Sept. 27, 2008
Box Score |
Quotes
CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. -- Rhode Island dropped a 42-0 decision this afternoon in rainy, windy conditions at Boston College.
In the first meeting between the two schools since 1917, the Rams (1-4, 0-2 CAA) took a drive up Route 95 and made a step up in the level of competition.
"Coach told us if anyone didn't think we could win, don't get on the bus," said wide receiver Shawn Leonard. "We prepared to play our best, we went out there, and played hard. It wasn't the result we wanted, but it was fun to compete against the highest level."
"This was a great learning experience and I think our guys learned a very valuable lesson today, " head coach Darren Rizzi said. "This is the third straight week where I have been proud of the way our guys have played."
The Rams' defense started strong in the first quarter, forcing the Eagles (3-1, 0-1 ACC) to punt away on their first three possessions - including a three-and-out near the end of the period.
But in the second quarter, BC swapped out quarterbacks and began to focus on the run. Freshman running back Montel Harris scored his first of three rushing touchdowns with 10:53 left in the period, taking the ball into the end zone from five yards out to make it 7-0, BC.
After a three-and-out for the Rams on their next possession, BC began on the 50 yard line and found the endzone on just two plays - a 26-yard run by Jeff Smith and a 24-yard scoring scamper by backup quarterback Dominique Davis, making it 14-0 with 8:05 to go in the first half.
Two URI turnovers - an interception and fumble by quarterback Derek Cassidy - led to two more BC touchdowns. Smith and Harris rushed in from seven and three yards out, respectively, making it 28-0 at the half.
"The only stats that matter today are the turnovers," Rizzi said. "I told our guys all week that this game was going to come down to fundamentals. When you turn the ball over a couple times like we did today it really puts you in a tough spot, especially when you are playing against a very talented football team like Boston College."
Rhody showed its special teams strength to start the second half, as Terence Glenn recovered an on-side kick by Louis Feinstein, to begin their drive at the BC48 yard line. That same drive, on 4th and 4, punted Tim Edger threw a nine-yard pass to Joe Bellini for a first down play. URI would drive to the BC 23, but Cassidy's pass to tight end David Wilson on 4th and 1 went incomplete.
On the first play of Boston College's next drive, Willie McGinnis forced a fumble and recovered it on the Eagles' 21 yard line. Cassidy looked to the end zone, but threw his second pick of the game, as Paul Anderson returned it 38 yards to the BC 44. Harris would rush eight times during the drive, crossing the goal line from three yards away, making it 35-0, with 5:42 to play in the 3rd quarter.
After completing passes to Brandon Johnson-Farrell - a 17-yard reception - and Sean Scott - a 22 yard strike - Cassidy threw his third interception of the game, which BC's Mark Herzlich returned 60 yards for the score, making it 42-0 with just over four minutes to play in the quarter.
Rhody's longest drive of the game came in the fourth quarter, as Cassidy orchestrated an 11-play, 38 yard drive to the BC 18 yard line. Freshman kicker Louis Feinstein narrowly missed a 36-yard field goal attempt with 8:40 to play.
For the game, Rhode Island totaled 267 yards of total offense, recording 19 first downs. Derek Cassidy was 26-of-41, for 189 yards. Brandon Johnson-Farrell caught seven balls, for 67 yards, while Sean Scott caught three balls for 47 yards. Jimmy Hughes (26 yards) and Shawn Leonard (14 yards) each pulled in four receptions. Anthony Ferrer rushed six times for 33 yards to lead the ground attack.
Defensively, Victor Adesanya led the Rams with seven tackles (four solo), while Joseph Harris had six (four solo) and Dan O'Connell five (four solo). Matt Hansen registered four tackles - including three solo stops.
"We were very excited to come up here," Hansen said. "I think the guys had some fun playing in this environment."
The offensive line for the Rams had a solid day of protection for Cassidy, holding Boston College to just two quarterback sacks.
"Those are the biggest guys I have ever faced," said senior offensive lineman Fran Dempsey. "Not only were they big, but they were quick. For the most part, I think we did a good job protecting Derek (Cassidy)."
The senior signal-caller agreed: "Nobody has a bigger heart than our offensive line. I wouldn't trade those guys for the world."
URI returns to action next Saturday - Oct. 4 - when it hosts Brown for the 93rd time in the annual Governor's Cup game. Kickoff at Meade Stadium is set for 1 p.m. and the game can be seen live on NESN, as well as a live video stream, via GoRhody.com and Rhody All-Access' free preview.
