Rhody Welcomes Northeastern for its 2009 Finale

Nov. 18, 2009

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KINGSTON, R.I. - The Rhode Island football team (1-9; 0-7 CAA) returns home for its final game of the season on Saturday as it welcomes Northeastern. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. at Meade Stadium.

Saturday's game against Northeastern will serve as Senior Day for 21 Rhode Island players. Each of the players will be recognized in a ceremony before kickoff.

Northeastern comes into Meade Stadium in the hopes of building off a 14-13 victory over Hofstra last week at home. The Huskies enter the game with a running game, which ranks eighth in the CAA, averaging 123.0 yards per game. Junior running back John Griffin leads the Huskies' ground attack. In 2009, Griffin has rushed for 855 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Huskies rank last in the league in rushing defense (199.0 ypg) and 11th total defensive (393.6 ypg), however NU has picked off opposing quarterbacks 12 times, which ranks sixth in the CAA.

In four home games this season, the Rhode Island offense has averaged 24.8 points per game. URI also has scored on 11-of-13 trips to the redzone (85 percent). Defensively, Rhody has forced its opponents into eight turnovers (five - fumbles; three - interceptions).

Rhody enters Saturday's contest in the hopes of rebounding from last week's 41-17 loss at Maine. Despite the loss, Rhody held the Black Bear to 46 yards rushing. Maine's 46 yards rushing was the fewest Rhode Island had allowed this season.

URI also recorded its 10 interception of the year thanks to freshman Ellis Foster first career pick. Foster then raced 45 yards to the endzone to give the Rhody defensive unit its fourth defensive touchdown on the year.

On the offensive side of the ball, junior quarterback Chris Paul-Etienne threw a touchdown pass for the fourth-consecutive week as he hit senior Shawn Leonard from 35 yards out. In his last four games, Paul-Etienne has thrown eight touchdowns and just two interceptions.

Leonard surpassed 100 yards receiving (102) for the second straight week. In his last four games, Leonard has caught 25 passes for 513 yards and six touchdowns.

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