Scouting the Opposition – New Hampshire

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SCOUTING THE OPPOSITION – New Hampshire

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… Previews for CU’s opponents will be posted each week leading up to the start of Fall Camp … Previous posts: Oregon State … Washington State …

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Game Three – CU v. New Hampshire – Boulder, September 15th 

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Last game between the two schools … This will be the first game between the two schools. Outside of teams from the Big Sky Conference, this will be only the fourth game between Colorado and an FCS school, with the Buffs having previously played Central Arkansas (38-24), and Charleston Southern in 2013 (43-10), and Nicholls State in 2015 (48-0).

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2017 New Hampshire results – 9-5 (5-3 in Colonial Association play)

After earning an FCS playoff spot for the 14th consecutive season, the Wildcats defeated Central Connecticut State, 14-0, in the first round of the FCS playoffs, then taking out No. 4 Central Arkansas, 21-15, on the road in the second round. In the quarterfinals, New Hampshire fell on the road to No. 5 South Dakota State, 56-14.

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Street and Smith’s report on New Hampshire

— Prediction … 4th in Colonial Association, No. 12 ranked team in the nation

— New Hampshire has earned an FCS playoff bid for 14 consecutive seasons, the longest active streak in the nation, and should contend again with quarterback Trevor Knight and receiver Neil O’Conner. Knight, who had 3,433 passing yards (26 touchdowns, 10 interceptions) is the league’s top returning quarterback, and O’Conner is the league’s top returning receiver (97 catches, 1,396 yards).

The defense is led by junior linebacker Quinten Dean (11.5 tackles for loss) and junior cornerbacks Prince Smith, Jr. and Isaiah Perkins (five interceptions). The Wildcats’ pass rush will again be a strength behind senior Jae’Wuan Horton (8.5 sacks).

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Lindy’s report on New Hampshire 

— Prediction … 2nd in Colonial Association, No. 6 ranked team in the nation

— Wildcats needed committee help to make 14th straight playoff trip, but 15th is a safe bet … Neil O’Conner named 1st team All-American, returning after “dazzling 2017 campaign”

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Athlon’s report on New Hampshire

— Prediction … 2nd in Colonial Association, No. 3 ranked team in the nation

— In coach Sean McDonnell’s 20th season, the Wildcats expect to make a deep run in what would be their 15th straight playoff appearance. Last year’s national quarterfinals team returns 18 starters. Quarterback Trevor Knight (3,433 yards, 26 touchdowns) has go-to targets in Neil O’Connor (97 receptions, 1,396 yards, ten touchdowns) and Malik Love, but the offensive line must do a better job of pass protection. An improved run game will make a difference. The 4-2-5 defense features linebackers Quinten Dean, the team’s leading tackler, and Jared Kuehl, plus cornerback Prince Smith, Jr.

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New Hampshire storylines … 

— The Wildcats will come to Boulder on September 15th with two games under their belts. New Hampshire opens at home on August 30th against Colonial Association opponent Maine. While the Bear Cats are not expected to challenge for the conference crown, the road game for the Wildcats may be tough. Last year, New Hampshire survived the season opener, beating Maine, 24-23, to retain the Brice-Cowell Musket (seriously, that is that the rivals play for each season).

The second game for New Hampshire will be at home against Colgate, one of the favorites to win the Patriot League. The Raiders out-scored their final five opponents, 185-32, but an overall record of 7-4 kept Colgate out of the 2017 playoffs.

As a result, while New Hampshire will certainly be looking at the Colorado game as an opportunity to make a national statement, but the Wildcats will have two games before coming to Boulder which will require their full attention.

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… Bottom Line … New Hampshire doesn’t have a long list of recent FBS opponents. The Wildcats traveled to play San Diego State for the 2016 opener, falling 31-0. New Hampshire also made the cross-country trip to California in 2015, losing 43-13 to San Jose State. In 2015, New Hampshire took on Toledo, falling 54-20 (faring about the same as did the Buffs when CU played in the Glass Bowl, a 54-38 embarrassment in 2009).

By any measure, Colorado has the advantage over New Hampshire. The Buffs are bigger, stronger, and faster.

That being said, it would be a mistake for the Buffs (and their fans) to overlook the Wildcats. Last season, CU took care of business against Northern Colorado, pulling away for a 41-21 victory. The Bears from Greeley, though, were a middling Big Sky Conference team. The Wildcats of New Hampshire are an FCS power, with a nation’s best streak of 14 consecutive playoff appearances, a star QB/WR tandem, and 18 returning starters.

September 15th should be a pleasant afternoon for the Buffs and their fans in Boulder.

Should be …

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This post, about the Spring/Summer game, from the 2018 Season, is filed under Article.
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