Rams Tripped Up By Villanova's Second Half Surge

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HOW IT HAPPENED
Rhode Island (0-2, 0-1 CAA Football) took a 10-7 lead into the half, but Villanova (2-1, 1-0 CAA Football) scored 24 unanswered points after the break en route to a 31-10 win Saturday.

The Rams took its first lead of the season when sophomore Dylan Smith connected on a 25-yard field goal with 4:18 to go in the second quarter. Villanova retook the lead, 14-10, on a 1-yard plunge by quarterback John Robinson on the opening drive of the third quarter, and built on the lead from there.

INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• Wide receiver Billy Morgan scored the first touchdown of the season for the Rams on a 25-yard pass from Bob Bentsen in the first quarter. It was Rhode Island's longest play from scrimmage this season. Morgan had 108 all-purpose yards, his second straight week above the century mark.
• Wide receiver Brandon Johnson-Farrell finished the game with seven catches for 49 yards. He now has 159 career catches, just one behind Darren Rizzi for fourth place in school history. 
• Sophomore kicker Dylan Smith continued his strong season, converting a 25-yard field goal and an extra point. He has made the first three field goal attempts of his career, and leads the Rams in scoring with 10 points.
• Through the first six quarters of the season, Rhode Island's offensive line did not allow a sack. Bentsen was sacked for the first time with 3:25 to go in the third quarter.
• Defensive back Clement Ani led the defense with nine tackles, matching his output from the season opener.
• Senior defensive lineman Shomari Watts had two tackles, including one sack.
• Defensive end James Timmins had three of the team's five pass break-ups.
• Rhode Island's captains for the game were defensive back Clement Ani, tight end Joe Migliarese and punter/defensive back Tim Wienclaw.

STAT OF THE DAY
Villanova had 173 rushing yards in the second half. The Wildcats had 110 yards on 16 attempts in the third quarter, averaging 6.9 yards per carry.

WHAT'S NEXT
Rhode Island hosts James Madison (2-1) Saturday, Sept. 22. James Madison - which fell 42-12 to West Virginia Saturday - is ranked No. 4 in the FCS by The Sports Network Poll, and No. 5 in the FCS Coaches Poll.