Rhody Plays Host to Hofstra on Homecoming

Oct. 14, 2009

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KINGSTON, R.I. - The Rhode Island football team (1-4; 0-2 CAA) welcomes Hofstra (3-3; 1-2 CAA) to Meade Stadium on Saturday for the 83rd homecoming game. Kickoff is set for Noon.

Homecoming has been an official event at the University of Rhode Island since 1924. Since that time, the Rams have posted an overall record of 37-44-1. There was no Homecoming game from 1943-45 as Rhode Island canceled football because of World War II.

Rhody enters its homecoming games in the hopes of rebounding from a 36-28 loss last weekend at home against Towson.

Despite the loss, the Rams outgained its opponent for the second straight week, but had an uncharacteristic three fumbles, which led to a pair of Towson touchdowns. Prior to last Saturday's contest, URI had only lost three fumbles on the year.

Against Towson, senior quarterback D.J. Stefkovich filled in for injured starting quarterback Chris Paul-Etienne and threw for 163 yards. He also tossed a career-high three touchdowns.

Freshman running back Ayo Isijola also chipped in with a career-high 100 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown. With his 100-yard effort, Isijola become the first URI running back since Anthony Ferrer (Nov. 17, 2007) to rush for 100 yards or more in a single game.

Defensive for Rhody, junior safety Jarrod Williams had two interceptions. In URI's last two games, the Pennsylvania native has picked off opposing quarterbacks three times.

As a team, the Rhody secondary has recorded seven interceptions, which is tied for fifth in the CAA.

This week, the Rams face a Hofstra team, which enters Saturday's contest looking to rebound from a 16-14 loss at home to Maine. In that contest, outgained Maine 533-311, but turned the ball over five times, which resulted into two Black Bear touchdowns.

Hofstra quarterback Cory Christopher leads the team offensively. In six games this season, Chrsitopher has thrown for 1,110 yards and six touchdowns, while completing over 60 percent of his passes (62.1 percent).

The Pride ground attack has been a running back by committee this season as five Hofstra players have totaled 150-or-more yards rushing.

Defensively, senior Luke Bonus leads the squad in tackles (49) and tackles for loss (5.0).

As always, Steve McDonald and Terry Lynch will handle the play-by-play on the Rams Radio Network (WHJJ 920 AM).