Durham, NH (SportsNetwork.com) - New Hampshire opened its 10th straight FCS playoff appearance by pounding Lafayette, 45-7, in the first round on Saturday.
Sean Goldrich threw for 267 yards and two touchdowns, R.J. Harris collected 173 receiving yards and a score, and UNH (8-4) had 10 sacks as it moved into the second round at fifth-seeded Maine next Saturday.
That game will be a CAA Football rematch of UNH's 24-3 home win over the Black Bears (10-2) last Saturday.
Lafayette (5-7), the Patriot League champion, was the first sub-.500 team to qualify for the playoffs, which began in 1978. The Leopards avoided a shutout by scoring on Mike Duncan's 7-yard touchdown reception from backup quarterback Blake Searfoss with 4:50 left in the fourth quarter.
UNH built a 31-0 halftime lead. Nick Cefalo scored on an 86-yard punt return in the second quarter.
The Wildcats outgained Lafayette, 551 yards to 333. Jay Colbert collected three of their 10 sacks.
Their run of playoff appearances is the longest active streak in the FCS.
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