Sept. 3, 2008
Fordham Game Notes 
KINGSTON, R.I. - The Rhode Island football team travels to Fordham on Saturday for its first road game of the season. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Jack Coffey Field in Bronx, N.Y.
Rhode Island comes into the game in the hopes of starting the year 2-0 for the first time since 2005. The Rams opened the 2008 campaign with a 27-24 victory over Monmouth at home as senior quarterback Derek Cassidy threw for a career-high 257 yards in the win.
"I was pleased with the play of the veterans, especially Derek Cassidy," said head coach Darren Rizzi on the CAA Football weekly teleconference on Monday. "Derek did a good job managing the game in a new offense."
Cassidy became the first URI quarterback to throw for over 250 yards since Jayson Davis (267 yards, 8/25/05 vs. Hofstra).
Freshman kicker Louis Feinstein also played a large role in the Rams victory last Saturday as he connected a pair of field goals, including a 47-yarder en route earning CAA Football Rookie of the Week honors.
"Coming into the first game of the season we were a little concerned about our kicking situation, but Louis (Feinstein) really did a great job for us on Saturday. He is a good kicker and he really has a ton of ability. His kickoffs were great. He also had a great punt inside the five, which gave us great field position on our next offensive series. The future is very bright for him."
Fordham is receiving votes in both the Sports Network and Coaches Polls. This Saturday marks the first game of the year for Fordham.
Fordham Game Notes
About the Rams
Rhode Island opened its 2008 campaign with a 27-24 triumph over Monmouth at home. With the win over the Hawks, the Rams have won seven of their last eight home openers.
Series Information
Rhode Island and Fordham have met seven times with Fordham holding a 4-3 series advantage. The two teams met a year ago in Kingston with Fordham edging Rhode Island 27-23. URI's last win against Fordham came back on Sept. 3, 2005, as Rhody won, 34-20.
What's in a Name?
Rhode Island and Fordham are the only two NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) schools with the nickname "Rams."
Casey Likely To Miss Remainder of 2008 Season
Senior All-American Joe Casey will likely miss the remainder of the 2008 football season after suffering a fracture of his left leg on Aug. 30 versus Monmouth. Casey suffered the injury at the 6:04 mark of the first quarter and was taken off the field via ambulance to South County Hospital. He had successful surgery, performed by team medical staff, and preliminary progress reports are positive.
Feinstein Takes Home CAA Football Rookie of the Week Honors
Rhode Island freshman kicker Louis Feinstein earned CAA Football Rookie of the Week honors, it was announced on Sept. 1. Feinstein began his collegiate career by accounting for nine Ram points in a 27-24 win over Monmouth. The California native hit 2-of-3 field goals - including a 47-yarder - and was a perfect 3-for-3 on extra points.
Cassidy Posts Career-High Passing Mark
Senior quarterback Derek Cassidy threw for a career-high 257 yards on 18-of-31 passing. Cassidy's previous career-high came against James Madison (10/13/07) when he threw for a 184 yards. His 18 completions and 31 pass attempts were also career-highs.
More about Cassidy's 250
Cassidy becomes the first URI quarterback to throw for over 250 yards since Jayson Davis (267 yards, 8/25/05 vs. Hofstra).
Hansen Matches Career Mark in Tackles
Sophomore linebacker Matt Hansen had a career-tying 10 tackles against Monmouth. Hansen's performance marked the third time in his career in which he has recorded 10 tackles (vs. Brown 9/29/07; vs. UMass 11/3/07; vs. Monmouth 8/30/08).
Leonard, Evans Haul Them In
Juniors Shawn Leonard and Tolbert Evans each pulled in a touchdown pass from QB Derek Cassidy on Aug. 30 vs. Monmouth. For Evans, it was his eighth career touchdown reception. For Leonard, it was his sixth.
New Coach
Former Rhody All-American tight end Darren Rizzi has returned to his alma mater as head coach. Rizzi served the previous six seasons as a key member of Greg Schiano's coaching staff at Rutgers. During that time, Rizzi elevated to the role of associate head coach, in charge of special teams and the linebacking corps. The Scarlet Knights made three consecutive Bowl trips, including a win at the 2008 International Bowl in Toronto. (For full Rizzi bio, see p. 3 of the notes)
New Look
The Rams have a new look on the field, with regard to the team's uniforms. The new helmet is Keaney Blue, with white Ram ram horns. The team also has new home and road uniforms, with "Rams" featured prominently on the front.
New Era
A new era of Rhody football begins this afternoon, as new head coach Darren Rizzi and his staff begin the 2008 season. With an exciting brand of football, Rizzi is intent on returning the Rams to the NCAA FCS Playoffs. In his introductory press conference on Dec. 18, 2007, Rizzi said: "Make no mistakes about it; this program will win, will consistently win, and win championships."
Same Faces, New Places for Two Local Products
Two key members of the 2007 URI football team have made position switches and have earned high marks from head coach Darren Rizzi and the coaching staff. Sophomore Matt Hansen - the team's top returning tackler - has made the switch from defensive back to linebacker. The Providence native led URI with 10 tackles vs. Monmouth on Aug. 30 He made 73 tackles a season ago. Junior David Wilson has switched from the defensive side of the ball and will line up as a tight end this year. Wilson made 17 tackles (nine solo) last year as a DE.
60 percent of the Time, It Works Every time
Heading into 2008 preseason training camp, close to 60% of the Rhody roster were newcomers. That list includes incoming freshmen, redshirt freshmen, and transfers.
Travel to see Rhody Play at Boston College
On Sept. 27, the bus for the Boston College game will depart the Mackal Fieldhouse at 9:30 a.m., followed by a pre-game reception at 11:30 a.m. Cost for this trip is $100 per person. The buses will depart back to the URI campus approximately 30 minutes after the conclusion of the game. Cost for both trips include roundtrip coach bus transportation, game ticket, and pre-game reception. There is limited availability for both trips, so sign up now! For more information, call (401) 874-2389 or email Colin Russell in the athletic development office.
Casey Tabbed As Preseason All-American, All-Conference Player
Senior running back Joe Casey earned numerous 2008 preseason all-american accolades. The 5-10, 215 rusher was named to the College Sporting News and The Sports Network's 2008 Preseason All-American teams. He also earned a spot on the 2008 CAA Football Preseason All-Conference team - the third consecutive season Casey has earned such honors.
Rams Picked Sixth in CAA Football Preseason Poll
Rhode Island was picked to finish sixth in the North Division. CAA Football consists of two six-team divisions - North and South. For the second straight year, Massachusetts was chosen to capture the CAA Football Championship, according to a vote of the league's 12 head coaches and selected media.
Next Up for the Rams: New Hampshire (Sept. 13)
Rhode Island hosts New Hampshire in the CAA Football opener on Sept. 13 at Meade Stadium. The game is part of the CAA Football Game of the Week and will be televised locally on Cox Sports Television (Ch.3).
