Defense gives Holy Cross 13-10 edge over New Hampshire

WORCHESTER, Mass. -- Joe Lang's end-zone fumble recovery for a touchdown put his team on top and Chris Riley's interception sealed the win as the Holy Cross defense made all the difference in a 13-10 victory over New Hampshire on Saturday.

New Hampshire (0-1) led 10-6 and took over on downs after Holy Cross (1-1) was stopped two yards shy of the goal line with 1:56 to play. Carlos Washington Jr. took a handoff from Max Brosmer, but was dropped for a loss and fumbled in the end zone. Lang came up with the ball for a Holy Cross touchdown and a 13-10 edge.

On the following drive, Riley intercepted Brosmer to preserve the Crusaders lead with 1:49 remaining.

Connor Degenhardt threw for 253 yards and Derek Ng kicked two field goals.

Holy Cross led 3-0 at halftime, but New Hampshire's Jason Hughes tied it up with a 21-yard field goal late in the third quarter. Ng's 20-yard field goal early in the fourth gave the Crusaders a 6-3 edge, but Washington's 19-yard TD run put the Wildcats up 10-6 with 6:52 to play.

Brosmer had 106 yards passing for the Wildcats. Washington ran for 107 yards and the team's only touchdown.

Offensive coordinator Ricky Santos is leading UNH on an interim basis because 21st-year coach Sean McDonnell is on an indefinite leave of absence for health reasons.