URI Football Drops Home Opener To Harvard

Ken Bell

University of Rhode Island Press Release

How it Happened
Rhode Island (0-3, 0-1 CAA Football) trailed 14-0 after the first quarter, before QB Paul Mroz found Khayri Denny on a 62-yard strike to start the second quarter.  Justin Rohrwasser converted the PAT kick, making it 14-7.  Late in the quarter, Rohrwasser connected on the first field goal of the season for the Rams – a 33-yarder, making it 14-10.  The Crimson added a late TD on a four-yard run and led 21-10 at the half.

Harvard controlled the scoreboard for much of the second half, tacking on 21 unanswered points.  The Crimson scored twice in the fourth quarter – including a TD off a blocked punt.

Inside the Box Score

  • Harold Cooper rushed 22 times for 95 yards, including a long-run of 13.  It was the highest rushing total by a Ram this season.  The sophomore tailback added three catches out of the backfield for 10 yards.
  • Cooper also made five kickoff returns for 76 yards (15.2 yards/KR) – including a 24-yard return.
  • As a team, Rhody rushed 36 times for 135 yards.  The Rams outrushed the Crimson, 135-103.
  • Paul Mroz was 17-for-35 for 175 yards and a touchdown.  The 17 completions tied his season-high, set last week at Albany.
  • Charlie McKeeman hauled in four passes for 41 yards.  Khayri Denny made two catches – including his 62-yard TD reception.
  • Linebacker Adam Parker made 12 tackles – including seven solo stops.  Tim Wienclaw added five tackles, while Jose Duncan had three.
  • Sophomore DB Isaiah Hill registered his first collegiate interception, picking off Harvard QB Scott Hosch in the second quarter.  His pick in Harvard territory helped set up Rhody’s field goal.
  • Connor McHugh averaged 43.0 yards per punt on the afternoon – including a 61 yarder.
  • After a combined eight turnovers in URI’s first two games, the Rams did not commit a turnover versus the Crimson.
  • Attendance at Meade Stadium was 4,843.
  • The anchor bearer for the Rams was defensive end Anthony St. Laurent.

Stat of the Day, pt. I
7-for-18 – Rhode Island was 7-for-18 in third-down conversions.

Stat of the Day, pt. II
310 – The Rams had 310 total yards of offense – a season-high for the Rams.

What’s Next
Rhode Island heads to Orono next Saturday to take on Maine at Alfond Stadium.  Kickoff time is set for 3:30 p.m.  The game will be televised live on the American Sports Network.  Local clearances to be announced this week.

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