UNH beats Rhode Island 24-21 after Tommy McLeish orchestrates late drive

Wildcats Secure Dramatic Victory in Final Seconds Against Rhode Island

The University of New Hampshire football team turned a tense afternoon at Wildcat Stadium into a statement performance on Saturday, rallying in the final minutes to secure a 24-21 win over the University of Rhode Island. For a program looking to build momentum as the season enters its final stretch, the victory provided more than just a tally in the win column—it offered a demonstration of late-game composure that often separates contenders from the rest of the pack.

Yahoo Sports reported that the Wildcats faced a 21-17 deficit with just 1:53 remaining on the clock. What followed was an 11-play, 64-yard drive that tested the discipline of both the offense and the Rhode Island defensive front. Sophomore quarterback Tommy McLeish orchestrated the series, ultimately finding tight end Colby Ramshaw for a 1-yard touchdown pass with only 7 seconds left to play. The score served as the definitive blow in a contest defined by back-and-forth momentum.

A Dual-Threat Performance Under Pressure

McLeish’s impact on the game extended well beyond his final, decisive throw. He finished the afternoon 21-of-37 for 271 yards and two touchdowns, but perhaps his most unconventional contribution came when he shifted into the role of a receiver. In a play that caught the Rhode Island defense off guard, McLeish caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from sophomore wide receiver Ryan Ricketti. This versatility is a hallmark of the modern collegiate offense, where the lines between skill positions continue to blur to create mismatches.

The receiving corps proved equally instrumental in sustaining the drive. Junior Logan Perez posted 91 yards on four catches, including a notable 52-yard touchdown that highlighted his ability to stretch the field. Senior Ja’Carree Kelly mirrored that production with five catches for 91 yards, providing a reliable target throughout the afternoon. On the ground, graduate student Myles Thomason anchored the rushing attack, churning out a team-high 84 yards on 16 carries to keep the chains moving.

Defensive Resilience Amidst Rhode Island’s Surge

While the offense captured the spotlight in the closing seconds, the Wildcats’ defense faced a significant test against Rhode Island’s ground game. Brayden Richardson proved to be a formidable adversary for the UNH defense, racking up 138 rushing yards and a 64-yard touchdown. Rhode Island quarterback Alex McClelland also contributed to the physical nature of the game, completing 10-of-24 passes for 142 yards and a touchdown while adding 50 yards on the ground.

The UNH defensive unit, however, tightened when the stakes were highest. Sophomore linebacker Trevor Barry, who entered the game leading the FCS in tackles per game, continued his high-volume production by recording 10 tackles. Graduate student safety Jackson Stone provided the secondary with critical stability, contributing nine tackles and a pivotal interception that prevented Rhode Island from extending their lead earlier in the contest.

The Road Ahead

The win carries significant weight as the team prepares for its next challenge. With the victory safely in the books, the Wildcats turn their attention to a 1 p.m. kickoff on Saturday, Nov. 14, against Stony Brook University. For the coaching staff, the focus will likely shift to maintaining the efficiency shown during that final-minute drive while addressing the defensive gaps that allowed Rhode Island’s ground game to find success.

Tommy Mcleish postgame interview

In college football, the transition from a hard-fought win to the next week’s preparation is rarely afforded much grace. The Wildcats demonstrated the ability to execute under intense pressure, but the consistency of that performance—especially against a Stony Brook squad that will be analyzing this game tape closely—remains the primary variable for the remainder of the season. The margin for error in the FCS is notoriously thin, and as Saturday’s finish showed, games are often decided by the smallest of windows in the final moments.

Keep reading