Allen Wilson (@AllenWilson21) September 13, 2025
On third-and-seven on the Wildcats' first drive of the evening, Zane Durant broke through and wrapped around to put pressure on quarterback Pat McQuaide. Even though McQuaide escaped, Rojas wasn't letting him get anywhere. The linebacker finished off the play Durant catalyzed and sacked McQuaide for a loss of two.
His first sack of the evening forced Villanova to punt the ball away and hand it right back to Penn State. Then in the second quarter, Rojas ran it back and forced another three-and-out.
Tony Rojas is a problem. He earns his second sack of the day on third down. Rojas has been one of the real bright spots on Penn State this season.
— Chase Fisher (@chase_fisher4) September 13, 2025
While McQuaide got a taste for Rojas already in the first quarter, it was quarterback Tanner Maddocks' turn to feel the heat.
On third-and-eight, the linebacker tracked Maddocks down and pushed the Wildcats back seven yards. This ended Villanova's first drive of second quarter in frustrating fashion. The quarterback not only had to try and escape Rojas once, but twice, back-to-back, within three plays.
Tony Rojas hits the 'SUI' following his second sack of the day for Penn State!
— 7 Mountains Sports (@Sports7MM) September 13, 2025
Rojas with 2 sacks in just over one quarter of gameplay
Penn State Nittany Lion defense is rolling#PSU #PennState pic.twitter.com/ayUX7YEEtS
After failing to connect with Braden Reed on first-and-10, Maddocks met Rojas for the first time. Scrambling up the middle, the linebacker didn't allow more than just two yards to bring up third-and-eight where Rojas ultimately finished the job.
Rojas led the defense in the first half with four tackles, two tackles for loss, and two sacks. Within one half, he already doubled his sack count from 2024 where he ended the season with one.
It's a Tony Rojas world and we're just living in it. 3 tackles today, all on the quarterback. 2 sacks for a loss of 9 yards and a great open field tackle on a scrambling roll out for minimal gain.
— Lasching Out Podcast (@LaschingOutPod) September 13, 2025
Villanova's first first-down came late in the second quarter with less than five minutes to go. This last drive of the half was the only time the Wildcats had room to breathe. It was also the first time they broke into the red zone and had an opportunity to put points on the boards. Their field goal was wiped off the board, though, and they stayed scoreless entering the locker room following a 10-yard penalty on offense.
Villanova gets the ball first to open the second half, but it's unlikely the Nittany Lion defense will allow the FCS team to get that far down the field again without a battle.