UNH Sneaks Past UMaine Football [VIDEO]

The University of Maine football team lost to the New Hampshire Wildcats by a score of 24-21 to retain the Brice Cowell Musket for the sixth straight season.

Dalton Crosson rushed for 169 yards and a touchdown to lead the UNH attack, while quarterbacks Adam Riese and Trevor Knight combined for 221 yards and a passing score.

Maine was led by the 202 yards by Dan Collins through the air with two touchdowns and two turnovers.

The Black Bears took the early lead on a trick play as Earnest Edwards threw a pass to Jared Osumah for the 13 yard touchdown with just over two minutes remaining in the first quarter.  The Wildcats were able to respond before the end of the quarter with a 44-yard interception return by Pop Lacey who took it back for six points.  Micah Wright would connect with Collins for a 45-yard receiving TD to give Maine the edge by a score of 14-7.  New Hampshire would attempt a fourth and one on the Maine one yard line, but would be stuffed on the mouth of the goal line to end the half.

New Hampshire came out strong in the second half and scored twice against UMaine on a 35 yard rushing TD by Dalton Crossan and a 10 yard pass from Riese to Neil O'Connor to give the Wildcats a 21-14 advantage.  The Black Bears were driving the ball in the fourth quarter before Collins threw his second interception to the UNH 20 yard line. The Wildcats were able to secure the victory with a field goal by Morgan Ellman, 21 yards out with seven seconds left.

With the victory New Hampshire moves to 7-4 on the season and 5-2 in conference play, likely sending the Wildcats to the NCAA playoffs.  Maine will fall to 6-5 on the year, ending the Black Bears' chances of making the postseason.