New Hampshire’s football schedule this year has eight CAA games, two FCS non-conference matchups, and one FBS opponent.
Here are game-by-game predictions for the Wildcats, who are ranked No. 14 in HERO Sports’ FCS Preseason Top 25.
RELATED: New Hampshire Football Preview
at Stonehill
Stonehill is in its second season in the FCS, going 4-5 overall last year and 2-5 in the NEC.
Win
at Central Michigan
This looks like one of the more winnable FCS over FBS matchups.
Central Michigan plays Michigan State a week before this game, and it plays Notre Dame the week after. The Chippewas won’t want to overlook a UNH team that brings back a majority of its offensive and defensive production. Central Michigan went 4-8 last year and is in the 100s on ESPN’s FBS College Football Power Index.
UNH does not have the toughest FCS slate, so an FBS win will go a long way on its playoff resume.
Win
vs Dartmouth
Dartmouth doesn’t have the firepower it once had, going 3-7 last year. Although this may be a closer game than expected with an FBS hangover.
Win
at Delaware (Received Votes)
Delaware has a question mark at QB and a lot of production to replace on defense. This being on the road makes it interesting, but UNH looks to have a more talented roster.
Win
vs Towson
Towson will be an interesting team to watch, now led by head coach Pete Shinnick, who guided the University of West Florida to a D2 national championship in 2019. Picked ninth in the CAA preseason poll, though, it’s going to be a building year for Towson.
Win
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vs UAlbany
UAlbany could give some teams a scare behind the arm of standout QB Reese Poffenbarger. But the DE duo of Dylan Ruiz and Josiah Silver will help slow down that passing attack.
Win
at Stony Brook
At 6-0 with an FBS win, the Wildcats are rolling. I don’t expect an upset here, although playing at Stony Brook has its challenges.
Win
at No. 25 Rhode Island
Back-to-back road games finally trips UNH up.
Rhody has been on the playoff cusp in recent years. With veteran QB Kasim Hill leading the offense, the Rams will be a tough out this fall. UNH ranked 64th in defending the pass (225.2 YPG) last year. Its secondary will be stressed in this one.
Loss
vs Villanova
Nova should be better than last year after going 6-5 overall and 4-4 in the CAA. I expect a tight battle here that may turn into a shootout filled with explosive plays. Something tells me Nova won’t make the playoffs this fall, but it will knock off a playoff-worthy team or two.
Loss
at Monmouth
Monmouth is also a team that will pull off some upsets in conference play. The Hawks should be decent in 2023, led by All-American RB Jaden Shirden. They went 3-5 in their first year in the CAA last fall, and four of those losses were by 10 points or less.
But with two straight losses, UNH turns things around and puts together a complete game for a big road win.
Win
vs Maine
A semifinal squad not too long ago, Maine has fallen in the standings in recent years, going 2-9 overall last year and 6-5 in 2021.
At home and a day before Selection Sunday, UNH completes its playoff resume with its ninth D1 win.
Win
Regular-Season Record Prediction: 9-2
