Sept 28, 2002

Final Stats

ORONO, Maine (AP) - Marcus Williams ran for 198 yards on 25 carries to lead 3rd-ranked Maine to a 31-14 win over Rhode Island in an Atlantic 10 game Saturday.

The Black Bears (5-0), playing without their top two wide receivers, took control of a close game with three consecutive second-half touchdowns.

Rhode Island (1-3) was led by true freshman quarterback Jayson Davis, who rushed 25 times for 144 yards.

Maine opened the scoring late in the second quarter when John Gelsomino capped an eight-play, 66-yard drive with a 1-yard touchdown plunge.

After a 37-yard field goal by Mike Mellow put the Black Bears up 10-0, Davis closed the first half with a 1-yard touchdown run for the Rams.

Rhode Island took a 14-10 lead in the third quarter when Davis scored on a 40-yard touchdown run.

But Maine grabbed the lead for good when quarterback Jake Eaton connected with freshman Ryan Waller for a 10-yard touchdown reception late in the third quarter.

Eaton overcame the loss of Stefan Gomes and Paris Minor, who were kicked off the team this week for violations of the student code of conduct, to complete 16 passes for 183 yards.

Maine is off to its best start since 1989, when the team opened with an 8-0 record.