The University of Rhode Island’s football team suffered another beatdown on Saturday, falling 35-7 at the hands of the University of Albany.
This was the first chance for the Rams to prove their progression, after losing 35-21 last season in one of the more closely contested games of the season.
Unfortunately, this loss reflected the same old story.
The Rams fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter, as Albany surpassed the Rams 115-24 in total yards. Conversely, the second quarter saw Rhody hold Albany to just 40 total yards, while gaining 89 yards themselves. Despite the Rams’ defense stepping up and keeping Albany off the scoreboard, Rhode Island had trouble finding the endzone, fumbling three times.
“We turned the ball over too much again,†head coach Jim Fleming said. “On offense we showed a spark and had a couple multiple-play drives, but unfortunately it didn’t end up in points.â€
The second half was more of the same for Rhode Island as they were outscored 21-7, with their only touchdown coming being a 21-yard pass from junior quarterback Paul Mroz to freshman Khayri Denny when the game was already well out-of-hand.
Rhode Island rushed for 120 yards compared to the Danes’ 163 yards, and threw for 180 yards next to Albany’s 191 yards.
One big advantage that the Danes held was their third down conversion rate, as they converted 10 of 15 third downs compared to the just 5 of 15 that Rhode Island converted.
“At times we stepped up defensively, but it was the same old story,†Fleming said. “We have to find ways to finish games better.â€
The Rams also hurt their chances with their five turnovers, which resulted in Albany holding the ball for 11 more minutes overall than the Rams.
The Rams will look to get their first win of the year when they have their home opener against No. 25 Harvard University on Saturday, Sept. 19, at Meade Stadium.