By Roger Brown
nhfootballreport.com

'CAT TALE: The University of New Hampshire overcame the loss of starting quarterback Ricky Santos to defeat Delaware, 35-30, Saturday at Cowell Stadium. Santos suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter and did not return to the game. Backup quarterback R.J. Toman completed five of his nine passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 47 yards on seven carries.

Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco completed 40 passes and threw for 419 yards. Delware (5-1 overall, 3-1 Colonial Athletic Association) trailed 35-10 after three quarters, but made things interesting by scoring 20 points in the final quarter. UNH raised its record to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the CAA.

"They took control of the game early and put us in a hole," Delaware coach K.C. Keeler said. "Going into the game we wanted to make their quarterback a pocket passer and we let the quarterback out of the pocket seven times -- two for touchdowns and four for first downs."

WORD PLAY: "He's got an AC sprain. A third-degree sprain, whatever that is. He possibly could have played in the second half last week, but I thought R.J. handled himself pretty well. He's in a sling. We're gonna give him a shot (in practice) on Thursday. If he can put up with the pain he'll have an opportuntiy to go. He thinks he'll be ready to go by Saturday."
-- UNH coach Sean McDonnell, when asked when Santos would be ready to play.

NUMBERS GAME: Although he missed more than two quarters, Santos was UNH's leading rusher against Delaware. He gained 51 yards on eight carries.

LOOKING AHEAD: UNH will face Iona on Saturday in Durham (noon). Iona is 5-1 overall and 1-0 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference. Iona has earned victories against Delaware Valley (14-12), Wagner (17-14), Sacred Heart (34-10), Stonehill (30-10) and LaSalle (56-3). Its only loss came against Western Connecticut (41-37). UNH beat Iona 56-0 at Cowell Stadium in 2005.

"They're a much different team than we played a couple years ago," McDonnell said. "They're ranked in the top four in the country defensively. We gotta run the ball better, and we have to defend the run better."

NOTEWORTHY: Saturday's contest will be Iona's fourth consecutive road game. ... Former Plymouth High School quarterback Mike Boyle led UNH in receiving with four catches for 96 yards against Delaware. ... UNH defensive back Jeff Pammer had 11 tackles (seven solo) in Saturday's victory. ... Saturday will be Homecoming at UNH.