How it Happened
Minnesota wore down Rhode Island and handed the Rams a 48-0 defeat Saturday afternoon.

Rhody (1-1) hung tough early, as the defense played well and kept the score to 3-0 heading into the second quarter. However, URI managed just 19 offensive snaps in the first half – compared to 40 for Minnesota – and the hosts gradually established control.

A 14-point quarter by Minnesota (1-1) was the difference. Leading 3-0, the Gophers found the end zone with a 13-play, 83-yard drive that culminated with a Darius Taylor 1-yard touchdown run four minutes into the second quarter. The extended drive put the Gophers on top 10-0. Just before the half, the Gophers added to the lead with another long drive. Marcus Majors ran it in from 2-yards out to cap a 14-play, 85-yard drive just 1:16 before the half.

Minnesota threatened to score again before the half after a fumble recovery at the URI 19-yard line. However, the defense stood tall, and a 14-yard sack by A.J. Pena on third down pushed the Gophers back to Rhody 23, leading to a missed 55-yard field goal attempt on the final play of the half.

The opening drive of the second half essentially sealed the result. Minnesota ate more than seven minutes of clock, driving 73 yards in 12 plays for its third touchdown. Max Brosmer connected with Cristian Driver on a 6-yard touchdown pass midway through the quarter to make the score 24-0. The Gophers added three more touchdowns and a field goal after the game was in hand.

Inside the Box Score

• Minnesota had 422 total yards of offense, while Rhode Island was limited to 135.
• The Gophers had a 27-6 edge in first downs and held the ball for 40:32, compared to 19:28 for Rhody.
• Former New Hampshire quarterback Max Brosmer was 24-of-30 for 271 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
• Linebacker A.J. Pena had seven tackles, including Rhode Island's first sack of the season
• Pena has 15.5 sacks and is just the ninth player in program history to top 15 for his career. He had nine last season as a sophomore.
• Linebacker Cole Brockwell had a career-high 13 tackles, including seven solo stops.
• Defensive back Emmanuel Gomes, linebacker Gabe Salomons, defensive back Andre DePina-Gray and defensive tackle Westley Neal, Jr. all had six tackles.
• Wide receiver Marquis Buchanan led the offense with five catches for 64 yards.
• Punter Devin Walter punted five times for 202 yards, averaging 40.4 yards per attempt, including a long of 49 yards.
• Running back Deon Silas and linebacker Cole Brockwell served as the game captains, while wide receiver Greg Gaines III was the anchor bearer.
• Quarterback Alex McClelland and Ja'Maree Thomas were the scout team players of the week.

Up Next
The Rams open CAA Football action when it hosts Campbell for Educators Night/Junior Ruckus Game on Saturday, Sept. 14. Kickoff is at 6:05 p.m. and the game will stream on FloFootball.com.