Football Falls at #18 New Hampshire

The Central Connecticut football team fell on the road at #18 New Hampshire on Saturday afternoon.  The Blue Devils (0-3) were unable to overcome six turnovers and the Wildcats (2-1) controlled the ball by running for more than 300 yards in the 43-10 victory.

New Hampshire opened the scoring in the first quarter on a five yard touchdown run by quarterback Andy Vailas.

The Blue Devils responded to New Hampshire's opening touchdown with a scoring drive of their own.  Senior Juan Duque capped the drive with a 33-yard field goal.  Cutting the Blue Devils' deficit to 6-3 with 3:43 left in the first quarter.  The Blue Devils converted a pair of fourth downs on the drive the first by sophomore running back Rob Hollomonand the second by freshman quarterback Nick SanGiacomo.

The Wildcats followed with touchdowns on their next two possessions.  Both drives were helped by big plays.  On the first drive a 42-yard pass from Andy Vailas to R.J. Harris and a 30-yard touchdown run by Jared Allison.  On the next UNH possession, the Wildcats used a long run by Jimmy Owens to set up a one yard touchdown pass, which increased their lead to 20-3.

The Blue Devils were moving the ball through the air late in the second quarter.  A 32-yard pass from junior Andrew Clements to senior Deven Baker put the Blue Devils at the UNH 23-yard line, but the drive was halted after a rush on fourth and five was stopped for a loss.

The teams exchanged possessions in the final two minutes before UNH's Mike MacAruther kicked a 28-yard field goal as time expired in the half.

The Blue Devils were able to control the time of possession in the first half, 15:27 to 14:33, but UNH held a 317 to 152 advantage in total offense.

After a CCSU turnover on the opening possession of the second half, UNH drove 46 yards to add to its lead.  The five yard touchdown run by Jimmy Owens and the point after gave the Wildcats a 30-3 lead with 10:29 remaining in the third quarter.

The Wildcats added a pair of touchdowns early in the fourth quarter.  Both touchdowns came on the ground with the second following a CCSU turnover deep in its own territory.

Sophomore David Rose scored Central's only touchdown of the game returning a fumble 35 yards for the score.  Duque added the point after to make the final score 43-10.

Four Wildcats ran for a touchdown in the game led by Jimmy Owens who scored twice.

Baker had the best offensive day for the Blue Devils catching five passes for 73 yards.

The Blue Devils will return to action next weekend at Arute Field.  CCSU will host Wagner in the NEC Opener.