What to know: On paper, New Hampshire looks to have the easiest path to the CAA title as it faces 2-6 William & Mary this week, with a bye week in between a season-ending matchup with Towson. And both games are at home.
However, if any team has the edge over the Wildcats, it has to be the Tribe. Call it luck, or coincidence, or whatever you want, but coach Jimmye Laycock always seems to have something up his sleeve when he has faced UNH coach Sean McDonnell. W&M is the lone CAA team the Wildcats have not beaten in the Sean McDonnell era (0-9).
The Tribe have been a bit disappointing this season, but they have suffered two one-point defeats and two three-point defeats. Laycock's squad has been inconsistent at the quarterback position and, as a result, the Tribe rank 11th in the CAA in passing offense with just 164 yards per game.
In a 40-20 victory over Rhode Island last week, New Hampshire utilized signal- callers Sean Goldrich and Andy Valais, not only with snaps under center - but also in unique two-quarterback formations - which allowed for each player to be dangerous running and throwing the ball.
The Wildcats, who average 240 rushing yards per game, rank second in the CAA and are 11th in the FCS on the ground. Senior linebacker Matt Evans needs just eight tackles to become the program's all-time leader, a record held by Steve Doig (434 from 1978-81).
The 'Cats play well at home and are 23-2 at Cowell Stadium since Nov. 17, 2007. However, both of those defeats came against William & Mary in 2008 and 2010.
Prediction: William & Mary 28, New Hampshire 27
Unfortunately, their win over UM can't -- now -- be considered a quality win.)
