ALBANY, N.Y. — Despite senior quarterback Brooks Bentley passing for 230 yards and two touchdowns, the University of New Hampshire football team suffered a 28-14 loss to UAlbany on Friday night at Bob Ford Field at Tom and Mary Casey Stadium. 

The Wildcats struck early after graduate student Darren Burton II set up UNH’s opening drive with an interception. Bentley capitalized by finding running back Myles Thomason for a four-yard touchdown pass. Thomason led the backfield with a team-high 53 rushing yards.

UAlbany’s ground game took over shortly after however, powered by Joey Koch, who racked up 144 rushing yards and a touchdown on just seven carries. The Great Danes amassed 374 rushing yards as a team, averaging 7.1 yards per carry, with key contributions from Kai Colón (90 rushing yards, 57 passing yards) and Rahshan La Mons (62 rushing yards, one touchdown). 

UNH was able to stay in the game in the second half when Bentley connected with senior wide receiver Ja’Carree Kelly for an explosive 45-yard touchdown strike. Kelly finished as the night’s top target, hauling in six receptions for 123 yards. Defensively, the Wildcats were led by sophomore linebacker Trevor Barry, who recorded a career-high 13 tackles, and sophomore safety Cohen Cook, who posted 10 stops. Despite their defensive efforts, the Great Danes pulled away to secure the home victory.

It does not get easier for the Wildcats as they travel to Syracuse on Saturday.