Rhody Set to Open 2011 Season at Syracuse

Sept. 7, 2011

Game Notes | Listen Live (WHJJ 920 AM) | Watch Live (ESPN3.com)
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KINGSTON, R.I. -- Rhode Island is set to open its 2011 season when it travels to the Carrier Dome on Saturday to face Syracuse at 4:30 p.m.

Television Clearances:
Rhode Island - Cox Sports Television
New York - Time Warner Sports; SNY; Big East Network

Radio:
WHJJ 920 AM (Steve McDonald, Terry Lynch) - pre-game show set to begin at 4:15 p.m.

RHODE ISLAND VS. SYRACUSE - ALL-TIME SERIES
The Rams and the Orange have met on one previous occasion, with SU taking a 63-17 victory on Sept. 14, 2002 in the Carrier Dome.

RHODE ISLAND VS. THE BIG EAST - ALL-TIME SERIES
The Rams are 0-3 all-time in games against teams from the Big East. URI dropped its lone previous meeting versus Syracuse, as well as two matchups against Connecticut - 52-7 on Aug. 31, 2006 and 52-10 on Sept. 26, 2009.

RHODE ISLAND IN SEASON-OPENERS
Since 1895 - the first season that the University of Rhode Island sponsored football - the Rams are 49-55-7 all-time in season openers. Last year, Rhody opened the season with a 31-0 loss at Buffalo on Sept. 2, 2010.

RAMS WELCOME BACK 18 STARTERS
Following a five win season in 2010 - most wins since 2001 - the Rams welcome back 18 starters in the form of 11 on offense, five on defense and two from the special teams' unit.

PROBST LOOKS TO BUILD OFF OF IMPRESSIVE 2010 SEASON
Quarterback Steve Probst returns for his senior season and will look to build off of his 2010 season, which saw him lead the team in passing (1,876 yards) and rushing (600). His 1,876 passing yards ranked fifth in CAA Football and his 225.9 total yards per game average was third best in the league. He also accounted for 16 touchdowns (9 passing/7 rushing).

FUMBLE!
The Rhode Island defense gained 13 fumbles in 2010, which ranked second in the CAA. Since Joe Trainer took over as head coach in 2009, the Rams have recovered a league-best 28 fumbles.

GETTING IT DONE IN THE CLASSROOM
This past year 13 players were selected to the CAA Football All-Academic team. In two years, the Rams have placed 23 players on the team - a number that ranks third in CAA Football during that period.