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University of New Hampshire Athletics
Saturday, November 14
Albany, N.Y.
7:00 PM
University of New Hampshire
at
University at Albany
Game Notes: Football Travels to Play Albany (Nov. 14, 7 p.m., CSN-NE, NESNplus)
11/11/2015 10:11:00 AM | Football
Saturday's Game Televised on American Sports Network, CSN-NE and NESNplus
Saturday, Nov. 14 – 7 p.m. – Tom & Mary Casey Stadium – Albany, N.Y.
UNH (5-4 overall, 3-3 CAA) at Albany (3-6, 2-4 CAA)
TV: American Sports Network, Comcast Sports Net-New England (CSN-NE), NESN-Plus
Video: caa.tv
Radio: Wildcat Sports Radio Network
Live Stats HERE
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The UNH football team has a 5-4 overall record with a 3-3 CAA conference record and 1-4 road record, including 0-3 in road conference games.
The Wildcats carry a two-game win streak into Albany following last week's 30-25 victory against (then) No. 5/7 Richmond at Cowell Stadium.
New Hampshire's previous win against a Top-5 team was Nov. 13, 2013, when the Wildcats toppled No. 4 Maine, 24-3. The 'Cats played just one other Top 5 team (No. 1 North Dakota St. in the 2013 semifinals) between the Maine and Richmond victories.
UNH has won nine consecutive November games with a split of 6-0 at home and 3-0 on the road.
The University at Albany has a 3-6 overall record that includes 2-4 in the CAA, 2-2 at home and 1-2 in conference home games. The Great Danes were 17-6 victors at Delaware last Saturday to end a four-game losing streak.
UNH has a 3-0 lifetime record against the University at Albany and that includes last year's 49-24 victory at Cowell Stadium. The teams first met in '08 with the Wildcats rallying to a 32-24 win at Cowell Stadium, and they squared off as CAA conference foes for the first time in 2013, when the 'Cats prevailed 37-20 at Albany's Bob Ford Field.
Senior quarterback and captain Sean Goldrich was named Offensive Player of the Week by both CAA Football and College Sports Madness after leading UNH to victory against No. 5/7 Richmond.
Goldrich completed 21 of 36 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns while not committing a turnover; those numbers marked season highs in completions, attempts and yards. He also carried the ball seven times for 25 yards, including a one-yard TD run.
In the absence of running back Dalton Crossan last week vs. Richmond, Trevon Bryant and Donald Goodrich combined for 199 all-purpose yards. The duo had 30 rushes for 139 yards – both backs averaged 4.6 yards per carry – as well as five catches for 60 yards. Bryant finished with 19 carries for 88 yards and caught three passes for 31 yards, all of which marked career highs. Goodrich tallied 80 all-purpose yards with 51 yards on 11 carries and 29 on two catches.
New Hampshire's secondary recorded four interceptions last week against Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta, who entered the game ranked No. 9 in passer efficiency. The Wildcats also recovered a fumble to match their season high total of five takeaways.
On special teams, UNH is No. 3 in kickoff returns (25.30 yards per return), No. 17 in punt returns (12.93 per return)
UNH has launched a stadium ticket campaign for the 2016 season. Reserve season tickets in the state-of-the-art stadium for a $25 deposit per seat. Visit www.unhstadium.com.
UNH vs. Albany All-Time Series: UNH has a 3-0 lifetime record against the University at Albany and that includes last year's 49-24 victory at Cowell Stadium. The teams first met in '08 with the Wildcats rallying to a 32-24 win at Cowell Stadium, and they squared off as CAA conference foes for the first time in 2013, when the 'Cats prevailed 37-20 at Bob Ford Field.
Date H/A UNH UA Result
09/20/08 H 32 24 W
11/16/13 A 37 20 W
11/01/14 H 49 24 W
'Cats vs. Great Danes – The Most Recent Matchup: In a matchup between No. 2 UNH and No. 23 Albany on Nov. 1, 2014, the homestanding Wildcats rolled out to a 22-0 lead early in the second quarter, led 29-3 at halftime and extended the advantage to 42-3 en route to a 49-24 victory. Albany scored three TDs in a span of three minutes early in the fourth quarter to close within 42-24.
The Wildcats generated a 317-102 edge in first-half total yards with a 17-8 disparity in first downs. The final stats were 424-311 total yards and 23-20 in first downs.
UNH's offensive leaders were Nico Steriti (13 carries, 84 yds, two TDs), Andy Vailas (18-24, 188 yds, two TDs) and R.J. Harris (10 catches, 108 yds, two TDs); none of those Wildcats are on this year's roster.
Defensively, the 'Cats recorded four turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble) as well as seven tackles for a loss, including six sacks, and they limited running back Omar Osbourne to 21 yards on 10 carries; Osbourne entered the game atop the CAA in rushing yards/game (113.9).
Akil Anderson and Shane McNeely were UNH's top tacklers with five apiece.
Albany's D registered three takeaways (three fumbles) and nine tackles for a loss, including five sacks.
Up Next – Senior Day vs. Maine: Following this week's road trip to Albany, the Wildcats end the 2015 regular season with the annual Battle for the Brice-Cowell Musket against border rival Maine. UNH's seniors will be honored prior to kickoff of what will be the last regular-season game at Cowell Stadium.
Tickets for the historic event are available online at www.unhwildcats.com, by calling 603-862-4000 or visiting the Whittemore Center Box Office.
National Numbers: New Hampshire's defense is No. 15 in sacks with 2.89 per game, which ranks second in CAA Football. The 'Cats are also No. 14 in fourth-down conversion defense (31.6%).
On special teams, UNH is No. 3 in kickoff returns (25.30 yards per return), No. 17 in punt returns (12.93 per return) and No. 9 in blocked punts (two).
In other stats, the Wildcats are No. 9 in fumbles lost (three).
Junior running back Dalton Crossan is No. 6 nationally in all-purpose yards per game (164.63), No. 15 in rushing TDs (10), No. 8 in scoring (9.0 points/game) and No. 24 in kickoff returns (25.6 yards/return).
Junior Casey DeAndrade is No. 8 in punt returns at 13.5 yards per return.
Junior defensive end Cam Shorey is No. 24 in the nation (third in the CAA) in sacks per game at 0.67; Shorey has a team-high six sacks in nine games.
Redshirt freshman Jared Kuehl is No. 12 in blocked kicks with two.
Goldrich Receives Two Weekly Accolades: Senior quarterback and captain Sean Goldrich was named Offensive Player of the Week by both CAA Football and College Sports Madness after leading UNH to a 30-25 victory against No. 5/7 Richmond on Nov. 7.
Goldrich completed 21 of 36 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns while not committing a turnover; those numbers, which marked season highs in completions, attempts and yards, calculate to a .583 completion percentage and 138.27 passer efficiency rating. He also carried the ball seven times for 25 yards, including a one-yard TD run.
Big Play Defense: New Hampshire's secondary recorded four interceptions last week against Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta, who entered the game ranked No. 9 in passer efficiency.
Sophomore defensive back Patrick Mensah ended the Spiders' second and fourth possession with a pick. His first INT of the game at 2:42 of the first quarter led to a UNH touchdown that gave the Wildcats a 14-7 lead they would not relinquish.
Junior defensive back Casey DeAndrade squelched UR's bid to end the first half with a score. The Spiders had 1st-and-10 from their 46 with 30 seconds to play when DeAndrade recorded his second interception of the year at the UNH 40.
After UNH kicked a field goal to extend the lead to 30-25 with 6:35 remaining in the fourth quarter, Lauletta connected with Jacobi Green out of the backfield for a 46-yard pass play that advanced the ball to the UNH 24. The Wildcats called a timeout with UR facing 3rd-and-7, and Ryan Farrell picked off Lauletta's pass at the UNH 10 to preserve the five-point advantage.
Richmond had one last chance when the Spiders regained possession on their 23 with 21 seconds on the clock. New Hampshire's defense rose to the occasion, however, as Lauletta threw three incompletions and then – on the last play of the game – was flushed from the pocket on 4th-and-10 and tackled for a two-yard gain.
Doing Their Job: UNH's multi-faceted running back Dalton Crossan was sidelined by injury for the Richmond game, so the Wildcats had to find a way to replace their leader in rushes, rushing yards, receptions and kickoff returns.
A number of Wildcats provided solutions to that challenge. Running backs Trevon Bryant and Donald Goodrich combined for 199 all-purpose yards. The duo had 30 rushes for 139 yards – both backs averaged 4.6 yards per carry – as well as five catches for 60 yards. Bryant finished with 19 carries for 88 yards and caught three passes for 31 yards, all of which marked career highs. Goodrich tallied 80 all-purpose yards with 51 yards on 11 carries and 29 on two catches.
Also of note in the receiving game, both junior tight end Jordan Powell and junior wide receiver Kyon Taylor recorded personal bests in catches with six apiece. Powell pulled in two TDs as part of his 45 receiving yards and Taylor had a career-high 55 receiving yards and one TD.
In the kick return game, UNH averaged 25.7 yards on three returns. Jared Allison had one return for 33 yards and Neil O'Connor had two returns for 44 yards, including a long of 26.
You May Have Forgotten: Senior quarterback Sean Goldrich received two awards for his performance against Richmond, but it was junior QB Adam Riese who took the field for New Hampshire's first possession of the game with the Wildcats trailing 7-0. Riese completed all four pass attempts for 40 yards and capped the 10-play, 65-yard scoring drive with a 19-yard TD pass to Jordan Powell to tie the score, 7-7, at 4:16 of the first quarter. Riese did not take another snap the rest of the game, however.
A Lot Of Tackles: Junior defensive back Casey DeAndrade recorded his 200th career tackle with the fifth of his seven stops Nov. 7 against No. 5/7 Richmond. DeAndrade, who leads the team with 64 total tackles, has career numbers of 151 solo tackles and 51 assisted tackles for 202 total.
Four Score: UNH scored in all four quarters against Richmond last weekend with 14 points in the first, 7 in the second, 6 in the third and 3 in the fourth.
It marked the third time this season the Wildcats scored all four quarters – the other games were vs. Central Connecticut State University (57-14 win on Sept. 26) and at Colgate University (26-8 on Sept. 12).
The Breakdown – Home vs. The Road: Here is a breakdown of UNH's stats at Cowell Stadium (four games) and on the road (five games):
Home Road
Record 4-0 1-4
Scoring offense 36.0 15.4
Scoring defense 17.5 29.4
Offense ypg 436.5 262.8
Defense ypg 338.0 453.0
Turnover margin +11 -5
UNH's offensive stats leaders on the road are running backs Dalton Crossan (72 carries, 316 yards, four TDs) and Trevon Bryant (24-131), quarterback Sean Goldrich (60-107, 509 yards, two TDs, three INTs) and tight end Jordan Powell (14 catches, 150 yards). Crossan also has 21 catches for 91 yards.
The defensive leaders have been senior safety Hayden Knudson with 41 tackles (20-21-41) and junior defensive back Casey DeAndrade with 38 tackles (26-12-38) and seven pass breakups. Senior defensive lineman Jullian Turner has 7.5 tackles for a loss, including four sacks, in five road games.
November Reign: New Hampshire has won nine consecutive November games with a split of 6-0 at home and 3-0 on the road, and that includes a 45-7 NCAA first round win at home against Lafayette in 2013. The last November loss for the Wildcats was Nov. 2, 2013 at William & Mary (17-0).
Push Them Back: Junior defensive end Cam Shorey recorded a tackle for a loss each of the first eight games of the year, including a season-high 2.5 at Delaware. Shorey has a total of 10 tackles for a loss, including a team-high six sacks. He had three tackles Nov. 7 against Richmond, but not of them were stops behind the line of scrimmage.
All-Purpose Performer: Explosive junior running back Dalton Crossan is a versatile weapon and workhorse for the Wildcats, although he was sidlelined by injury for the Nov. 7 game against nationally-ranked Richmond. Crossan leads the team in rushes (122), rushing yards (644), kickoff returns (18), kickoff return yards (460) and all-purpose yards (1,317); he ranks second in receptions (20) and third in receiving yards (213). Crossan led the team in both rushes and rushing yards all eight games he played, as well as in receptions four times.
Crossan recorded a career-high 226 all-purpose yards Oct. 31 vs. Rhode Island with a breakdown of 114 rushing yards, career-high 66 yards receiving and 46 yards on kickoff returns.
Crossan, who did not have 100 yards rushing in his first 24 games, has eclipsed that mark three of the last four games – 140 vs. Elon (Oct. 3), 109 at William & Mary (Oct. 17), 114 vs. URI (Oct. 31).
Crossan is averaging 80.5 rushing yards per game, 26.6 receiving yards per game and 164.6 all-purpose yards per game. He has scored 10 rushing TDs, including a season-long run of 52 yards vs. URI, and also caught two touchdown passes.
Crossan has recorded at least 100 all-purpose yards every game with a low of 122 (at Stony Brook) and high of 266 (vs. URI). In comparison, the rest of the Wildcats have recorded 100+ all-purpose yards just three times – Trevon Bryant with 117 vs. Central Connecticut State and 119 vs. Richmond, and Casey DeAndrade with 114 at W&M.
Among active 'Cats, Crossan is atop the career leaderboard in rushing yards (1,095) and he ranks second in rushes (166), receptions (47) and receiving yards (385).
Crossan carried the ball a career-high 22 times for a personal-best 140 yards and four touchdowns – another career high – in New Hampshire's 37-14 win against Elon University on Oct. 3. Crossan did a majority of that damage in the first half with 12 rushes for 93 yards and four TDs.
In just one half of action vs. Central Connecticut State on Sept. 26, Crossan had 10 carries for 74 yards (33-yard TD), three catches for a career-high 58 yards (48-yard TD) and a 27-yard kickoff return for a total of 159 all-purpose yards.
Back Under Center: Senior quarterback Sean Goldrich has played four games (all starts at William & Mary, at Delaware and vs. Rhode Island, Richmond) since returning from an injury incurred the second week of the season (Sept. 12) at Colgate.
In the four games, he has completed 72 of 130 passes (5543%) for 745 yards (186.3 per game), five TDs and three INTs; those numbers calculate to a 111.68 passer efficiency rating. He has been sacked seven times in four games, but was not sacked by Richmond last weekend and was sacked just once each of the previous two games.
Since his return, Goldrich recorded his best passer rating of 138.27 last weekend against No. 5/7 Richmond. He completed 21 of 36 passes for 264 yards and two TDs without committing a turnover; those numbers marked season highs in touchdowns, yards, completions and attempts. He also had seven rushes for 25 yards, including a one-yard score.
One week earlier vs. Rhode Island, he had a 128.85 rating by completing 18 of 32 passes for 198 yards and two TDs. He registered season highs in both rushes (nine) and rushing yards (70) against URI.
Goldrich missed three games – at Stony Brook, vs. Central Connecticut State, vs. Elon – while rehabilitating from a high ankle sprain.
In six games overall this season, Goldrich has completed 99 of 175 passes (56.6%) for 971 yards and six touchdowns; he also has 44 rushes for 149 yards and one TD.
In the Sept. 12 game at Colgate, the captain was 17 of 23 for 166 yards and one TD for a pass efficiency rating of 148.89.
Goldrich is on the UNH Top 10 career list in three offensive categories – fifth in passing yardage (6,640) and attempts (914) as well as sixth in completions (552). He is also the Wildcats' active career leader in rushes (314) and rushing touchdowns (18).
In comparison, the three other UNH quarterbacks who have seen action this year have combined career stats of 84-for-140 for 783 yards, eight TDs and four INTs.
When Goldrich Starts: UNH has a 19-9 record (.679 win percentage) when Sean Goldrich is the starting quarterback. That includes 9-1 at home, 12-3 in CAA conference games and 5-0 in CAA conference home games.
It's Better to Receive: Junior tight end Jordan Powell leads the team in both receptions (32) and receiving yards (316) with an average of 9.9 yards per catch and 35.1 yards per game). Last week against Richmond, he finished with a career-high six receptions for 45 yards and two TDs, another personal best. Powell recorded five catches consecutive games against Elon (48 yards) and at William & Mary (personal-best 53 yards). Powell has produced consistent numbers with 3-5 catches and 30+ yards in 7 of 9 games. He caught four passes for 32 yards and a score Sept. 26 vs. Central Connecticut State and reeled in three passes for 41 yards vs. URI.
Seniors Jared Allison and Mike Kelly and sophomore Aaron Lewis-Cenales are the starting wideouts.
Allison ranks second on the squad in receiving yards (237) and third in receptions (24) for averages of 9.9 yards/catch and 26/3 yards/game. He matched his personal best of seven catches (for 34 yards and a TD) at Delaware on Oct. 24 Last week vs. Richmond, Allison had two catches for 53 yards, including a season-long of 31, and the 53 yards matched his season high established at Central Connecticut.
Kelly has 11 catches for 115 yards in eight games for averages of 10.5 yards/catch and 14.4 yards/game. He has recorded a season high of two catches five times this year, including last week vs. Richmond (for 23 yards).
Lewis-Cenales recorded career highs in both receptions (four) and receiving yards (58) Sept. 12 at Colgate; he has 11 catches for 116 yards this season; he has not caught a pass four consecutive games; Lewis-Cenales' last reception was Oct. 3 vs. Elon.
Junior Kyon Taylor has emerged as a top target the second half of the season. Taylor recorded career highs in both catches (six) and receiving yards (55) with a seven-yard TD reception Nov. 7 against Richmond. One week earlier, he caught the go-ahead five-yard TD with 5:46 remaining vs. URI. Taylor made his 2015 season debut Oct. 24 at Delaware and led all 'Cats with 35 receiving yards (on three catches) with a long of 22. In 30 career games, Taylor has 26 receptions for 262 yards and three TDs.
Redshirt freshman Rory Donovan has 12 catches for 176 yards in eight games. Last Saturday against Richmond, Donovan's lone catch of the game – a season-long 42-yard reception – set up a one-yard rushing touchdown. He had a breakout game Sept. 19 at Stony Brook with five catches for 46 yards, including a 17-yard TD reception for his first career score. Donovan subsequently made his first career start one week later against Central Connecticut State; he had one catch for 16 yards.
Freshman Amechie Walker, Jr., who has been in the starting lineup four times, ranks fourth on the team in receptions (16) and fifth in receiving yards (174); that breaks down of 10.9 yards/catch and 19.3 yards/game. He had a breakout game Sept. 26 vs. Central Connecticut with two touchdowns on two catches, including a season long of 37; he finished with a career-high 56 yards.
What's My Line: Heading into the season opener, UNH's offensive line had a solid foundation with junior Tad McNeely at center, junior Alexander Morrill at left guard and senior Austin Heter at left tackle. All three were starters last season with both McNeely and Morrill in the starting lineup since they were redshirt freshman.
On the right side of the line, juniors Andrew Lauderdale and Curtis Nealer solidified their starting role at tackle and guard, respectively.
The blueprint changed quickly, however, when Lauderdale missed the second game and McNeely was injured in that game at Colgate – he has been sidelined since with senior George Kallas stepping in at center.
Heter and Nealer have started all nine games, while Kallas has started each of the last seven. Lauderdale was sidelined by injury three of the first five games (2, 4 & 5), but has been back in the lineup the past four games.
Morrill was a DNP at Delaware and sat out the first half against Rhode Island before returning to action in the third quarter of that Oct. 31 game vs. the Rams. Morrill was back in the starting lineup one week later vs. nationally-ranked Richmond.
Senior Safeties: Four senior safeties solidify the defensive backfield with Daniel Rowe, Hayden Knudson, Lamar Edmonds and Keith Parkinson patrolling the secondary.
Knudson has started 8 of 9 games this season – he did not play in the Sept. 26 home opener vs. Central Connecticut but returned to the starting lineup one week later vs. Elon. He is second overall and first among safeties in tackles with 53 (23-30-53). Knudson tied for the team lead in tackles consecutive games at William & Mary (nine) and at Delaware (11) and did that again last week vs. nationally-ranked Richmond with seven.
Rowe was injured during the Sept. 19 game at Stony Brook University and missed three games before returning to action Oct. 24 at Delaware; he finished that game with four tackles, including one for a loss. In six games, Rowe has 34 tackles (19-15-34), two forced a fumbles (one each of the first two weeks) and also a blocked PAT in the opener at San Jose State.
Edmonds, who has started each of the last seven games and 8 of 9, ranks second among safeties and tied for fourth overall in total tackles with 37. He. has recorded 4+ tackles six times, including four tackles each of the last two weeks against Richmond and Rhode Island. Edmonds tallied his 100th career tackle with the last of eight tackles Oct. 17 at William & Mary; the eight stops matched his career high. Edmonds recorded his second career interception – a play that was featured on SportsCenter Top 10 Plays – Oct. 3 vs. Elon.
Parkinson, with one start in nine games played, has been credited with 26 tackles; he tied his career high of five tackles vs. CCSU.
Sophomore Nick Marino started consecutive games against Central Connecticut State and Elon; in his first career start against CCSU, Marino made the most of the opportunity by recording a personal-best five tackles (4-1-5). He has nine tackles (7-2-9) in six games.
Sophomore D'Andre Drummond-Mayrie has played in 6 of 9 games; he was a DNP at William & Mary and each of the past two weeks against Rhode Island and Richmond. Drummond-Mayrie recorded his first career interception against Elon and tallied a personal-best six tackles (3-3-6) one week earlier against Central Connecticut. He has 14 tackles (5-9-14).
Excellent Cornering Skills: Junior Casey DeAndrade has established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the CAA and was named to the CAA Preseason All-Conference Team.
DeAndrade leads the team in tackles with 64 (45-19-64), including 5.5 for a loss. He also has a team-leading eight pass breakups as well as a fumble recovery and two interceptions. He has recorded 6+ tackles 7 of 9 games.
DeAndrade was UNH's top tackler four consecutive games – Central Connecticut State (six), Elon (six), William 7 Mary (nine) and Delaware (11) – and was also the top tackler vs. nationally-ranked Richmond. The 11 stops against Delaware matched his personal best established in the season opener at San Jose State.
DeAndrade recorded four pass breakups Sept. 12 at Colgate and that included three consecutive plays midway through the fourth quarter in UNH territory with the 'Cats protecting a 23-8 lead.
Senior Dougie Moss has started opposite DeAndrade 8 of 9 games, including each of the last six. Moss ranks third on the team in tackles with 42 (30-12-42). He made eight stops Oct. 17 at William & Mary. Moss recorded career highs in total tackles (10) as well as both solo (six) and assisted (four) tackles in the opener at San Jose State. Moss has 4+ tackles in 6 of 9 games.
Sophomore Patrick Mensah recorded a career-high two interceptions last Saturday against No. 5/7 Richmond; his first INT set up a UNH touchdown drive that gave the 'Cats a 14-7 first-quarter lead they did not relinquish; he finished that game with four tackles. Mensah made his first career start Sept. 19 at Stony Brook and he recorded four tackles. He made a career-high seven tackles (6-1-7) Oct. 17 at William & Mary and has 30 tackles (25-5-30) in eight games.
In the Trenches: UNH's defensive line is led by senior captain Jullian Turner and classmate Rashid Armand in the middle as well as junior Cam Shorey on the outside. Redshirt freshman Jae'Wuan Horton has proven capable at the opposite end.
Turner has been impressive this season with nine of his 34 tackles recorded behind the line of scrimmage, including four sacks (one each of the first three games) to rank second on the team in that stat; he has also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. Turner tallied a personal-best six tackles Sept. 12 at Colgate and made five stops three times - vs. Elon (Oct. 3), at Delaware (Oct. 24) and vs. URI (Oct. 31).
Shorey leads the team with six sacks and ranks No. 24 nationally with 0.67 sacks per game. He also has a team-best 10 tackles for a loss, and he recorded a TFL each of the first eight games of the season. Shorey has sacked the quarterback in 5 of 9 games and tallied a personal-best two against Central Connecticut (Sept. 26). Shorey has 30 tackles (20-10-30), including a career-high seven at Delaware (Oct. 24), and one fumble recovery.
Armand was credited with a career-high five tackles (all assisted) at San Jose State and matched that total with 1-4-5 vs. Rhode Island on Oct. 31. Armand made four stops vs. Colgate. He has 26 tackles in nine games.
Horton, who did not play Week 2 at Colgate, has tallied 29 tackles (20-9-29) with 5.5 tackles for a loss, including 3.0 sacks, in eight games. He made a career-high six tackles (2-4-6) vs. URI on Halloween. Horton recorded four tackles against both San Jose State and Stony Brook. He made three stops for a loss at SBU and that included two of the team's four sacks; he also forced a fumble on one of those sacks.
Sophomore Mike Boryeskne, who did not play against Rhode Island, recorded five tackles each of the first three games this season and was credited with four stops against Central Connecticut, Elon and William & Mary. He has 28 tackles (15-13-28) and recovered a fumble at Colgate.
Sideline to sideline: In UNH's defensive formation, the two middle linebackers cover the field sideline to sideline. Senior captain Akil Anderson and junior DeVaughn Chollette lead the Wildcats' linebacking crew.
Unless, that is, they are sidelined by injury. Chollette has missed the past three games and Anderson was a DNP last week vs. Richmond.
Junior Ryan Farrell has started in Chollette's absence against Delaware, Rhode Island and Richmond. He has a sack each of the last two weeks and also had an interception last week vs. Richmond. Farrell recorded career highs in solo (four), assisted (five) and total tackles (9) against URI. In nine games, Farrell has 29 tackles (16-13-29).
Classmate Kevin McNally got last week's starting nod in Anderson's place and tied for third on the team with five tackles (2-3-5). In eight games, McNally has 31 tackles (9-22-31). He tallied a season-high six tackles with 1-5-6 against both Stony Brook and Delaware.
Anderson – the team's top tackler in 2013 and 2014 – has had a relatively quiet 2015 season with 37 tackles, which ranks fourth on the squad; he recorded a season-high eight stops Oct. 24 at Delaware, and that came one week after a seven-tackle effort at William & Mary; Anderson made six stops Week 2 at Colgate. Chollette has 27 tackles; he recorded a season-high eight tackles (3-5-8) at Colgate.
Special Teams: New Hampshire has a couple of dangerous returners in Casey DeAndrade and Dalton Crossan, which is why the Wildcats lead the CAA in both kickoff returns (25.3 yard average) and punt returns (12.9 yards average).
DeAndrade doubled up on CAA First Team honors last season when he was named to not only the All-Conference team as a defensive back but as a punt returner as well. He led the league with an average return of 9.1 yards on 22 returns.
DeAndrade had an electrifying 90-yard punt return for a touchdown Oct. 17 at William & Mary. He is averaging 13.5 yards per return with 175 yards on 13 returns.
Crossan was slowed by a leg injury much of the 2014 season and returned late in the year primarily as a kickoff returner. His 32.4 yard average on 14 returns gave him a school record. As a redshirt freshman, Crossan averaged 23.7 yards per kickoff return, which placed him fifth in the CAA.
Crossan didn't lose a step in the offseason. In the 2015 opener at San Jose State, he had three kickoff returns for 102 yards (34.0 average), including a long of 57. For the season, he is averaging 25.6 yards per return (18-460).
Senior Christian Breda held all of New Hampshire's kicking roles – kickoffs, placekicker and punter – until Morgan Ellman took the position of kickoffs the sixth game of the season at William & Mary.
In his first year punting, Breda is averaging 38.2 yards per punt. He has pinned the opponents inside the 20 a total of 11 times and recorded a career-long punt of 52 yards vs. Rhode Island on Oct. 31 (but it went into the end zone for a touchback and net of 32 yards). In the season opener at San Jose State, Breda averaged 41.6 yards on nine punts, including a long of 51, and had four inside the 20. In the Oct. 3 game against Elon, Breda averaged 40.7 yards on six punts with a long of 50.
Breda has connected on 6 of 9 field goal attempts – as well as 20 of 24 PATs – for 38 points this season. He made 2 of 3 field goals on a rainy night at Colgate. After drilling the right upright on a 24-yard attempt, he later connected on a career-long 44 yarder and also made a 35-yard attempt. Breda was perfect vs. CCSU with a 24-yard field goal and five PATs. He connected on a 26-yard FG and made 4 of 5 PATs against Elon. Breda missed a 22-yard attempt and was good from 27 yards at W&M. Last week vs. Richmond, he missed a 30-yarder early in the second quarter and made a 29-yard attempt at 6:35 of the fourth quarter to extend UNH's lead to the final margin of 30-25.
Scouting Albany: The University at Albany Great Danes enter this weekend with 3-6 overall record, 2-4 in CAA, 2-2 at home and 0-3 against nationally-ranked teams.
Albany is coming off a 17-6 a win at Delaware that ended a four game losing streak. The game started off slow, with both teams kicking a field goal late in the second quarter to enter halftime tied 3-3. UD took the lead, 6-3, with 1:49 left in the third quarter. But with only 14 seconds remaining in the third, Albany's punt coverage team recovered a Blue Hens' fumble in the end zone to regain the lead, 10-6. At 10:23 of the fourth quarter, Albany extended the advantage to 17-6 on a five-yard pass from DJ Crook to Brad Harris that completed the game scoring.
The Great Danes amassed a season-high 262 rushing yards on 50 attempts and limited the Blue Hens to 224 yards of total offense.
During the four-game losing streak, Albany lost three consecutive games by 30+ points – 37-0 at Holy Cross, 39-7 vs. Maine and 37-0 vs. Villanova.
Albany is ranked 11th in the CAA for scoring defense (30.1 points allowed per game) as well as No. 8 in the conference for scoring offense at 16.6 points per game.
The Great Danes have been outscored 271-149 overall. The odd-numbered quarters are particularly bad for them with the opposition generating an 89-28 (61 point) margin in the first quarter and 78-38 (40 pts) in the third. The differential is significantly smaller in the second (50-34) and fourth (54-49) quarters.
Great Danes To Watch: Freshman running back Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks leads the team in rushing yards (499) for averages of 5.9 yards per carry and 55.4 per game. Redshirt freshman Elliot Croskey is close behind with 446 yards on 125 carries (3.6 per carry and 49.6 per game).
Freshman quarterback Neven Sussman was knocked out of last week's game at Delaware in the fourth quarter. In eight games, he has completed 21 of 57 passes for 224 yards, two TDs and five INTs.
Sophomore quarterback DJ Crook rallied the Great Danes to last week's 17-6 road win. He carried the ball 13 times for a career-high 134 yards and completed 4 of 11 passes for 27 yards and a TD. Crook has completed 111 of 206 passes for 1,168 yards and eight TDs with eight interceptions; he also has 40 rushes for 160 yards in nine games.
Freshman wide receiver Zee Roberson has 42 receptions for 397 yards to lead Albany in both stats. Sophomore Brad Harris follows with 27 catches for 367 yards. Both receivers have two TDs.
Freshman running back Dione Alston is ranked No. 5 in the CAA in kickoff return average at 21.7.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Julian Cox ranks No. 5 in the CAA in tackles per game at 8.8. He has a team-high 79 total tackles (49-30-79) with 5.5 tackles for a loss, including three sacks, in nine games. He's also been credited with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as well as an interception.
Junior corner back Rayshan Clark leads the Great Danes in interceptions (three) and pass breakups (seven); he also ranks second in tackles (65).
Senior safety Jamal Merritt also has three INTs as well as four breakups; he is fourth in tackles with 46 (26-20-46).
Sophomore defensive end Malachi Hoskins, the reigning CAA Defensive Player of the Week, leads Albany in both tackles for a loss (eight) and sacks (five). He anchored the Great Danes' stout defensive effort at Delaware with nine tackles, four tackles for a loss (including two sacks), a forced fumble.
Second Half Shutdown: UNH's defense was dominant in the second half of its 20-17 victory against Rhode Island on Halloween. The Wildcats shut out the Rams and limited them to three first downs and 29 yards of total offense. The visitors went 3-and-out on 3 of 5 second-half possessions.
New Hampshire held URI to 225 total offense in the game to mark the lowest total by an opponent this season.
Second Half Stimulus: New Hampshire's offense struggled in the opening half against Rhode Island with 76 yards (17 rushing, 59 passing) and one first down. In six possessions, UNH had three 3-and-outs and also fumbled on the first play of another drive.
The Wildcats roared back in the second half with 20 points, 306 yards of offense (167 rush, 139 pass) and six first downs (6 of 9 conversions). The Wildcats scored on three of six possessions, did not have a 3-and-out, and recorded two drives of 10+ plays. The 'Cats led 20-17 with 3:43 remaining and gained possession at the URI 40. UNH converted a pair of third downs and then ran three kneel-down plays to secure the victory.
Sack Exchange: UNH's defense entered the Oct. 17 game at William & Mary ranked No. 2 in the nation in sacks per game at 4.00 but in the past four games the Wildcats have a total of six sacks with none in that game against the Tribe followed by two sacks each of the last three games. The 'Cats currently rank 15th at 2.89 per game.
New Hampshire recorded three sacks each of the first two games of the 2015 season and upped that total to four sacks the third game at Stony Brook followed by a season-high eight vs. Central Connecticut.
Anti-Air Defense: New Hampshire's defense has held the opponent to less than 200 passing yards in 6 of 9 games, including three consecutive games at William & Mary (145), at Delaware (season-low 71) and vs. Rhode Island (104); the previous time an opponent threw for less than 100 passing yards was Nov. 22, 2014 at Maine (92).
Last week, Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta entered the game No. 14 in the nation in passing yards per game (277.3) but he was limited to 240 yards and threw four interceptions against UNH.
The Wildcats also held three consecutive opponents under 200 yards passing earlier this season when they limited Colgate to 195, Stony Brook to 169 and Central Connecticut State to 117 yards.
Elon ended the streak with 244 passing yards (by completing 23 of 52 pass attempts) on Oct. 3.
No quarterback has thrown for more than one touchdown in a game against this Wildcats' defense. UNH allowed two Stony Brook passing touchdowns, but both QBs threw for one TD pass.
In the (Red) Zone: UNH has scored on 26 of 34 (76.5%) trips inside the red zone this season with 20 touchdowns and six field goals; that means the Wildcats score a TD 58.8% of the time they cross the 20.
Last week against No. 5/7 Richmond, the 'Cats cashed in on 5 of 7 trips into the red zone with four TDs (one rush, three pass) and a field goal; the Wildcats also missed a 30-yard field goal and turned the ball over on downs with 21 seconds remaining in the game.
New Hampshire has been perfect in the red zone three times –1-for-1 at San Jose State (rush TD), 5 of 5 vs. Central Connecticut State (three TDs, two FGs) and 2-for-2 at Delaware (two TDs).
In contrast, the lowest scoring percentage occurred Oct. 17 at William & Mary, when the 'Cats converted 1 of 3 opportunities into points with a 27-yard field goal, a missed field goal (22 yards) and end of first half (incomplete 5-yard pass play as time expired).
The opponents have scored on 22 of 30 (73.3%) trips into the red zone with 18 touchdowns. Colgate was just 1 of 4 as the Wildcats forced the Raiders to lose the ball on downs three times, and CCSU did not score on its only trip across the 20.
The opposition has improved tremendously the past five games with scores on 14 of 16 chances, including perfect numbers the past three weeks (Delaware 5-5, Rhode Island 2-2, Richmond 2-2).
Conference Call: New Hampshire has climbed to fourth in the CAA in scoring offense at 24.6 points per game; in other offense stats, UNH is seventh in rushing (157.1 yards/game), seventh in passing (182.9 yards/game) and sixth in total offense (340.0 yards/game).
On defense, the Wildcats are seventh in scoring (24.1 points allowed/game), 11th in rushing (212.2 yards allowed/game), sixth in passing (189.7 yards allowed/game) and ninth in total defense (401.9 yards allowed/game).
On special teams, UNH leads the CAA in both kickoff returns (25.3 per return) and punt returns (12.9 per return).
Another Conference Call: In six CAA conference games, UNH has been outscored 152-125 for an average of 25.3 to 20.8 points per game. The Wildcats actually have a 48-30 advantage in the first quarter, but the opponents have a sizable edge of 60-23 in the third.
Dalton Crossan is averaging 85.4 rushing yards per game (82 carries, 427 yards) with seven touchdowns. He also has a team-high 20 catches (for 130 yards).
Senior quarterback Sean Goldrich is 72 of 130 for 745 yards, five TDs and three interceptions; those numbers produce a 55.4% completion percentage, 186.2 yards per game and a 111.60 passer efficiency rating.
Junior quarterback Adam Riese is 39 of 57 for 314 yards, three TDs and two INTs; those numbers calculate to a .684 completion percentage, 104.7 passing yards per game and a 125.05 passer efficiency rating.
Junior tight end Jordan Powell leads the team in both receptions (22) and receiving yards (220), as well as TDs (three); that is 10.0 yards/catch and 36.7 yards/game.
The defense has been balanced with Casey DeAndrade leading the 'Cat pack with 44 tackles. Hayden Knudson (38), Dougie Moss (27) and Akil Anderson (25) are next. Both Cam Shorey has tallied six tackles for a loss. DeAndrade, Patrick Mensah and Ryan Farrell each have two interceptions in conference action.
A Tale of Two Halves: The Wildcats have outscored the opposition 80-50 (+30) in the first quarter and 83-58 (+25) in the second for a total of 163-108 (+55) in the first half.
But the 'Cats have been outscored 77-34 (-43) in the third and 32-24 (-8) in the fourth for a second-half total of 109-58 (-51).
Valuing Possession: Through nine games, UNH is +6 in turnover margin following last week's season-best +5 margin against nationally-ranked Richmond. The Wildcats had four interceptions and recovered a fumble to match their season high of five takeaways, while they did not commit a turnover for the third time this season.
New Hampshire's defense previously tallied five takeaways Oct. 3 vs. Elon. The offense did not turn the ball over at San Jose State and vs. CCSU.
Prior to the Nov. 7 game against Richmond, the Wildcats lost the turnover battle three consecutive games at a collective minus-5. The defense did not record a turnover while the offense committed five turnovers (three interceptions, two fumbles) in that span.
The 'Cats are 3-0 when winning the turnover battle, 1-1 when it's tied and 1-3 when committing more turnovers.
Another Wildcat First Down: New Hampshire has extended drives 47 times on 133 third downs (35.3%). The conversion percentage has been on the rise the past two weeks by converting 7 of 15 (46.7%) against URI and 9 of 16 (56.2%) vs. Richmond.
For the season, UNH has been strongest in the second quarter (45.7%) and weakest in the third quarter (25.0%)
In comparison, opponents are 54-for-138 (39.1%) on third down conversions overall and are 40% or better in 3 of 4 quarters; the best conversion rate is the third quarter (43.2%), while the lowest is the first quarter (29.0%).
Dominant in The Dungeon: New Hampshire's Cowell Stadium has been called The Dungeon, a fittingly foreboding nickname for the opposition. In four games this season, UNH is 4-0 at home and has outscored the opposition 144-70, including 59-10 in the first quarter and 12-3 in the fourth quarter.
UNH had an 8-1 record at The Dungeon last year as part of a program-record 14-game win streak that included a perfect 6-0 mark in the 2013 season. The streak ended with a 21-18 loss to Illinois State University in the Dec. 20, 2014 NCAA semifinal game.
In the 14-game win streak at The Dungeon, the Wildcats outscored the opposition 571 to 253 (40.8 points/game to 18.1 points/game) with eight games of 40+ points, including three 50+ efforts (59 vs. Rhode Island on Oct. 12, 2013).
Since the start of the 2007 season, the Wildcats are 46-5 at Cowell Stadium for a .902 win percentage.
UNH has won 11 consecutive CAA home games with a 4-0 record in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons and three wins this year (vs. Elon , Rhode Island and No. 5/7 Richmond). The most recent conference home loss was Nov. 17, 2012 (64-35 to Towson University).
New Hampshire has also had tremendous success at home against non-conference teams the past decade-plus (2005-15) with a 20-2 record that included 16 consecutive wins. Prior to the 21-18 2014 NCAA playoff loss to ISU, the last time a non-conference team left Cowell Stadium as the victor was Dec. 3, 2005, when Northern Iowa escaped with a 24-21 win in an NCAA quarterfinal win.
The last time UNH lost a regular-season home game to a non-conference opponent was Nov. 11, 2000 (38-35 to Gardner-Webb). Since then, the 'Cats have won 19 consecutive regular-season home games against non-conference foes.
Return For More: New Hampshire's return units on special teams excelled at William & Mary as the Wildcats averaged 59.0 yards on two kickoff returns and 57.0 yards on two punt returns; three of the four longest returns were recorded in that game ; furthermore, the return teams did not commit a penalty.
In comparison, the Tribe averaged 18.5 yards/kickoff return and 3.0 yards/punt return.
Trevon Bryant fielded the game's opening kickoff just inside the goal line and returned it 65 yards to the W&M 35 yard-line.
On his first punt return of the game, Casey DeAndrade fielded the ball at the UNH 10, weaved his way through a myriad of Tribe defenders and broke free down the right side; he cut back toward the middle 10 yards from the W&M goal line to avoid the last defender and cut into the end zone for the TD.
It marked UNH's first punt return for a touchdown since Nov. 30, 2013, when Nick Cefalo scored on an 86-yard vs. Lafayette; The longest punt return in UNH history is 92 yards by Dave Wissman vs. UMass on Nov. 14, 1981.
With the Wildcats trailing 34-15 at 12:21 of the fourth quarter, Dalton Crossan attempted to ignite a comeback with a 54-yard kickoff return to give the 'Cats 1st-and-10 at the W&M 46. UNH drove to the Tribe 10 and kicked a 27-yard field goal to pull within 34-18 at 9:37.
UNH Stomps Out Spiders: New Hampshire built a 21-7 halftime lead and fended off No. 5/7 Richmond to record a 30-25 victory at Cowell Stadium on Nov. 7. The Wildcats were +5 in the turnover battle with four interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Richmond took a 7-0 lead on the first possession of the game, but UNH responded with a TD on its first two drives and struck again in the last minute of the second quarter to take a 14-point lead. The Spiders scored on their opening possession of the second half to close within 21-15, but once again the 'Cats responded with a TD to go ahead 27-15.
Richmond scored 10 consecutive points to trim the margin to 27-25 and UNH answered with an 11-play, 60-yard drive that culminated with a 29-yard field goal to extend the advantage to 30-25 with 6:35 remaining in the game.
The Spiders quickly advanced the ball to the UNH 21, but New Hampshire's defense made a key play when Ryan Farrell intercepted the ball at the 10 and returned it 13 yards to give the 'Cats possession with 4:56 to play.
UNH's offense then helped secure the win by converting a pair of third downs as part of an 11-play, 54-yard drive that consumed 4:35 off the clock.
Richmond regained possession on a loss of downs with 21 seconds left at its 23, but the defense did not allow a completion and stopped the UR quarterback for a two-yard gain on 4th-and-10 to end the game.
Notable Numbers vs. Richmond: Junior defensive back Casey DeAndrade recorded his 200th career tackle. His seven-tackle effort increased the total to 202 (151-51-202). The seven tackles tied for the team lead and he also intercepted a pass.
Sophomore DB Patrick Mensah recorded a career-high two interceptions.
Senior quarterback and captain Sean Goldrich completed 21 of 36 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns while not committing a turnover; all of those numbers marked season highs. He also carried the ball seven times for 25 yards, including a one-yard TD run.
Sophomore running back Trevon Bryant had 19 rushes for 88 yards as well as three catches for 31 yards; all of those numbers marked career highs.
Junior wide receiver Kyon Taylor caught a seven-yard TD pass as part of his six-catch, 55-yard performance; both those numbers are personal bests.
Junior tight end Jordan Powell had a career-high six catches for 45 yards, including TDs of 19 and three yards.
UNH (5-4 overall, 3-3 CAA) at Albany (3-6, 2-4 CAA)
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The UNH football team has a 5-4 overall record with a 3-3 CAA conference record and 1-4 road record, including 0-3 in road conference games.
The Wildcats carry a two-game win streak into Albany following last week's 30-25 victory against (then) No. 5/7 Richmond at Cowell Stadium.
New Hampshire's previous win against a Top-5 team was Nov. 13, 2013, when the Wildcats toppled No. 4 Maine, 24-3. The 'Cats played just one other Top 5 team (No. 1 North Dakota St. in the 2013 semifinals) between the Maine and Richmond victories.
UNH has won nine consecutive November games with a split of 6-0 at home and 3-0 on the road.
The University at Albany has a 3-6 overall record that includes 2-4 in the CAA, 2-2 at home and 1-2 in conference home games. The Great Danes were 17-6 victors at Delaware last Saturday to end a four-game losing streak.
UNH has a 3-0 lifetime record against the University at Albany and that includes last year's 49-24 victory at Cowell Stadium. The teams first met in '08 with the Wildcats rallying to a 32-24 win at Cowell Stadium, and they squared off as CAA conference foes for the first time in 2013, when the 'Cats prevailed 37-20 at Albany's Bob Ford Field.
Senior quarterback and captain Sean Goldrich was named Offensive Player of the Week by both CAA Football and College Sports Madness after leading UNH to victory against No. 5/7 Richmond.
Goldrich completed 21 of 36 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns while not committing a turnover; those numbers marked season highs in completions, attempts and yards. He also carried the ball seven times for 25 yards, including a one-yard TD run.
In the absence of running back Dalton Crossan last week vs. Richmond, Trevon Bryant and Donald Goodrich combined for 199 all-purpose yards. The duo had 30 rushes for 139 yards – both backs averaged 4.6 yards per carry – as well as five catches for 60 yards. Bryant finished with 19 carries for 88 yards and caught three passes for 31 yards, all of which marked career highs. Goodrich tallied 80 all-purpose yards with 51 yards on 11 carries and 29 on two catches.
New Hampshire's secondary recorded four interceptions last week against Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta, who entered the game ranked No. 9 in passer efficiency. The Wildcats also recovered a fumble to match their season high total of five takeaways.
On special teams, UNH is No. 3 in kickoff returns (25.30 yards per return), No. 17 in punt returns (12.93 per return)
UNH has launched a stadium ticket campaign for the 2016 season. Reserve season tickets in the state-of-the-art stadium for a $25 deposit per seat. Visit www.unhstadium.com.
UNH vs. Albany All-Time Series: UNH has a 3-0 lifetime record against the University at Albany and that includes last year's 49-24 victory at Cowell Stadium. The teams first met in '08 with the Wildcats rallying to a 32-24 win at Cowell Stadium, and they squared off as CAA conference foes for the first time in 2013, when the 'Cats prevailed 37-20 at Bob Ford Field.
Date H/A UNH UA Result
09/20/08 H 32 24 W
11/16/13 A 37 20 W
11/01/14 H 49 24 W
'Cats vs. Great Danes – The Most Recent Matchup: In a matchup between No. 2 UNH and No. 23 Albany on Nov. 1, 2014, the homestanding Wildcats rolled out to a 22-0 lead early in the second quarter, led 29-3 at halftime and extended the advantage to 42-3 en route to a 49-24 victory. Albany scored three TDs in a span of three minutes early in the fourth quarter to close within 42-24.
The Wildcats generated a 317-102 edge in first-half total yards with a 17-8 disparity in first downs. The final stats were 424-311 total yards and 23-20 in first downs.
UNH's offensive leaders were Nico Steriti (13 carries, 84 yds, two TDs), Andy Vailas (18-24, 188 yds, two TDs) and R.J. Harris (10 catches, 108 yds, two TDs); none of those Wildcats are on this year's roster.
Defensively, the 'Cats recorded four turnovers (three interceptions, one fumble) as well as seven tackles for a loss, including six sacks, and they limited running back Omar Osbourne to 21 yards on 10 carries; Osbourne entered the game atop the CAA in rushing yards/game (113.9).
Akil Anderson and Shane McNeely were UNH's top tacklers with five apiece.
Albany's D registered three takeaways (three fumbles) and nine tackles for a loss, including five sacks.
Up Next – Senior Day vs. Maine: Following this week's road trip to Albany, the Wildcats end the 2015 regular season with the annual Battle for the Brice-Cowell Musket against border rival Maine. UNH's seniors will be honored prior to kickoff of what will be the last regular-season game at Cowell Stadium.
Tickets for the historic event are available online at www.unhwildcats.com, by calling 603-862-4000 or visiting the Whittemore Center Box Office.
National Numbers: New Hampshire's defense is No. 15 in sacks with 2.89 per game, which ranks second in CAA Football. The 'Cats are also No. 14 in fourth-down conversion defense (31.6%).
On special teams, UNH is No. 3 in kickoff returns (25.30 yards per return), No. 17 in punt returns (12.93 per return) and No. 9 in blocked punts (two).
In other stats, the Wildcats are No. 9 in fumbles lost (three).
Junior running back Dalton Crossan is No. 6 nationally in all-purpose yards per game (164.63), No. 15 in rushing TDs (10), No. 8 in scoring (9.0 points/game) and No. 24 in kickoff returns (25.6 yards/return).
Junior Casey DeAndrade is No. 8 in punt returns at 13.5 yards per return.
Junior defensive end Cam Shorey is No. 24 in the nation (third in the CAA) in sacks per game at 0.67; Shorey has a team-high six sacks in nine games.
Redshirt freshman Jared Kuehl is No. 12 in blocked kicks with two.
Goldrich Receives Two Weekly Accolades: Senior quarterback and captain Sean Goldrich was named Offensive Player of the Week by both CAA Football and College Sports Madness after leading UNH to a 30-25 victory against No. 5/7 Richmond on Nov. 7.
Goldrich completed 21 of 36 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns while not committing a turnover; those numbers, which marked season highs in completions, attempts and yards, calculate to a .583 completion percentage and 138.27 passer efficiency rating. He also carried the ball seven times for 25 yards, including a one-yard TD run.
Big Play Defense: New Hampshire's secondary recorded four interceptions last week against Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta, who entered the game ranked No. 9 in passer efficiency.
Sophomore defensive back Patrick Mensah ended the Spiders' second and fourth possession with a pick. His first INT of the game at 2:42 of the first quarter led to a UNH touchdown that gave the Wildcats a 14-7 lead they would not relinquish.
Junior defensive back Casey DeAndrade squelched UR's bid to end the first half with a score. The Spiders had 1st-and-10 from their 46 with 30 seconds to play when DeAndrade recorded his second interception of the year at the UNH 40.
After UNH kicked a field goal to extend the lead to 30-25 with 6:35 remaining in the fourth quarter, Lauletta connected with Jacobi Green out of the backfield for a 46-yard pass play that advanced the ball to the UNH 24. The Wildcats called a timeout with UR facing 3rd-and-7, and Ryan Farrell picked off Lauletta's pass at the UNH 10 to preserve the five-point advantage.
Richmond had one last chance when the Spiders regained possession on their 23 with 21 seconds on the clock. New Hampshire's defense rose to the occasion, however, as Lauletta threw three incompletions and then – on the last play of the game – was flushed from the pocket on 4th-and-10 and tackled for a two-yard gain.
Doing Their Job: UNH's multi-faceted running back Dalton Crossan was sidelined by injury for the Richmond game, so the Wildcats had to find a way to replace their leader in rushes, rushing yards, receptions and kickoff returns.
A number of Wildcats provided solutions to that challenge. Running backs Trevon Bryant and Donald Goodrich combined for 199 all-purpose yards. The duo had 30 rushes for 139 yards – both backs averaged 4.6 yards per carry – as well as five catches for 60 yards. Bryant finished with 19 carries for 88 yards and caught three passes for 31 yards, all of which marked career highs. Goodrich tallied 80 all-purpose yards with 51 yards on 11 carries and 29 on two catches.
Also of note in the receiving game, both junior tight end Jordan Powell and junior wide receiver Kyon Taylor recorded personal bests in catches with six apiece. Powell pulled in two TDs as part of his 45 receiving yards and Taylor had a career-high 55 receiving yards and one TD.
In the kick return game, UNH averaged 25.7 yards on three returns. Jared Allison had one return for 33 yards and Neil O'Connor had two returns for 44 yards, including a long of 26.
You May Have Forgotten: Senior quarterback Sean Goldrich received two awards for his performance against Richmond, but it was junior QB Adam Riese who took the field for New Hampshire's first possession of the game with the Wildcats trailing 7-0. Riese completed all four pass attempts for 40 yards and capped the 10-play, 65-yard scoring drive with a 19-yard TD pass to Jordan Powell to tie the score, 7-7, at 4:16 of the first quarter. Riese did not take another snap the rest of the game, however.
A Lot Of Tackles: Junior defensive back Casey DeAndrade recorded his 200th career tackle with the fifth of his seven stops Nov. 7 against No. 5/7 Richmond. DeAndrade, who leads the team with 64 total tackles, has career numbers of 151 solo tackles and 51 assisted tackles for 202 total.
Four Score: UNH scored in all four quarters against Richmond last weekend with 14 points in the first, 7 in the second, 6 in the third and 3 in the fourth.
It marked the third time this season the Wildcats scored all four quarters – the other games were vs. Central Connecticut State University (57-14 win on Sept. 26) and at Colgate University (26-8 on Sept. 12).
The Breakdown – Home vs. The Road: Here is a breakdown of UNH's stats at Cowell Stadium (four games) and on the road (five games):
Home Road
Record 4-0 1-4
Scoring offense 36.0 15.4
Scoring defense 17.5 29.4
Offense ypg 436.5 262.8
Defense ypg 338.0 453.0
Turnover margin +11 -5
UNH's offensive stats leaders on the road are running backs Dalton Crossan (72 carries, 316 yards, four TDs) and Trevon Bryant (24-131), quarterback Sean Goldrich (60-107, 509 yards, two TDs, three INTs) and tight end Jordan Powell (14 catches, 150 yards). Crossan also has 21 catches for 91 yards.
The defensive leaders have been senior safety Hayden Knudson with 41 tackles (20-21-41) and junior defensive back Casey DeAndrade with 38 tackles (26-12-38) and seven pass breakups. Senior defensive lineman Jullian Turner has 7.5 tackles for a loss, including four sacks, in five road games.
November Reign: New Hampshire has won nine consecutive November games with a split of 6-0 at home and 3-0 on the road, and that includes a 45-7 NCAA first round win at home against Lafayette in 2013. The last November loss for the Wildcats was Nov. 2, 2013 at William & Mary (17-0).
Push Them Back: Junior defensive end Cam Shorey recorded a tackle for a loss each of the first eight games of the year, including a season-high 2.5 at Delaware. Shorey has a total of 10 tackles for a loss, including a team-high six sacks. He had three tackles Nov. 7 against Richmond, but not of them were stops behind the line of scrimmage.
All-Purpose Performer: Explosive junior running back Dalton Crossan is a versatile weapon and workhorse for the Wildcats, although he was sidlelined by injury for the Nov. 7 game against nationally-ranked Richmond. Crossan leads the team in rushes (122), rushing yards (644), kickoff returns (18), kickoff return yards (460) and all-purpose yards (1,317); he ranks second in receptions (20) and third in receiving yards (213). Crossan led the team in both rushes and rushing yards all eight games he played, as well as in receptions four times.
Crossan recorded a career-high 226 all-purpose yards Oct. 31 vs. Rhode Island with a breakdown of 114 rushing yards, career-high 66 yards receiving and 46 yards on kickoff returns.
Crossan, who did not have 100 yards rushing in his first 24 games, has eclipsed that mark three of the last four games – 140 vs. Elon (Oct. 3), 109 at William & Mary (Oct. 17), 114 vs. URI (Oct. 31).
Crossan is averaging 80.5 rushing yards per game, 26.6 receiving yards per game and 164.6 all-purpose yards per game. He has scored 10 rushing TDs, including a season-long run of 52 yards vs. URI, and also caught two touchdown passes.
Crossan has recorded at least 100 all-purpose yards every game with a low of 122 (at Stony Brook) and high of 266 (vs. URI). In comparison, the rest of the Wildcats have recorded 100+ all-purpose yards just three times – Trevon Bryant with 117 vs. Central Connecticut State and 119 vs. Richmond, and Casey DeAndrade with 114 at W&M.
Among active 'Cats, Crossan is atop the career leaderboard in rushing yards (1,095) and he ranks second in rushes (166), receptions (47) and receiving yards (385).
Crossan carried the ball a career-high 22 times for a personal-best 140 yards and four touchdowns – another career high – in New Hampshire's 37-14 win against Elon University on Oct. 3. Crossan did a majority of that damage in the first half with 12 rushes for 93 yards and four TDs.
In just one half of action vs. Central Connecticut State on Sept. 26, Crossan had 10 carries for 74 yards (33-yard TD), three catches for a career-high 58 yards (48-yard TD) and a 27-yard kickoff return for a total of 159 all-purpose yards.
Back Under Center: Senior quarterback Sean Goldrich has played four games (all starts at William & Mary, at Delaware and vs. Rhode Island, Richmond) since returning from an injury incurred the second week of the season (Sept. 12) at Colgate.
In the four games, he has completed 72 of 130 passes (5543%) for 745 yards (186.3 per game), five TDs and three INTs; those numbers calculate to a 111.68 passer efficiency rating. He has been sacked seven times in four games, but was not sacked by Richmond last weekend and was sacked just once each of the previous two games.
Since his return, Goldrich recorded his best passer rating of 138.27 last weekend against No. 5/7 Richmond. He completed 21 of 36 passes for 264 yards and two TDs without committing a turnover; those numbers marked season highs in touchdowns, yards, completions and attempts. He also had seven rushes for 25 yards, including a one-yard score.
One week earlier vs. Rhode Island, he had a 128.85 rating by completing 18 of 32 passes for 198 yards and two TDs. He registered season highs in both rushes (nine) and rushing yards (70) against URI.
Goldrich missed three games – at Stony Brook, vs. Central Connecticut State, vs. Elon – while rehabilitating from a high ankle sprain.
In six games overall this season, Goldrich has completed 99 of 175 passes (56.6%) for 971 yards and six touchdowns; he also has 44 rushes for 149 yards and one TD.
In the Sept. 12 game at Colgate, the captain was 17 of 23 for 166 yards and one TD for a pass efficiency rating of 148.89.
Goldrich is on the UNH Top 10 career list in three offensive categories – fifth in passing yardage (6,640) and attempts (914) as well as sixth in completions (552). He is also the Wildcats' active career leader in rushes (314) and rushing touchdowns (18).
In comparison, the three other UNH quarterbacks who have seen action this year have combined career stats of 84-for-140 for 783 yards, eight TDs and four INTs.
When Goldrich Starts: UNH has a 19-9 record (.679 win percentage) when Sean Goldrich is the starting quarterback. That includes 9-1 at home, 12-3 in CAA conference games and 5-0 in CAA conference home games.
It's Better to Receive: Junior tight end Jordan Powell leads the team in both receptions (32) and receiving yards (316) with an average of 9.9 yards per catch and 35.1 yards per game). Last week against Richmond, he finished with a career-high six receptions for 45 yards and two TDs, another personal best. Powell recorded five catches consecutive games against Elon (48 yards) and at William & Mary (personal-best 53 yards). Powell has produced consistent numbers with 3-5 catches and 30+ yards in 7 of 9 games. He caught four passes for 32 yards and a score Sept. 26 vs. Central Connecticut State and reeled in three passes for 41 yards vs. URI.
Seniors Jared Allison and Mike Kelly and sophomore Aaron Lewis-Cenales are the starting wideouts.
Allison ranks second on the squad in receiving yards (237) and third in receptions (24) for averages of 9.9 yards/catch and 26/3 yards/game. He matched his personal best of seven catches (for 34 yards and a TD) at Delaware on Oct. 24 Last week vs. Richmond, Allison had two catches for 53 yards, including a season-long of 31, and the 53 yards matched his season high established at Central Connecticut.
Kelly has 11 catches for 115 yards in eight games for averages of 10.5 yards/catch and 14.4 yards/game. He has recorded a season high of two catches five times this year, including last week vs. Richmond (for 23 yards).
Lewis-Cenales recorded career highs in both receptions (four) and receiving yards (58) Sept. 12 at Colgate; he has 11 catches for 116 yards this season; he has not caught a pass four consecutive games; Lewis-Cenales' last reception was Oct. 3 vs. Elon.
Junior Kyon Taylor has emerged as a top target the second half of the season. Taylor recorded career highs in both catches (six) and receiving yards (55) with a seven-yard TD reception Nov. 7 against Richmond. One week earlier, he caught the go-ahead five-yard TD with 5:46 remaining vs. URI. Taylor made his 2015 season debut Oct. 24 at Delaware and led all 'Cats with 35 receiving yards (on three catches) with a long of 22. In 30 career games, Taylor has 26 receptions for 262 yards and three TDs.
Redshirt freshman Rory Donovan has 12 catches for 176 yards in eight games. Last Saturday against Richmond, Donovan's lone catch of the game – a season-long 42-yard reception – set up a one-yard rushing touchdown. He had a breakout game Sept. 19 at Stony Brook with five catches for 46 yards, including a 17-yard TD reception for his first career score. Donovan subsequently made his first career start one week later against Central Connecticut State; he had one catch for 16 yards.
Freshman Amechie Walker, Jr., who has been in the starting lineup four times, ranks fourth on the team in receptions (16) and fifth in receiving yards (174); that breaks down of 10.9 yards/catch and 19.3 yards/game. He had a breakout game Sept. 26 vs. Central Connecticut with two touchdowns on two catches, including a season long of 37; he finished with a career-high 56 yards.
What's My Line: Heading into the season opener, UNH's offensive line had a solid foundation with junior Tad McNeely at center, junior Alexander Morrill at left guard and senior Austin Heter at left tackle. All three were starters last season with both McNeely and Morrill in the starting lineup since they were redshirt freshman.
On the right side of the line, juniors Andrew Lauderdale and Curtis Nealer solidified their starting role at tackle and guard, respectively.
The blueprint changed quickly, however, when Lauderdale missed the second game and McNeely was injured in that game at Colgate – he has been sidelined since with senior George Kallas stepping in at center.
Heter and Nealer have started all nine games, while Kallas has started each of the last seven. Lauderdale was sidelined by injury three of the first five games (2, 4 & 5), but has been back in the lineup the past four games.
Morrill was a DNP at Delaware and sat out the first half against Rhode Island before returning to action in the third quarter of that Oct. 31 game vs. the Rams. Morrill was back in the starting lineup one week later vs. nationally-ranked Richmond.
Senior Safeties: Four senior safeties solidify the defensive backfield with Daniel Rowe, Hayden Knudson, Lamar Edmonds and Keith Parkinson patrolling the secondary.
Knudson has started 8 of 9 games this season – he did not play in the Sept. 26 home opener vs. Central Connecticut but returned to the starting lineup one week later vs. Elon. He is second overall and first among safeties in tackles with 53 (23-30-53). Knudson tied for the team lead in tackles consecutive games at William & Mary (nine) and at Delaware (11) and did that again last week vs. nationally-ranked Richmond with seven.
Rowe was injured during the Sept. 19 game at Stony Brook University and missed three games before returning to action Oct. 24 at Delaware; he finished that game with four tackles, including one for a loss. In six games, Rowe has 34 tackles (19-15-34), two forced a fumbles (one each of the first two weeks) and also a blocked PAT in the opener at San Jose State.
Edmonds, who has started each of the last seven games and 8 of 9, ranks second among safeties and tied for fourth overall in total tackles with 37. He. has recorded 4+ tackles six times, including four tackles each of the last two weeks against Richmond and Rhode Island. Edmonds tallied his 100th career tackle with the last of eight tackles Oct. 17 at William & Mary; the eight stops matched his career high. Edmonds recorded his second career interception – a play that was featured on SportsCenter Top 10 Plays – Oct. 3 vs. Elon.
Parkinson, with one start in nine games played, has been credited with 26 tackles; he tied his career high of five tackles vs. CCSU.
Sophomore Nick Marino started consecutive games against Central Connecticut State and Elon; in his first career start against CCSU, Marino made the most of the opportunity by recording a personal-best five tackles (4-1-5). He has nine tackles (7-2-9) in six games.
Sophomore D'Andre Drummond-Mayrie has played in 6 of 9 games; he was a DNP at William & Mary and each of the past two weeks against Rhode Island and Richmond. Drummond-Mayrie recorded his first career interception against Elon and tallied a personal-best six tackles (3-3-6) one week earlier against Central Connecticut. He has 14 tackles (5-9-14).
Excellent Cornering Skills: Junior Casey DeAndrade has established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the CAA and was named to the CAA Preseason All-Conference Team.
DeAndrade leads the team in tackles with 64 (45-19-64), including 5.5 for a loss. He also has a team-leading eight pass breakups as well as a fumble recovery and two interceptions. He has recorded 6+ tackles 7 of 9 games.
DeAndrade was UNH's top tackler four consecutive games – Central Connecticut State (six), Elon (six), William 7 Mary (nine) and Delaware (11) – and was also the top tackler vs. nationally-ranked Richmond. The 11 stops against Delaware matched his personal best established in the season opener at San Jose State.
DeAndrade recorded four pass breakups Sept. 12 at Colgate and that included three consecutive plays midway through the fourth quarter in UNH territory with the 'Cats protecting a 23-8 lead.
Senior Dougie Moss has started opposite DeAndrade 8 of 9 games, including each of the last six. Moss ranks third on the team in tackles with 42 (30-12-42). He made eight stops Oct. 17 at William & Mary. Moss recorded career highs in total tackles (10) as well as both solo (six) and assisted (four) tackles in the opener at San Jose State. Moss has 4+ tackles in 6 of 9 games.
Sophomore Patrick Mensah recorded a career-high two interceptions last Saturday against No. 5/7 Richmond; his first INT set up a UNH touchdown drive that gave the 'Cats a 14-7 first-quarter lead they did not relinquish; he finished that game with four tackles. Mensah made his first career start Sept. 19 at Stony Brook and he recorded four tackles. He made a career-high seven tackles (6-1-7) Oct. 17 at William & Mary and has 30 tackles (25-5-30) in eight games.
In the Trenches: UNH's defensive line is led by senior captain Jullian Turner and classmate Rashid Armand in the middle as well as junior Cam Shorey on the outside. Redshirt freshman Jae'Wuan Horton has proven capable at the opposite end.
Turner has been impressive this season with nine of his 34 tackles recorded behind the line of scrimmage, including four sacks (one each of the first three games) to rank second on the team in that stat; he has also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. Turner tallied a personal-best six tackles Sept. 12 at Colgate and made five stops three times - vs. Elon (Oct. 3), at Delaware (Oct. 24) and vs. URI (Oct. 31).
Shorey leads the team with six sacks and ranks No. 24 nationally with 0.67 sacks per game. He also has a team-best 10 tackles for a loss, and he recorded a TFL each of the first eight games of the season. Shorey has sacked the quarterback in 5 of 9 games and tallied a personal-best two against Central Connecticut (Sept. 26). Shorey has 30 tackles (20-10-30), including a career-high seven at Delaware (Oct. 24), and one fumble recovery.
Armand was credited with a career-high five tackles (all assisted) at San Jose State and matched that total with 1-4-5 vs. Rhode Island on Oct. 31. Armand made four stops vs. Colgate. He has 26 tackles in nine games.
Horton, who did not play Week 2 at Colgate, has tallied 29 tackles (20-9-29) with 5.5 tackles for a loss, including 3.0 sacks, in eight games. He made a career-high six tackles (2-4-6) vs. URI on Halloween. Horton recorded four tackles against both San Jose State and Stony Brook. He made three stops for a loss at SBU and that included two of the team's four sacks; he also forced a fumble on one of those sacks.
Sophomore Mike Boryeskne, who did not play against Rhode Island, recorded five tackles each of the first three games this season and was credited with four stops against Central Connecticut, Elon and William & Mary. He has 28 tackles (15-13-28) and recovered a fumble at Colgate.
Sideline to sideline: In UNH's defensive formation, the two middle linebackers cover the field sideline to sideline. Senior captain Akil Anderson and junior DeVaughn Chollette lead the Wildcats' linebacking crew.
Unless, that is, they are sidelined by injury. Chollette has missed the past three games and Anderson was a DNP last week vs. Richmond.
Junior Ryan Farrell has started in Chollette's absence against Delaware, Rhode Island and Richmond. He has a sack each of the last two weeks and also had an interception last week vs. Richmond. Farrell recorded career highs in solo (four), assisted (five) and total tackles (9) against URI. In nine games, Farrell has 29 tackles (16-13-29).
Classmate Kevin McNally got last week's starting nod in Anderson's place and tied for third on the team with five tackles (2-3-5). In eight games, McNally has 31 tackles (9-22-31). He tallied a season-high six tackles with 1-5-6 against both Stony Brook and Delaware.
Anderson – the team's top tackler in 2013 and 2014 – has had a relatively quiet 2015 season with 37 tackles, which ranks fourth on the squad; he recorded a season-high eight stops Oct. 24 at Delaware, and that came one week after a seven-tackle effort at William & Mary; Anderson made six stops Week 2 at Colgate. Chollette has 27 tackles; he recorded a season-high eight tackles (3-5-8) at Colgate.
Special Teams: New Hampshire has a couple of dangerous returners in Casey DeAndrade and Dalton Crossan, which is why the Wildcats lead the CAA in both kickoff returns (25.3 yard average) and punt returns (12.9 yards average).
DeAndrade doubled up on CAA First Team honors last season when he was named to not only the All-Conference team as a defensive back but as a punt returner as well. He led the league with an average return of 9.1 yards on 22 returns.
DeAndrade had an electrifying 90-yard punt return for a touchdown Oct. 17 at William & Mary. He is averaging 13.5 yards per return with 175 yards on 13 returns.
Crossan was slowed by a leg injury much of the 2014 season and returned late in the year primarily as a kickoff returner. His 32.4 yard average on 14 returns gave him a school record. As a redshirt freshman, Crossan averaged 23.7 yards per kickoff return, which placed him fifth in the CAA.
Crossan didn't lose a step in the offseason. In the 2015 opener at San Jose State, he had three kickoff returns for 102 yards (34.0 average), including a long of 57. For the season, he is averaging 25.6 yards per return (18-460).
Senior Christian Breda held all of New Hampshire's kicking roles – kickoffs, placekicker and punter – until Morgan Ellman took the position of kickoffs the sixth game of the season at William & Mary.
In his first year punting, Breda is averaging 38.2 yards per punt. He has pinned the opponents inside the 20 a total of 11 times and recorded a career-long punt of 52 yards vs. Rhode Island on Oct. 31 (but it went into the end zone for a touchback and net of 32 yards). In the season opener at San Jose State, Breda averaged 41.6 yards on nine punts, including a long of 51, and had four inside the 20. In the Oct. 3 game against Elon, Breda averaged 40.7 yards on six punts with a long of 50.
Breda has connected on 6 of 9 field goal attempts – as well as 20 of 24 PATs – for 38 points this season. He made 2 of 3 field goals on a rainy night at Colgate. After drilling the right upright on a 24-yard attempt, he later connected on a career-long 44 yarder and also made a 35-yard attempt. Breda was perfect vs. CCSU with a 24-yard field goal and five PATs. He connected on a 26-yard FG and made 4 of 5 PATs against Elon. Breda missed a 22-yard attempt and was good from 27 yards at W&M. Last week vs. Richmond, he missed a 30-yarder early in the second quarter and made a 29-yard attempt at 6:35 of the fourth quarter to extend UNH's lead to the final margin of 30-25.
Scouting Albany: The University at Albany Great Danes enter this weekend with 3-6 overall record, 2-4 in CAA, 2-2 at home and 0-3 against nationally-ranked teams.
Albany is coming off a 17-6 a win at Delaware that ended a four game losing streak. The game started off slow, with both teams kicking a field goal late in the second quarter to enter halftime tied 3-3. UD took the lead, 6-3, with 1:49 left in the third quarter. But with only 14 seconds remaining in the third, Albany's punt coverage team recovered a Blue Hens' fumble in the end zone to regain the lead, 10-6. At 10:23 of the fourth quarter, Albany extended the advantage to 17-6 on a five-yard pass from DJ Crook to Brad Harris that completed the game scoring.
The Great Danes amassed a season-high 262 rushing yards on 50 attempts and limited the Blue Hens to 224 yards of total offense.
During the four-game losing streak, Albany lost three consecutive games by 30+ points – 37-0 at Holy Cross, 39-7 vs. Maine and 37-0 vs. Villanova.
Albany is ranked 11th in the CAA for scoring defense (30.1 points allowed per game) as well as No. 8 in the conference for scoring offense at 16.6 points per game.
The Great Danes have been outscored 271-149 overall. The odd-numbered quarters are particularly bad for them with the opposition generating an 89-28 (61 point) margin in the first quarter and 78-38 (40 pts) in the third. The differential is significantly smaller in the second (50-34) and fourth (54-49) quarters.
Great Danes To Watch: Freshman running back Elijah Ibitokun-Hanks leads the team in rushing yards (499) for averages of 5.9 yards per carry and 55.4 per game. Redshirt freshman Elliot Croskey is close behind with 446 yards on 125 carries (3.6 per carry and 49.6 per game).
Freshman quarterback Neven Sussman was knocked out of last week's game at Delaware in the fourth quarter. In eight games, he has completed 21 of 57 passes for 224 yards, two TDs and five INTs.
Sophomore quarterback DJ Crook rallied the Great Danes to last week's 17-6 road win. He carried the ball 13 times for a career-high 134 yards and completed 4 of 11 passes for 27 yards and a TD. Crook has completed 111 of 206 passes for 1,168 yards and eight TDs with eight interceptions; he also has 40 rushes for 160 yards in nine games.
Freshman wide receiver Zee Roberson has 42 receptions for 397 yards to lead Albany in both stats. Sophomore Brad Harris follows with 27 catches for 367 yards. Both receivers have two TDs.
Freshman running back Dione Alston is ranked No. 5 in the CAA in kickoff return average at 21.7.
Redshirt freshman linebacker Julian Cox ranks No. 5 in the CAA in tackles per game at 8.8. He has a team-high 79 total tackles (49-30-79) with 5.5 tackles for a loss, including three sacks, in nine games. He's also been credited with two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries as well as an interception.
Junior corner back Rayshan Clark leads the Great Danes in interceptions (three) and pass breakups (seven); he also ranks second in tackles (65).
Senior safety Jamal Merritt also has three INTs as well as four breakups; he is fourth in tackles with 46 (26-20-46).
Sophomore defensive end Malachi Hoskins, the reigning CAA Defensive Player of the Week, leads Albany in both tackles for a loss (eight) and sacks (five). He anchored the Great Danes' stout defensive effort at Delaware with nine tackles, four tackles for a loss (including two sacks), a forced fumble.
Second Half Shutdown: UNH's defense was dominant in the second half of its 20-17 victory against Rhode Island on Halloween. The Wildcats shut out the Rams and limited them to three first downs and 29 yards of total offense. The visitors went 3-and-out on 3 of 5 second-half possessions.
New Hampshire held URI to 225 total offense in the game to mark the lowest total by an opponent this season.
Second Half Stimulus: New Hampshire's offense struggled in the opening half against Rhode Island with 76 yards (17 rushing, 59 passing) and one first down. In six possessions, UNH had three 3-and-outs and also fumbled on the first play of another drive.
The Wildcats roared back in the second half with 20 points, 306 yards of offense (167 rush, 139 pass) and six first downs (6 of 9 conversions). The Wildcats scored on three of six possessions, did not have a 3-and-out, and recorded two drives of 10+ plays. The 'Cats led 20-17 with 3:43 remaining and gained possession at the URI 40. UNH converted a pair of third downs and then ran three kneel-down plays to secure the victory.
Sack Exchange: UNH's defense entered the Oct. 17 game at William & Mary ranked No. 2 in the nation in sacks per game at 4.00 but in the past four games the Wildcats have a total of six sacks with none in that game against the Tribe followed by two sacks each of the last three games. The 'Cats currently rank 15th at 2.89 per game.
New Hampshire recorded three sacks each of the first two games of the 2015 season and upped that total to four sacks the third game at Stony Brook followed by a season-high eight vs. Central Connecticut.
Anti-Air Defense: New Hampshire's defense has held the opponent to less than 200 passing yards in 6 of 9 games, including three consecutive games at William & Mary (145), at Delaware (season-low 71) and vs. Rhode Island (104); the previous time an opponent threw for less than 100 passing yards was Nov. 22, 2014 at Maine (92).
Last week, Richmond quarterback Kyle Lauletta entered the game No. 14 in the nation in passing yards per game (277.3) but he was limited to 240 yards and threw four interceptions against UNH.
The Wildcats also held three consecutive opponents under 200 yards passing earlier this season when they limited Colgate to 195, Stony Brook to 169 and Central Connecticut State to 117 yards.
Elon ended the streak with 244 passing yards (by completing 23 of 52 pass attempts) on Oct. 3.
No quarterback has thrown for more than one touchdown in a game against this Wildcats' defense. UNH allowed two Stony Brook passing touchdowns, but both QBs threw for one TD pass.
In the (Red) Zone: UNH has scored on 26 of 34 (76.5%) trips inside the red zone this season with 20 touchdowns and six field goals; that means the Wildcats score a TD 58.8% of the time they cross the 20.
Last week against No. 5/7 Richmond, the 'Cats cashed in on 5 of 7 trips into the red zone with four TDs (one rush, three pass) and a field goal; the Wildcats also missed a 30-yard field goal and turned the ball over on downs with 21 seconds remaining in the game.
New Hampshire has been perfect in the red zone three times –1-for-1 at San Jose State (rush TD), 5 of 5 vs. Central Connecticut State (three TDs, two FGs) and 2-for-2 at Delaware (two TDs).
In contrast, the lowest scoring percentage occurred Oct. 17 at William & Mary, when the 'Cats converted 1 of 3 opportunities into points with a 27-yard field goal, a missed field goal (22 yards) and end of first half (incomplete 5-yard pass play as time expired).
The opponents have scored on 22 of 30 (73.3%) trips into the red zone with 18 touchdowns. Colgate was just 1 of 4 as the Wildcats forced the Raiders to lose the ball on downs three times, and CCSU did not score on its only trip across the 20.
The opposition has improved tremendously the past five games with scores on 14 of 16 chances, including perfect numbers the past three weeks (Delaware 5-5, Rhode Island 2-2, Richmond 2-2).
Conference Call: New Hampshire has climbed to fourth in the CAA in scoring offense at 24.6 points per game; in other offense stats, UNH is seventh in rushing (157.1 yards/game), seventh in passing (182.9 yards/game) and sixth in total offense (340.0 yards/game).
On defense, the Wildcats are seventh in scoring (24.1 points allowed/game), 11th in rushing (212.2 yards allowed/game), sixth in passing (189.7 yards allowed/game) and ninth in total defense (401.9 yards allowed/game).
On special teams, UNH leads the CAA in both kickoff returns (25.3 per return) and punt returns (12.9 per return).
Another Conference Call: In six CAA conference games, UNH has been outscored 152-125 for an average of 25.3 to 20.8 points per game. The Wildcats actually have a 48-30 advantage in the first quarter, but the opponents have a sizable edge of 60-23 in the third.
Dalton Crossan is averaging 85.4 rushing yards per game (82 carries, 427 yards) with seven touchdowns. He also has a team-high 20 catches (for 130 yards).
Senior quarterback Sean Goldrich is 72 of 130 for 745 yards, five TDs and three interceptions; those numbers produce a 55.4% completion percentage, 186.2 yards per game and a 111.60 passer efficiency rating.
Junior quarterback Adam Riese is 39 of 57 for 314 yards, three TDs and two INTs; those numbers calculate to a .684 completion percentage, 104.7 passing yards per game and a 125.05 passer efficiency rating.
Junior tight end Jordan Powell leads the team in both receptions (22) and receiving yards (220), as well as TDs (three); that is 10.0 yards/catch and 36.7 yards/game.
The defense has been balanced with Casey DeAndrade leading the 'Cat pack with 44 tackles. Hayden Knudson (38), Dougie Moss (27) and Akil Anderson (25) are next. Both Cam Shorey has tallied six tackles for a loss. DeAndrade, Patrick Mensah and Ryan Farrell each have two interceptions in conference action.
A Tale of Two Halves: The Wildcats have outscored the opposition 80-50 (+30) in the first quarter and 83-58 (+25) in the second for a total of 163-108 (+55) in the first half.
But the 'Cats have been outscored 77-34 (-43) in the third and 32-24 (-8) in the fourth for a second-half total of 109-58 (-51).
Valuing Possession: Through nine games, UNH is +6 in turnover margin following last week's season-best +5 margin against nationally-ranked Richmond. The Wildcats had four interceptions and recovered a fumble to match their season high of five takeaways, while they did not commit a turnover for the third time this season.
New Hampshire's defense previously tallied five takeaways Oct. 3 vs. Elon. The offense did not turn the ball over at San Jose State and vs. CCSU.
Prior to the Nov. 7 game against Richmond, the Wildcats lost the turnover battle three consecutive games at a collective minus-5. The defense did not record a turnover while the offense committed five turnovers (three interceptions, two fumbles) in that span.
The 'Cats are 3-0 when winning the turnover battle, 1-1 when it's tied and 1-3 when committing more turnovers.
Another Wildcat First Down: New Hampshire has extended drives 47 times on 133 third downs (35.3%). The conversion percentage has been on the rise the past two weeks by converting 7 of 15 (46.7%) against URI and 9 of 16 (56.2%) vs. Richmond.
For the season, UNH has been strongest in the second quarter (45.7%) and weakest in the third quarter (25.0%)
In comparison, opponents are 54-for-138 (39.1%) on third down conversions overall and are 40% or better in 3 of 4 quarters; the best conversion rate is the third quarter (43.2%), while the lowest is the first quarter (29.0%).
Dominant in The Dungeon: New Hampshire's Cowell Stadium has been called The Dungeon, a fittingly foreboding nickname for the opposition. In four games this season, UNH is 4-0 at home and has outscored the opposition 144-70, including 59-10 in the first quarter and 12-3 in the fourth quarter.
UNH had an 8-1 record at The Dungeon last year as part of a program-record 14-game win streak that included a perfect 6-0 mark in the 2013 season. The streak ended with a 21-18 loss to Illinois State University in the Dec. 20, 2014 NCAA semifinal game.
In the 14-game win streak at The Dungeon, the Wildcats outscored the opposition 571 to 253 (40.8 points/game to 18.1 points/game) with eight games of 40+ points, including three 50+ efforts (59 vs. Rhode Island on Oct. 12, 2013).
Since the start of the 2007 season, the Wildcats are 46-5 at Cowell Stadium for a .902 win percentage.
UNH has won 11 consecutive CAA home games with a 4-0 record in both the 2013 and 2014 seasons and three wins this year (vs. Elon , Rhode Island and No. 5/7 Richmond). The most recent conference home loss was Nov. 17, 2012 (64-35 to Towson University).
New Hampshire has also had tremendous success at home against non-conference teams the past decade-plus (2005-15) with a 20-2 record that included 16 consecutive wins. Prior to the 21-18 2014 NCAA playoff loss to ISU, the last time a non-conference team left Cowell Stadium as the victor was Dec. 3, 2005, when Northern Iowa escaped with a 24-21 win in an NCAA quarterfinal win.
The last time UNH lost a regular-season home game to a non-conference opponent was Nov. 11, 2000 (38-35 to Gardner-Webb). Since then, the 'Cats have won 19 consecutive regular-season home games against non-conference foes.
Return For More: New Hampshire's return units on special teams excelled at William & Mary as the Wildcats averaged 59.0 yards on two kickoff returns and 57.0 yards on two punt returns; three of the four longest returns were recorded in that game ; furthermore, the return teams did not commit a penalty.
In comparison, the Tribe averaged 18.5 yards/kickoff return and 3.0 yards/punt return.
Trevon Bryant fielded the game's opening kickoff just inside the goal line and returned it 65 yards to the W&M 35 yard-line.
On his first punt return of the game, Casey DeAndrade fielded the ball at the UNH 10, weaved his way through a myriad of Tribe defenders and broke free down the right side; he cut back toward the middle 10 yards from the W&M goal line to avoid the last defender and cut into the end zone for the TD.
It marked UNH's first punt return for a touchdown since Nov. 30, 2013, when Nick Cefalo scored on an 86-yard vs. Lafayette; The longest punt return in UNH history is 92 yards by Dave Wissman vs. UMass on Nov. 14, 1981.
With the Wildcats trailing 34-15 at 12:21 of the fourth quarter, Dalton Crossan attempted to ignite a comeback with a 54-yard kickoff return to give the 'Cats 1st-and-10 at the W&M 46. UNH drove to the Tribe 10 and kicked a 27-yard field goal to pull within 34-18 at 9:37.
UNH Stomps Out Spiders: New Hampshire built a 21-7 halftime lead and fended off No. 5/7 Richmond to record a 30-25 victory at Cowell Stadium on Nov. 7. The Wildcats were +5 in the turnover battle with four interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Richmond took a 7-0 lead on the first possession of the game, but UNH responded with a TD on its first two drives and struck again in the last minute of the second quarter to take a 14-point lead. The Spiders scored on their opening possession of the second half to close within 21-15, but once again the 'Cats responded with a TD to go ahead 27-15.
Richmond scored 10 consecutive points to trim the margin to 27-25 and UNH answered with an 11-play, 60-yard drive that culminated with a 29-yard field goal to extend the advantage to 30-25 with 6:35 remaining in the game.
The Spiders quickly advanced the ball to the UNH 21, but New Hampshire's defense made a key play when Ryan Farrell intercepted the ball at the 10 and returned it 13 yards to give the 'Cats possession with 4:56 to play.
UNH's offense then helped secure the win by converting a pair of third downs as part of an 11-play, 54-yard drive that consumed 4:35 off the clock.
Richmond regained possession on a loss of downs with 21 seconds left at its 23, but the defense did not allow a completion and stopped the UR quarterback for a two-yard gain on 4th-and-10 to end the game.
Notable Numbers vs. Richmond: Junior defensive back Casey DeAndrade recorded his 200th career tackle. His seven-tackle effort increased the total to 202 (151-51-202). The seven tackles tied for the team lead and he also intercepted a pass.
Sophomore DB Patrick Mensah recorded a career-high two interceptions.
Senior quarterback and captain Sean Goldrich completed 21 of 36 passes for 264 yards and two touchdowns while not committing a turnover; all of those numbers marked season highs. He also carried the ball seven times for 25 yards, including a one-yard TD run.
Sophomore running back Trevon Bryant had 19 rushes for 88 yards as well as three catches for 31 yards; all of those numbers marked career highs.
Junior wide receiver Kyon Taylor caught a seven-yard TD pass as part of his six-catch, 55-yard performance; both those numbers are personal bests.
Junior tight end Jordan Powell had a career-high six catches for 45 yards, including TDs of 19 and three yards.
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