CASTLETON — Vermont made a statement Saturday in the 73rd Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl, rolling to a 42-12 victory over New Hampshire at Dave Wolk Stadium and establishing a new milestone: the Green Mountain State’s fourth consecutive win in the long-running series.
Defense sets the tone
The game's outcome was never really in doubt after Vermont built a 28-0 halftime lead. Vermont’s defense controlled the line of scrimmage, limiting New Hampshire to just 52 rushing yards and frustrating the Granite State offense throughout the afternoon. The Catamounts forced the opening points on a blocked punt that resulted in a safety and followed quickly with a touchdown drive.
Vermont finished with 208 rushing yards as a team, turning the clock and methodically wearing down New Hampshire’s front. The visitors managed just 148 yards through the air; most of that total came late in the fourth quarter on a halfback toss that produced New Hampshire’s lone meaningful passing touchdown.
Fire lit by pregame barbs
The game carried a little extra edge. During the banquet the night before, Vermont coach Ethan Curtis delivered a speech about the game's meaning to his program. According to Curtis and assistant coaches, New Hampshire head coach Tim Snow quipped that Curtis’ remarks “must've been written by ChatGPT.” Whether intended as a joke or not, Curtis said his team took offense.
"Obviously, (Snow) didn’t take this game as serious as some of us do," Curtis said. "But especially when you make comments about Vermont, I get very defensively. I love Vermont."
Curtis’ comments reflected a familiar competitive streak. Players and coaches said the perceived slight helped sharpen focus during preparation, and the effort showed on the field.
Key moments and individual efforts
Vermont struck early and often. The safety on a blocked punt provided an immediate two-point cushion and swung momentum firmly to the home side. A quick touchdown drive shortly thereafter extended the lead, and by halftime the Catamounts had turned a tense rivalry contest into a one-sided affair.
Vermont’s running game controlled time of possession and opened up opportunities. New Hampshire’s offense never found a consistent rhythm against the Catamounts’ defensive plan. Even as New Hampshire squeezed off a late touchdown, the damage had been done.
- Final score: Vermont 42, New Hampshire 12
- Vermont rushing: 208 yards (team)
- New Hampshire rushing: 52 yards
- Series note: New Hampshire still leads the all-time series, but Vermont has won four straight in this matchup.
What the win means
The victory is Vermont’s fourth straight in the Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl and its sixth in the last decade against New Hampshire, giving the state a run of success in a rivalry that historically has favored the Granite State. According to available tallies, New Hampshire maintains a sizable all-time lead in the matchup, but recent results point to shifting momentum.
| Stat | Vermont | New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing yards (team) | 208 | 52 |
| Passing yards | (Not fully detailed) | 148 |
| All-time series | New Hampshire leads 50-20-2 (per available records) | |
Voices from the field
Vermont coaches emphasized preparation — watching film, scheming against tendencies and keeping players focused. Jamal Saibou, a Vermont graduate, described the team’s approach as methodical: study the opponent, execute the plan, then let the game take care of itself. The margin of victory suggested the plan worked.
For New Hampshire, adjustments were few and far between. The offense made a late push but not until the Catamounts had already turned the game into a rout. The final minutes produced a touchdown that padded the visitors’ scoreboard but did little to alter the narrative.
Looking ahead
Vermont will enjoy the local bragging rights and the momentum that comes from a decisive victory over a traditional rival. For New Hampshire, the game will be a reminder that preparation and respect can shape how these annual meetings play out. If nothing else, Saturday’s game was another chapter in a rivalry that continues to evolve — and one that still means a lot to both sides.
On a hot afternoon at Castleton, the Catamounts reminded their neighbors north of the border that when Vermont comes ready to play, it can be a hard team to stop.
