After 5-0 Start, URI Football Drops Third Straight
GoLocal Sports Team
After 5-0 Start, URI Football Drops Third Straight
Maine (4-4, 3-3 CAA Football) scored touchdowns on each of its first three possessions. Zavier Scott had a 1-yard touchdown, Devin Young caught a 31-yard touchdown pass from Derek Robertson and then Robertson connected with Andre Miller for a 22-yard score as the Black Bears built a 21-3 lead less than two minutes into the second quarter. A Maine field goal made it a 21-point game at the half.
Maine put up more than 500 yards in total offense.
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URI came roaring back to start the second half. The first play from scrimmage in the third quarter was a 68-yard touchdown pass from Kasim Hill to Paul Woods. On Maine's ensuing possession, cornerback Fredrick Mallay picked off Robertson, setting up a seven-play, 55-yard drive capped by a 3-yard touchdown pass from Hill to Jaylen Smith, getting URI within one score, 24-17, just five minutes into the half.
Later in the quarter, Robertson hit Daniel Rymer for a 28-yard touchdown to put Maine up 31-17, but Rhody responded with another touchdown drive. Hill hit Caleb Warren for a 5-yard touchdown to make it 31-24 with 14:08 remaining.
The next Maine possession proved to be a back-breaker. On first down, Henry Yianakopolos appeared to force a fumble on a 2-yard tackle for loss, but the runner was ruled down before the ball came loose. Maine was 4-for-4 on third-down conversions on the drive, and a potential URI interception fell to the ground despite three Rams having a shot at the ball. The Black Bears eventually scored on Robertson's fourth touchdown pass of the game, when he hit Shawn Bowman for a 13-yard score to cap the 14-play, 70-yard drive.
Maine added a rushing touchdown on its next possession to ice the game and secure the road win.
Inside the Box Score
Maine had 528 total yards of offense, rushing for 264 and passing for 266.
Rhode Island was just 2-for-12 on third downs, compared to 10-for-16 for the Black Bears.
Wide receiver Paul Woods had his best game for Rhode Island, catching four passes for 102 yards, including the 68-yard touchdown.
Rhode Island travels to Massachusetts for a non-conference game Saturday, Nov. 6. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. and will air on NESN+.