By Zack Holler – Staff Writer
This game could dictate the remainder of the Wildcats’ season. A home win against a nationally ranked opponent could jump-start this young team back to where UNH was two years ago, legitimate title contenders.
The key to this game should be how the youngsters in the secondary handle the William & Mary offense. We know DeAndrade will play well wherever he is lined up, but the likes of Pop Lacey, Prince Smith Jr., Rick Ellison and Michael Balsamo need to continue to improve, and I believe they will.
This secondary can tackle and make big plays but allow over 300 passing yards a game, and they can’t allow that much on Saturday if UNH is going to win. Behind a rowdy Homecoming crowd, I’ve got the young ‘Cats pulling off the big win, 28-27.
By Mike McCarthy – WUNH Personality
This is a very important game against a CAA rival. A victory could be a real sign that the Wildcats have turned the corner after an inconsistent start.
However, a loss could signal that this season is a lost cause. I’m expecting a huge game from Trevor Knight. They’re going to need an excited home crowd to stop the Tribe. William & Mary is in a similar position to the ‘Cats in that they are trying to pull themselves out of early season struggles. I predict a close game that UNH wins by a touchdown, 30-24.
By Daniel Clare – Staff Writer
Like the Wildcats, the Tribe go into the Homecoming game with a 2-2 record and will look to spoil the party for the ‘Cats. Also, history forecasts the game could go either way. UNH has won seven consecutive Homecoming games. The last time the Wildcats were defeated on Homecoming Day was in 2008 by William & Mary.
If the Wildcats look to keep the streak alive, they are going to need consistent play from quarterback Trevor Knight. Knight had an okay game at URI where he threw for 207 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. The key is going to be for him to stay consistent and not make many mistakes.
The same goes for the defense, which has allowed 98 points and 1789 total yards this season. Compare that to the 99 points and 1438 total yards UNH has, the defense has to step up.
Overall, the game will be a close one and will come down to whether the Wildcats’ defense breaks or not. The Homecoming atmosphere should push the Wildcats over William & Mary, 28-24.
By Ben Nawn – Staff Writer
Homecoming is in the air. That fall crisp air surrounds you while country music and rock and roll blasts across Boulder Field. You smell fresh hamburgers and hot dogs on the grill while footballs are tossed through the crowd. All this means is that UNH Homecoming is once again commencing. It is the 150th anniversary and if you’re a Wildcat through-and-through then you will most likely be participating in these festivities Saturday. For those that attend, thank you.
It is a special time of year and when Trevor Knight leads the offense out to the field, I expect the Dungeon to be as loud as ever. The defense, led by Casey DeAndrade, will be stout. The inaugural win at Wildcat Stadium versus Holy Cross went down in history and I expect this one to as well. It is my final Homecoming and a win would make it that much sweeter. UNH wins, 34-31.
By Chris Mignanelli – WUNH Personality
William & Mary has long been a menacing match-up for the Wildcats. They always seem to come to Durham with something to prove and ready to play. With that being said, the potential that UNH has on the offensive side of the ball is terrifying for opposing defenses.
Now, UNH has not lived up to expectations this year. They are young, but they are ready to make its first real statement by handling William & Mary in front of a packed Homecoming crowd. The William & Mary defense will have its work cut out for them with the likes of Trevor Knight and Dalton Crossan being able to break a big run off anytime.
Look for Knight to keep improving and using the weapons he has in Neil O’Connor and Rory Donovan. With the crowd behind them, UNH will scrape by William & Mary 24-20.