The University of New Hampshire has finalized its football schedule for the 2009 season.

The regular season begins Sept. 5, when the Wildcats entertain St. Francis University out of Loretto, Pa. for the home-opener at Cowell Stadium. This will mark the first meeting between these programs.

The Wildcats will play at Ball State on Sept. 12. Ball State played in the GMAC Bowl last season and posted a 12-2 record. The Cardinals were ranked as high as No. 12 in the national polls during the 2008 season. The Wildcats will be looking for their fifth straight victory over an FBS opponent.

UNH will play Dartmouth at home Sept. 26. The Wildcats defeated the Big Green in Hanover last season, 42-6.

UNH will begins its Colonial Athletic Association schedule Oct. 3, when it will play at Towson. UNH defeated the Tigers 42-14 in Durham last season.

Villanova will play at UNH on Oct. 10. Villanova handed UNH a 24-13 loss last season in Villanova, Pa.

The Wildcats will then play at the University of Massachusetts on Oct. 17. The Wildcats defeated the Minutemen in Durham last season, 52-21.

Following the UMass contest, UNH will travel to Hempstead, N.Y. for a matchup with Hofstra. The Wildcats defeated the Pride last season in Durham, 45-25.

Northeastern will play at UNH on Oct. 31. The Wildcats came from behind in the second half last season to win at NU, 33-21.

UNH will face Rhode Island in Durham on Nov. 7. UNH defeated the Rams in Kingston last season, 51-43.

UNH's final two regular-season games will be at William & Mary on Nov. 14, and vs. Maine at Cowell Stadium on Nov. 21.

2009 UNH Football Schedule

Sept. 5         ST. FRANCIS
Sept. 12        at Ball State
Sept. 26        DARTMOUTH
Oct. 3          at Towson
Oct. 10         VILLANOVA
Oct. 17         at Massachusetts
Oct. 24         at Hofstra
Oct. 31         NORTHEASTERN
Nov. 7          RHODE ISLAND
Nov. 14         at William & Mary
Nov. 21         MAINE