DURHAM — The University of New Hampshire football team dropped a 42-21 decision to No. 23 Monmouth on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Wildcat Stadium.
Monmouth rushed for 301 yards and scored six touchdowns to improve to 5-2 overall and 4-0 in conference play. New Hampshire dropped to 2-6 overall and 1-4 in the CAA.
Sophomore linebacker Trevor Barry led the Wildcats defensively with a career-high 20 tackles, including 12 solo stops. Grad student safety Jackson Stone added a career-best 16 tackles and surpassed the 100-career tackle mark, while sophomore safety Cohen Cook made 12 tackles. Sophomore linebacker Matthew Sopp also registered a personal-best 10 tackles.
Monmouth's rushing attack controlled the game, led by Kenny Smith Jr., who ran 27 times for 175 yards and two touchdowns. Elijah Jennings added 126 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Quarterback Frankie Weaver completed 16 of 25 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns.
The Wildcats received offensive contributions from several players. Grad student running back Myles Thomason rushed for 70 yards on seven carries, and scored on an 11-yard touchdown run.
Junior wide receiver Ty Carlson led New Hampshire's receiving corps with 62 yards, including a 41-yard touchdown reception.
Sophomore quarterback Tommy McLeish entered in the second half and sparked the offense, completing 13 of 19 passes for 178 yards while directing three touchdown drives.
The Wildcats return to action Oct. 24 when they travel to Merrimack. New Hampshire's next home game is Nov. 7 against Rhode Island.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: College football: No. 23 Monmouth rides ground game past UNH, 42-21