Oct. 18, 2008

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KINGSTON, R.I. - The Rhode Island football team (2-6 overall; 0-4 CAA Football) dropped a 44-7 decision at home to No. 7/10 Villanova. Saturday afternoon's contest marked URI's 80th homecoming game.

The Rams opened the scoring in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead. URI drove 80 yards in nine plays in 4:31. Senior quarterback Derek Cassidy (Winter Haven, Fla.) capped the drive with a 21-yard rush.

The drive was set up after sophomore Matt Hansen (Providence, R.I.) forced a fumble on the goal line.

Cassidy ran to the left and then raced up the sideline to collect his third rushing touchdown on the year. The URI quarterback finished the game going 22-of-34 for 171 yards.

Senior Jimmy Hughes (Westport, Conn.) and junior Shawn Leonard (Stoughton, Mass.) each caught six passes. Leonard led the way with 72 receiving yards.

The Rams recovered the ball in the endzone, forcing a touchback. The Rams' defense would later force another fumble, which halted a Villanova drive in the second quarter.

Hansen finished the game with a game-high 11 tackles. The URI sophomore has now registered 10-or-more tackles in five games this season.

Following Rhode Island's scoring drive, Villanova responded with an 84-yard touchdown pass to tie the game at 7-7, which was the longest in school.

The Wildcats then went on to score the 37 unanswered points, securing the victory and improving to 5-1 and 3-0 in CAA Football.

Rhode Island returns to action on Oct. 25 as it travels to Williamsburg, Va. for a 1 p.m. kickoff at William and Mary.