Ivy League Friday Night action is back as New Hampshire (1-3) comes to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to take on Harvard (1-1) on Friday, October 4.
This game can be seen on ESPN + and kicks off at 7 p.m. ET. Harvard is a 2.5-point favorite, and the total is 50.5.
Where does the betting value lie in this Friday night FCS clash? Let's dive into my New Hampshire vs. Harvard predictions and college football picks for Friday, Oct. 4.
New Hampshire vs Harvard Prediction
My Harvard vs New Hampshire best bet is on the Wildcats moneyline, with the best available line at FanDuel Sportsbook.
- New Hampshire vs. Harvard Pick: New Hampshire ML (+120)
New Hampshire vs Harvard Odds
| New Hampshire Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 +100 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | +120 |
| Harvard Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -120 | 50.5 -110o / -110u | -140 |
- New Hampshire vs Harvard Point Spread: Harvard -2.5 (-120)
- New Hampshire vs Harvard Over/Under: 50.5 Points
- New Hampshire vs Harvard Moneyline: New Hampshire +120 · Harvard -140
New Hampshire vs Harvard Preview
New Hampshire Wildcats Betting Preview
New Hampshire comes in from a convincing 38-17 victory against Bryant University last week.
Former VMI and Division II quarterback Seth Morgan threw four touchdown passes in the first half. The UNH defense stopped Bryant three times on downs in the second half in drives that crossed midfield to secure the victory.
The Wildcats average just over 360 yards per game. The ground game has been poor this season, averaging 110 yards per game at just 3.9 yards per carry. The passing game is much more effective, as Morgan has completed 76 of 110 passes for 954 yards and 12 touchdowns to only three picks.
Harvard Crimson Betting Preview
Harvard comes in after a gut-wrenching 31-28 loss against Ivy league foe Brown.
Harvard was up by five points with under 30 seconds left to play and was attempting a field goal to extend the lead to eight points. The snap went over the holder’s head, was recovered by Brown and run back to the Harvard 27-yard line. Brown scored two plays later to win the game.
Harvard dominated the majority of the contest and held a 28-10 lead, but the Crimson could not put the Bears away.
The Crimson defense has been solid in stopping the run, but they couldn’t control the Brown passing attack.
Long-time Harvard head coach Tim Murphy stepped down last year after 30 years at the helm of the program. New head coach Andrew Aurich is still trying to find his footing with the Crimson. The conservative nature of the offense makes me wonder how much the program trusts quarterback Jaden Craig.
New Hampshire vs Harvard Pick & Prediction
I’m playing New Hampshire as a road ‘dog on the moneyline.
New Hampshire’s defense is excellent against the run, allowing only 3.2 yards per carry and just one explosive rush. Meanwhile, Harvard runs the ball nearly 70% of the time yet can’t do it effectively, averaging only 2.7 yards per carry with zero rushes over 20 yards – which is surprising, considering Shane McLaughlin led the Ivy League in rushing last season.
Harvard’s secondary got carved up last week, as Brown quarterback Jake Wilcox went 21-for-37 passing with 288 yards and three scores. The Crimson benefitted from two Brown red-zone possessions that ended in a missed field goal and a turnover on downs. Still, Brown went up and down the field for 60 minutes.
New Hampshire has a much more potent passing game with three legitimate wide receivers who can create space.
Harvard played Stetson in its opener. The Crimson raced out to a 21-0 lead in the first seven minutes but punted or turned the ball over on nine of its next 11 possessions. That’s far from the dominant performance you would expect against a bottom-rated non-scholarship Pioneer Football League member.
Harvard couldn’t overwhelm Stetson in the trenches, and that’s concerning. The Crimson also produced seven negative plays in the game.
New Hampshire has an underrated front seven that’s already produced nine sacks and 18 tackles for loss this year. The Wildcats’ Flex Ruiz and Josiah Silver are Havoc-makers.
Harvard has been in third down too much this year, going 12-for-28. New Hampshire’s defense has held FCS opponents to 11-for-43 on third down.
Harvard’s poor run game and pension for negative plays will hurt it on Friday. Meanwhile, New Hampshire’s weapons should exploit the Crimson’s weak secondary.
Pick: New Hampshire ML (+120)
How to Watch New Hampshire vs Harvard Live: Start Time, TV Channel, Location
| Location: | Harvard Stadium, Boston, MA |
| Date: | Friday, Oct. 4 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | ESPN+ |
New Hampshire vs Harvard Betting Trends
- Harvard is 1-1 SU and ATS
- New Hampshire is 3-1 SU and ATS
New Hampshire vs Harvard Weather
