Nov. 4, 2006

Box Score

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Paced by three first quarter touchdowns, the University of Rhode Island earned its fourth victory of the season - and second in as many weeks - downing Hofstra, 20-13, at Shuart Stadium.

The win improved the Rams' record to 4-5 overall and 2-4 in Atlantic 10 Football League play.

"We started well, despite a young offense and an injury to our best rusher." head coach Tim Stowers said. "Hofstra showed their character coming back like they did. I was a little disappointed we couldn't find that knockout punch, but that is just A-10 football - finding a way to win on the road."

URI's top rusher Joe Casey left the game early in the first with an injury and did not return.

Rhode Island scored on its first drive of the game, as quarterback Derek Cassidy found the end zone from a yard out with 9:26 to play in the first quarter. The score capped off a 13-play, 80 yard drive. URI did not convert the extra-point kick after a bad snap.

On its first defensive stand, Rhody held the Pride to a three-and-out and downed the Hofstra punt near midfield. A pass interference call against Hofstra on third down moved the Rams to the 41 yard line. On the ensuing play, Tolbert Evans rushed for 35 yards to the Hofstra six, before Jimmy Hughes found the end zone with 5:35 left in the period.

Rhody's next touchdown came less than a minute later. After Chad Waltrip forced a fumble, which was recovered by Adrien Owen at the Hofstra 30, Cassidy connected with Evans on a 30-yard scoring strike, making it 20-0 with 4:49 left in the quarter.

"I felt good in the first half." Cassidy commented. "We were moving the ball well, so it made it more comfortable for me throwing down field."

Hofstra got on the scoreboard in the second quarter, on a two-yard scamper by Terry Crenshaw with 7:14 left in the half. After a punt by URI on its next offensive possession, the Ram defense made one of its many contributions of the afternoon. On first down, Hofstra QB Dennis Davis dropped back to pass, but was picked off by Virgil Gray, who returned the interception 32 yards to the Hofstra 13, with 3:35 remaining in the first half.

"Shaine Smith is the best receiver we have faced so far. We knew they were going to look for him all day so we just focused on stopping the pass." said Rhody DB Raquan Pride.

But Cassidy would fumble after a sack, which was recovered by Hofstra. They drove all the way to the URI 15 yard line, but the Rhody defense would limit their offense to just a field goal. The Rams took a 20-10 advantage into the locker room at the half.

The Pride added another field goal to start the third, converting the three-pointer after a 15-play, 53-yard drive which made it a one-touchdown deficit with 7:14 in the quarter.

The Ram defense held Hofstra out of URI territory until late in the fourth quarter. After a 25-yard pass play from the Davis to Marquis Bonds took Hofstra to the Rhody 35, the Pride were unable to convert their next three plays, turning the ball over on downs.

For the game, Derek Cassidy was 7-for-12 for 170 yards and a touchdown. Evans led all Rhody rushers with 64 yards while also catching a 30-yard TD pass. Shawn Leonard led the receivers with four receptions for 120 yards. Defensively, Raquan Pride made 12 tackles (six solo), while Gray added an interception and Dana Hart notched a sack.

"Our players have taken the challenge to change history personally." Stowers added. "We are 50 percent of the way there with two games to play. This was also the first time we had won here since 1954. It shows how well our team listens and wants to win."

The win was just URI's second in 12 previous meetings versus Hofstra.

Rhode Island closes out its 2006 home slate next week when it hosts New Hampshire. Kickoff at Meade Stadium - on Senior Day - is set for noon.