Villanova improved to 6-2 on the season and remains toward the top of the CAA standings after a win over New Hampshire on Oct. 26.
Led by a pair of huge red zone stops, their defense stifled the New Hampshire offense when it mattered most. Despite the fact that Nova only had three more yards than UNH overall on offense, they were able to punch the ball in the end zone when needed and came up huge defensively. They go on the road at Hampton next year in hopes to finish out the season strong.
The Wildcats sit at 5-2 on the season with losses to Maryland and Maine. They were consistently a Top 5 team prior to the Maine loss and now sit at No. 14. Meanwhile UNH sits at 4-3 with losses to UCF, Harvard, and Rhode Island. Prior to their loss, they were ranked in that 15-20 range, but currently sit as the second team out. A win for them would definitely bring them back into the polls.
The University of New Hampshire Wildcats now fall to 4-4 on the season after a rough stretch the past two weeks. They look to rebound next week at UAlbany. Their priority should be their offensive effectiveness in the red zone. Despite having a 50+ yard advantage over Villanova at times, they were unable to produce points and continually trailed after leading 3-0 in the first quarter. While their season is a bit derailed, cleaning up their offense needs to be a number one priority if they hope to finish their season strong.
Reread the live updates below or click the link for.a replay of the game.
Villanova recovers the onside kick and kneels as the fourth comes to a close.
UNH gives up with trying to go for it on fourth down and takes the three points with a 40 yard field goal. They have a minute left and are hoping for a miracle as their red zone inefficiency has truly cost them the game.
UNH is unable to do anything offensively, giving the ball back to Villanova who burns plenty of clock before giving the ball back to UNH with 2:30 to go. They will have to score quickly and come up with a huge stop to even attempt to pull away with a victory.
Villanova capitalizes on UNH’s struggles to put points on the board as Connor Watkins finds Devin Smith from 19 yards out to put Nova up 14-3 with 8:21 left to play.
Villanova comes up huge with another red zone stop as UNH’s red zone woes continue. Villanova takes the ball back, deep in their own territory, looking to burn some clock and extend their lead.
UNH is in the red zone as the third quarter comes to a close. They now lead the yardage battle 203 to 153, looking to solve some of their red zone issues as the fourth quarter begins.
Duncan Moreland forces and recovers a fumble on the Villanova 30 yard line that puts UNH in prime position to score. He hands the ball back to their offense who looks to get something going as despite their numerous trips into Villanova territory, they have been unable to put up points.
Despite the UNH Wildcats marching downfield methodically on an eight minute drive, they are unable to add to their points with a missed 38 yard field goal.
Villanova is unable to put points up after getting into UNH territory. They punt and give the ball to UNH who looks to close on the Villanova lead.
A low scoring half has Villanova up by four; they will also receive the ball to begin the third. UNH has a total of 55 yards while Villanova has 106, the key difference in this game has been efficiency in the red zone.
After several long and exciting drives, both teams still and exchange scoreless drives as Villanova gets the ball back with a minute left in the half.
Despite a few huge penalties in their favor, one overturning a pick that was returned 100 yards down the other way, UNH is stilled at the one yard line and turns it over on downs with a huge go line stand for Villanova.
Villanova elects to go for it on fourth and seven as they then put up seven as Connor Watkins completes a 25 yard pass to Lucas Kopecky. Villanova now leads 7-3.
Connor Watkins finds Lucas Kopecky👏@CAAFootball | @NovaFootball | #CAAfb pic.twitter.com/jFOlji6Vc0
— FloFootball (@FloFootball) October 26, 2024
UNH goes on a long drive called off with a field goal from 21 yards out to score first and put up a 3-0 lead. Villanova gets the ball back to end the quarter.
Both teams exchange scoreless possessions, six minutes into the first as both defenses shine.
Villanova won the toss and elected to defer as UNH starts their drive to kick off the game.
Check out this FloFootball article on matchup history, schedules, players to watch, and more for this crucial CAA matchup.
Fans can find the UNH Wildcats’ roster here.
Fans can find the Villanova Wildcats’ roster here.
Take a look at where things stand in the CAA as of today here.
Looking for more CAA football? Here is the full schedule streaming live on FloSports and FloFootball today.
The clash of the Wildcats is streaming live on FloSports and FloFootball.
Highlights, replays and breaking news will be available on both platforms.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CST at Villanova Stadium.
Dropped Out: Florida A&M (18), New Hampshire (19)
Others Receiving Votes: Duquesne, 37; New Hampshire, 22; East Tennessee St., 18; UT Martin, 18; Western Carolina, 18; Florida A&M, 15; Monmouth (N.J.), 15; Tennessee St., 13; Sacramento St., 10; Harvard, 8; Drake, 7; Columbia, 5; Lafayette, 4; Robert Morris, 4; Lamar, 3; Butler, 2; Northern Arizona, 2; Samford, 2; Southeastern Louisiana, 1.
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