Nov. 3, 2007

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KINGSTON, R.I. -- D.J. Stefkovich's one-yard run in the first overtime period helped propel Rhode Island to a 12-6 victory over No. 3 Massachusetts in a stormy game at URI's Meade Stadium.

The win was URI's first over a ranked opponent since Oct. 28, 2006, when the Rams downed #19 Maine, 3-0. It was the first victory over a top 10 opponent since Sept. 17, 2005, when Rhody took care of No. 8 William & Mary, 49-25. Both wins came at Meade Stadium.

Both teams had to deal with tough weather conditions, due in large part to the remnants of Hurricane Noel passing through the Northeast. Rain and wind gusts from the North at up to 50 mph made kicking and punting a near impossibility, depending on which side of the field you were on.

"It was bad. I don't think people watching could understand it down on the field," Stefkovich said. "It affected the offense, the defense, the kicking. It was bad footing for the running backs, just tough for everyone."

The UMass offense, led by quarterback and Rhode Island native Liam Coen, was unable to get its running or passing attack going. Coen was just 7-of-22 for 22 yards, while the Minutemen rushed 39 times for just 117 yards on the ground.

"I really have to tip my cap to the defense. They pitched a shutout," Stefkovich added. "UMass is a terrific offensive team, no matter the conditions, and to hold them scoreless is just outstanding."

On their first play from scrimmage, the Minutemen fumbled on their 12 yard line and URI's LT Brantley was able to recover. That fumble recovery set up the first score of the game - a 26-yard field goal from Bryan Giannecchini just 1:18 into the contest.

After several failed drives for both teams, Rhode Island began on their own 23 with 3:48 left in the first quarter. Attempting to punt on 4th-and-2 at their own 31, there was a bad snap, which Giannecchini recovered and ran to the back of the endzone for a safety, making it 3-2.

In the second quarter, Rhody tacked on another field goal, capping a 14-play, 74 yard drive which took 6:32. Giannechhini split the uprights from 23 yards out, and URI led 6-2 at the break.

The Rams received the ball to start the second half and went three and out. But another bad snap to Giannecchini became another UMass safety, making it 6-4 with 13:15 left in the third.

Since the Rams were heading into the wind - which had proven to be a losing proposition when trying to punt throughout the game - Rhody went for it on 4th-and-6 at their own 36 yard line with just under three minutes to play. Jimmy Hughes gained just two yards and URI turned the ball over on downs.

"Certainly going for it on fourth down on our own 36 is not what we usually do, but that's what the weather and field conditions dictated." Stowers explained.

It set up one of UMass' best scoring opportunities of the afternoon. Beginning the drive at the URI 36, the Minutemen drove all the way down to the Rhody three-yard line, but Brantley and Steve Marrella were able to wrap up UMass' Matt Lawrence on 4th-and-goal and got the ball back.

However, on the ensuing possession, Stefkovich was sacked in the end zone for UMass' third safety of the contest - tying their own NCAA record for most two-pointers in a single-game. The two teams entered extra play tied at 6-6.

UMass won the coin toss and deferred possession, but Rhody was able to strike first - and fast. Stefkovich found Tim Allen on a 23-yard strike, taking him to the UMass two-yard line.

"That first play in overtime, it was similar to the one we used at Army," Stowers explained. "Not only did the conditions make it tough to throw the ball - and DJ made a heck of a throw - but it was also tough to catch the ball."

The sophomore quarterback from Westport, Conn. was unsuccessful on his first two attempts to get into the endzone, but got in on the third, giving URI a 12-6 advantage. It was the first and only touchdown of the game.

UMass was able to get to the 15 yard line and a first down, but had their chances ended when Adrian Owen intercepted Coen's pass at the URI three-yard line.

It was Owen who also made the game-clinching play on Sept. 29 at Brown, when made a tackle at the one-yard line as the Bears were driving.

="With the exception of the Delaware game, everytime we lost this season, it was because we shot ourselves in the foot," Owen said. "But today, taking down the No. 3 team in the country, I think we've proved a lot to ourselves, our coaches, and everyone out there. URI football made a big statement today."