Football Shutout at Home Against No. 15/15 Massachusetts

Nov. 1, 2008

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KINGSTON, R.I. -The Rhode Island football team (2-8 overall; 0-6 CAA Football) was held scoreless on Saturday as it fell 49-0 to No. 15/15 Massachusetts.

With the loss, the Rams dropped to 2-3 at home this season.

Rams' quarterback Derek Cassidy (Winter Haven, Fla.) tossed for 185 yards on 13-of-24 passing with no touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. Cassidy's two interceptions were uncharacteristic for the URI senior, who came into Saturday's game, having thrown just four picks at Meade Stadium all year.

Freshman wide receiver Brandon Johnson-Farrell (Odenton, Md.) led the team with four receptions. Johnson-Farrell has caught at least one pass in every game this season.

Junior wide receiver Joe Bellini paced the squad with 65 yards receiving. Bellini's 65-yard output was the highest receiving total he has posted since URI's game against nationally-ranked New Hampshire (Sept. 13) where he had a career-high 80 yards receiving.

Defensively, URI sophomore Matt Hansen (Providence, R.I.) led the team with 8.0 tackles, including three that went for a loss.

The Rams fell behind early as UMass got the scoreboard in the first quarter thanks to Tony Nelson's two-yard touchdown rush.

The Minutemen's scoring drive was set up following an interception by UMass junior linebacker Josh Jennings. Jennings interception occurred on the Rams' first offensive series of the game.

Later in the quarter Nelson would find the endzone once again as he rushed in from 13 yards out, which pushed the UMass advantage to 14-0. Nelson's second rushing touchdown of the game capped a six-play, 78 yard drive for the Minutemen.

In the second quarter, UMass scored 21 points, which gave the Minutemen a 35-0 halftime lead.

URI had a pair of chances to get on the board in the first half, but freshmen kicker Louis Feinstein (Irvine, Calif.) missed a both field goals, one from 40 yards and another from 34 yards to keep the Rams scoreless heading into halftime.

In the second half, UMass scored on its opening offensive possession to take a 42-0 lead. UMass quarterback Liam Coen hit junior wide receiver Victor Cruz for his second touchdown reception of the afternoon.

UMass added another score in the fourth quarter to make the score 49-0.

Coen finished the day 15-of-17 for 241 yards with three touchdown passes.

Rhode Island returns to action on Nov. 15 as it welcomes Maine for a 1 p.m. kickoff.