Rams defeated by Hofstra in last seconds

The University of Rhode Island Rams football team lost 23-20 on a last-second field goal against Hofstra University on Saturday.In a back-and-forth, neck and neck, nail-biter of a game, the Rams suffered their third straight loss at James M. Shuart Stadium, in Hempstead, N.Y.

The Rams took no time getting on the scoreboard, scoring on their first drive. The 5-play, 73-yard drive was completed on senior running back Jimmy Hughes' 37 yard touchdown run.

The Rams held onto their 7-0 lead until midway through the second quarter, when Hofstra drove 77 yards down the field on 13 plays to kick a 21-yard field goal.

The Pride quickly regained possession, recovering a fumble by Hughes only 21 yards away from the end zone. Hofstra covered those 21 yards in just three plays, scoring on a 6-yard touch down run by Everette Benjamin. Hofstra kicker Brian Hanly failed to convert on the extra point, sending the game to half time with the score at 9-7.

The score remained the same until the fourth quarter. On the first play of the quarter, senior quarterback Derek Cassidy completed a 36 yard pass to junior wide receiver Shaun Leonard. The following play, Cassidy rushed for a 12 yard gain, bringing the Rams to the Hofstra two yard line.

The drive was finished when Cassidy threw a two yard touch down pass to full back Anthony Ferrer. Freshman kicker Louis Feinstein converted the extra point, giving the Rams a 14-9 lead.

The Pride responded by driving 72 yards on 11 plays to score on a one yard run by quarterback Cory Christopher. Hofstra made up for their extra point missed earlier on with a two-point conversion, taking a 17-14 lead.

Rhode Island was forced to punt the ball back to Hofstra with just seven minutes left to play. The Pride worked their way up the field en route to a 33 yard field goal by freshman kicker Roger Williams, who replaced Brian Hanly.

With 3:31 to play facing a 20-14 deficit, the Rams knew the importance of this drive. Facing a fourth down in Hofstra territory, Ferrer broke off a 21-yard run to bring URI to the 1-yard line. Ferrer carried the ball in on the following play, tying the score 20-20. With a chance to take the lead, the Rams failed to convert on the extra point, leaving the score even.

Starting from their 21 yard line, with just 47 seconds remaining and no time outs, it looked as if Hofstra would not have enough team to drive down the field and end the game. Following several completed passes and spiked balls to stop the clock, the Pride had made their way into field goal territory. With the game on the line, Williams knocked it through the uprights with just three seconds remaining, giving Hofstra a 23-20 victory.

Senior quarterback Derek Cassidy continued his successful season, passing for 248 yards with one touch down. Cassidy has thrown for at least 200 yards in all four games this season.

Hughes led the team in rushing, gathering 49 yards and a touch down over eleven carries. Ferrer rushed three times for 25 yards and a score, on top of his two yard touch down reception.

Freshman wide receiver Brandon Johnson-Farrell finished with seven catches for 67 yards. Fellow wide-out Shaun Leonard caught four balls that amounted to 118 yards receiving. The Rams defense was led by sophomore Matt Hansen who recorded nine tackles, including three sacks and a forced fumble.

Rhode Island (1-3) will travel to Boston College (2-1) to try and snap their three-game losing streak this Saturday.