URI Battles UNH

URI Battles UNH

It was the craziest game - big plays and failed plays. Rhode Island battled at UNH homecoming, but in the end Rhode Island could not replicate the super win they had over Delaware.

Rhode Island rallied from a 15-point second half deficit to take a lead, but #10 New Hampshire scored the final 10 points of the game to beat the Rams 31-24 Saturday.

The game was symbolic of the URI season - tons of excitement and lots of action, but unfortunately just a little short.

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The Rams (2-6, 1-4 CAA) trailed 21-6 just 26 seconds into the second half before a furious scoring spree that saw Rhody score 18 points in 4:18. A 43-yard field goal by Louis Feinstein put URI up 24-21 with 5:51 to go in the third quarter.

New Hampshire (6-2, 4-1 CAA) responded as quarterback Kevin Decker scored on a 1-yard touchdown plunge to reclaim the lead. Decker set up the score with a 40-yard scramble two plays earlier.

The Wildcats extended the lead on a field goal by Mike MacArthur with 11:08 remaining. After its scoring outburst in the third quarter - the 18 points was a team-best in any quarter this season - Rhode Island was unable to score in the final quarter.

Inside the Box Score and Beyond:

* Rhode Island's defense caused a pair of turnovers that led to 10 points. Linebacker Doug Johnson's interception set up a touchdown run by quarterback Steve Probst, and a fumble recovery by Darrell Dulany led to a 43-yard field goal by Louis Feinstein.

* Starting quarterback Bob Bentsen set a career high with 59 rushing yards. He had 41 yards on the ground in the first quarter, topping his previous best of 33 yards.

* Steve Probst was very efficient on the ground for Rhode Island. Probst had three carries for 15 yards, but those three carries resulted in two touchdowns and one first down.

* Wide receiver Brandon Johnson-Farrell followed up his six-catch, 100-yard game last week with seven grabs for 89 yards and a touchdown against New Hampshire. Probst 3 carries, 2 TDs and a first down.

* Linebacker Doug Johnson and defensive back Evan Shields led Rhody with eight tackles each. Johnson had a sack and an interception, while Shields forced a fumble that led to a field goal.

Next Up:

Rhode Island returns home for a game with William & Mary Saturday, Nov. 5. Visit ExperienceRhody.com for ticket information. 

EDITOR's NOTE: Game Notes provided by URI Sports