Robert Simpson scored on a 3-yard run in the first quarter for New Hampshire (7-2, 4-2). Tom Bishop added two field goals, including a 23-yarder that cut Villanova's lead to 14-13 with 6:53 left in the third. But Bishop missed a field goal later in the third. New Hampshire threatened in the fourth, driving down to the Villanova 29-yard line with :22 left, but turned the ball over on downs.
R.J. Toman was 18-for-28 for 264 yards for New Hampshire but was sacked five times, while Mike Boyle had five catches for 101 yards. Whitney was 10-for-14 for 80 yards with one interception for Villanova.
Villanova held New Hampshire to just 50 yards rushing on 34 carries.
Villanova came into the game ranked No. 6 in The Sports Network poll and No. 8 in the FCS Coaches Poll. New Hampshire was ranked eighth and seventh, respectively.