ORONO — Alfond Stadium was rocking with the largest, most enthusiastic crowd in recent memory Saturday afternoon.
The University of New Hampshire scored twice in a span of four minutes late in the fourth quarter, finally finishing off UMaine for a 41-27 Football Championship Subdivision second-round victory on Morse Field.
Fifteenth-ranked UNH (9-4), making its 10th straight NCAA postseason appearance, advances to the national quarterfinals. The No. 8 Black Bears finish the season at 10-3.
“That’s a very good football team that’s gaining momentum, confidence and, really, was the better team out on the football field today,” conceded UMaine head coach Jack Cosgrove.
Quarterback Sean Goldrich (16-for-27) threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns as UNH kept UMaine on its heels. The Wildcats gained 495 yards, 315 through the air.
UMaine could not establish much offensive continuity. UNH pressured quarterback Marcus Wasilewski (21-for-39, 229 yards, 2 TDs) and blanketed his receivers.
The Bears converted only three of 13 third-down plays.
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