HOW IT HAPPENED
No. 18/19 Rhode Island (5-2, 3-2 CAA Football) was shut out for the first time since 2016, falling 44-0 at No. 5/5 Villanova Saturday.

After punting on its first possession, Villanova (6-1, 4-0 CAA Football) scored on its next four possessions. The Wildcats got a 3-yard touchdown run from Jalen Jackson, then turned a Rhody fumble into a 5-yard touchdown pass from Daniel Smith to Todd Summers.

Smith later added a 23-yard touchdown pass to Rayjoun Pringle. Cole Bunce's 41-yard field goal in the final minute of the second quarter capped the scoring as Villanova took a 24-0 lead into the break.

The Wildcats added 20 more points in the second half to run away with the victory. Villanova is in sole possession of first place in the CAA, holding wins over both second-place James Madison and third-place Rhode Island.

Inside the Box Score

• Villanova also was the last team to shut Rhode Island out, doing so with a 35-0 win on Oct. 8, 2016. 
• Rhode Island was just 3-of-13 on third down and and 0-for-4 on fourth down.
• The Wildcats were 6-for-15 on third down and 2-for-2 on fourth down.
• Villanova outgained Rhode Island, 511-165.
• Senior Justice Antrum rushed for 60 yards on nine carries despite being limited by an injury
• Freshman Jaylen Smith made his first career start at running back and finished with 47 yards on 11 carries.
• Redshirt junior Ed Lee had two catches, both of which resulted in first downs during the first half.
• Through the first five games, Rhode Island outscored opponents 44-0 in points off turnovers. Over the last two games, it has been a 27-0 edge for the opposition.
• Senior Andre Blackett led the defense with 13 tackles, one tackle for loss and one forced fumble.
• Redshirt freshman Evan Stewart had seven stops, while senior Coby Tippett had seven tackles and a fumble recovery.
• Redshirt junior Davey Shaum-Bartocci had a strong day, averaging 43.2 yards on five punts.
• The anchor bearer for the game was Andre Blackett, while Evan Lovell and Henry Yianakopolos served as the game captains.

What's Next
Rhode Island returns home to host Maine on Saturday, Oct. 30. Game time is set for 1:05 p.m.