University of Massachusets Athletics
LIVE BLOG: Football At Rhode Island
November 01, 2008 | Football
Nov. 1, 2008
In what will be his final college game in his home state of Rhode Island, senior captain quarterback Liam Coen leads the No. 15 Minutemen against the Rhode Island Rams this Saturday at Meade Stadium. Coen became the 21st passer in FCS/I-AA history to throw for more than 10,000 passing yards with his 389 against Bryant last Saturday in a 42-7 win at McGuirk Stadium.
2:48 p.m. Back for a final time with some statistics. Liam Coen was 15-for-17 for 241 yards and three touchdowns. Scott Woodward was 3-for-5 for 45 yards, including an impressive fourth-quarter touchdown drive. Victor Cruz had seven catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns while Jeremy Horne chipped in with four for 86. The defense was the story of the day with eight sacks: Darrlyn Fenner (2), Kyle Harrington (1), George Byrd (1), Eric Dickson (1), Shane Viveiros (1), Anthony Monette (1), and Terrance Farris (1).
Thank you for checking out the UMass football blog! Hope you enjoyed it. Some bad news to pass...the field hockey team fell to Providence in overtime by a 3-2 final. Remember, the Mass Attack hockey team also plays at Providence at 7 p.m. tonight, so check it out on WRNX. The only remaining home event of the weekend is tomorrow, as the Minutewomen soccer team host the 25th nationally ranked Charlotte 49ers at 1 p.m. on Senior Day.
From Kingston, R.I., have a great rest of your weekend and Go UMass!
2:37 p.m. The 6-3 Minutemen are back! Scott Wallace takes three-consecutive knees to cap off a sensational 49-0 win. The teams shake hands at the center of the field as the Minutemen pitch their first shutout since 2006 at Northeastern, and first shutout against URI since Oct. 20, 1979 (24-0). It was also the first shutout at Rhode Island since Oct. 17, 1964 (7-0).
In some out of town scores:
New Hampshire 38, Hofstra 17, 4th quarter
Maine 48, Iona 7, 4th
William & Mary 27, Towson 14, 4th
Villanova 20, Northeastern 7, 3rd
2:31 p.m. The UMass defense comes up with sacks number seven and eight on the day when Darrlyn Fenner and Anthony Monette come up with consecutive sacks, forcing a URI punt. UMass gets the ball in URI territory after a Rams' penalty. Scott Wallace is looking to impress as time is running low, less than four minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
2:26 p.m. How about some icing on the cake?!?! The Minutemen just got it as Scott Woodward led the team to a long scoring drive capped off by an eight-yard TD run by Korrey Davis, the second of the young running back's career. It marked the second-career scoring drive led by Woodward, the other being at Texas Tech on Sept. 20. UMass leads URI, 49-0 with 6:31 remaining in the game.
UMass 49, URI 0, 6:31 1st
2:21 p.m. As Scott Woodward and the Minutemen continue to march up field, we remind you that UMass' last shutout came on Oct. 28, 2006, 7-0, at a stormy Parsons Field.
2:12 p.m. Scott Wallace is in at quarterback as the Minutemen run out the third quarter clock. At the end of three, UMass is still pitching the shutout at 42-0. Here are some striking statistics: total yards (299-214, UMass), time of possession (30:01, 14:59 URI) turnovers (3-0 URI). That tells the story in a nutshell...
2:10 p.m. Just as the defense is mentioned, it comes up big once again. URI reaches the red zone for the third-straight time, but come up empty handed. This time, on a 4th down play, pressure got to Rams quarterback Derek Cassidy and Viveiros scooped up the fumble recovery, UMass' third forced turnover of the game.
2:08 p.m. Here are some defensive notes...UMass has picked up six sacks on the day (42 yards). It seems like the loss of Sean Smalls hasn't hurt too much as defensive backs Eric Dickson and Shane Viveiros have come up with some big plays, especially when pressuring URI quarterback Derek Cassidy.
2:05 p.m. And the news keeps getting better! In a field hockey update, Makaela Potts scored on a second-half penalty stroke to tie the score at Providence 2, UMass 2 with approximately 20 minutes remaining in regulation.
2:01 p.m. Brett Arnold sees the field for the first time as the Minutemen are forced to punt. Another note to pass along...(assuming Liam Coen is done for the day), his 15-of-17 effort (88.2 completion %) will be the second highest percentage in UMass history. The record is Tim Day, who was 17-for-19 at Delaware State, which was also Don Brown's first game as UMass Head Coach.
1:58 p.m. In the end, URI went for it on fourth and goal, and Derek Cassidy was sacked by Shane Viveiros for a 15-yard loss. Scott Woodward is now in for Liam Coen at quarterback as the Minutemen have it 1st and 10 on their own 20 yard line.
1:54 p.m. Some craziness just ensued as UMass' Michael Hanson and Jeromy Miles combined to stop URI's running back for a five-yard loss setting up 4th and 6. The Rams then go for a fake field goal, which goes nowhere, but a flag is thrown for offsides. UMass Head Coach Don Brown is livid with the call. The head referee calls it first down, but in fact it turns into a 4th and 1 (with everyone clueless on what down it really was).
1:51 p.m. Bad news to share as defensive endKyle Harrington is helped off the field with an injury. We'll keep you updated on his status.
1:49 p.m. As the Rams are driving down field into the red zone (UMass' 19 yard line), it seems like the Rhody fans finally realize they can make noise. After a first half which seemed more like a golf match than a football game, the crowd is getting into it (somewhat, at least).
1:39 p.m. The onslaught continues! Less than two minutes into the second half, UMass extends its lead to 42-0 with a 35-yard pass to Victor Cruz over the middle. It is Cruz's second-career two touchdown game. Updated stats: Coen 15-for-17 for 241 yards and three touchdowns, Cruz 7 catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns.
UMass 42, URI 0, 13:10 3rd
1:35 p.m. Before the second half begins, we have some (good and bad) news. Let's start with the bad: Providence leads UMass field hockey 2-1, but it's only in the first half. And we have great news from the men's cross country team, who won the Atlantic 10 Championship for the second time ever and first since 1995. Congratulations!
1:25 p.m. Back with some halftime stats...Liam Coen is 12-for-14 for 153 yards and two touchdowns. The dynamic duo of Victor Cruz (5-72) and Jeremy Horne (3-55) continues to prove dangerous. Total yards are 206-128 in favor of the Minutemen while URI actually leads time of possession 18:08-11:52. The big stat of the half is turnovers, as two Josh Jennings interceptions have led directly to scores. Nine minutes until the start of the second half. Be back then!
1:18 p.m. A few minutes into halftime, the Rhode Island marching band is on the field. The band is not nearly as big as UMass', but is doing a good job nonetheless.
1:14 p.m. The Rams put together their most impressive drive of the game, taking advantage of two penalties to get into field goal range, but Louis Feinstein hooked a chip shot left, so the score remains 35-0 heading into the half. (Second straight week with 35 points in the first half.)
1:01 p.m. Josh Jennings picks up a lame duck Derek Cassidy pass and easily strolls 40 yards and into the endzone for a 35-0 UMass lead. It marks UMass' third defensive score of the season (Jeromy Miles vs. Delaware and Brian Ellis at Texas Tech). It's also the first time a UMass player has had two interceptions since Brandon Smith (2 at Richmond on Sept. 1, 2005).
UMass 35, URI 0, 5:20 2nd
1:00 p.m. It's 1:00 meaning UMass' invasion of Rhode Island part two is underway! The field hockey team is facing Providence in its regular-season finale then the Mass Attack hockey teams looks to make it two in a row against the Friars tonight at Schneider Arena.
12:57 p.m. The Minutemen score their fourth touchdown on their fourth possession of the game. The unbelievable start continues as Victor Cruz takes a four-yard pass for his first touchdown of the game. Up to the second numbers: Liam Coen 12-for-14 for 153 yards, Victor Cruz 5-72 yards and a touchdown.
UMass 35, URI 0, 6:12 2nd
12:54 p.m. A pair of 8's, Jeremy Horne (UMass) and Terrence Glenn (URI) have a simultaneous catch, but by rule, tie goes to the offensive player...just like baseball when a tie goes to the runner. Coming out of Liam Coen's hands, it looked like there would be no chance for Horne to make the grab, but the ball hung up enough for the 35-yard pitch and catch.
12:50 p.m. In some out of town CAA scores, William & Mary leads Towson, 7-0 at the end of the first quarter. New Hampshire 14, Hofstra 3. Maine (next week's opponent) 14, Iona 0
12:44 p.m. Shotout to Sam The Minuteman and the UMass cheerleaders who made the trek from Amherst to Kingston. They are getting the Minutemen fans into the game (not that they need any help with so much to cheer for!)
12:41 p.m. The Minutemen are looking for more! The Rams are fooled by a play-action pass, expecting Tony Nelson to run it near the goal line. Instead, Liam Coen passes to Chris Zardas for a two-yard pass-and catch. It is Zardas' fifth career touchdown (third this year), and his first via the receiving route (the first two were rushes).
UMass 21, URI 0, 13:11 2nd
12:40 p.m. What is this the New England Patriots?! The Rams have #56 Willie McGinnis (remember #55 Willie McGinest?) and #8 Terence Glenn (#88 Terry Glenn).
12:37 p.m. The first quarter ends with the Minutemen driving once again. Here are some key tats thus far: Liam Coen in his return to his home state is 5-for-6 for 75 yards while first downs are eight to three in favor of the Minutemen. In fact, in the first four games of 2008, the Minutemen were outscored 61-7 while in the last five, UMass has come back strong to outscore opponents by a 49-30 mark.
12:33 p.m. Victor Cruz, taking over for an injured Sean Smalls as a punt-returner, runs it back for a season-high 16 yards. The previous high was by Smalls (14).
12:30 p.m. George Byrd and Darrlyn Fenner record back-to-back sacks of Derek Cassidy, highlighting a strong defensive stand by the Minutemen to force a Rhode Island punt. The Minutemen have had six sacks the last five quarters of play while only picking up six in the first seven games.
12:24 p.m. The Minutemen are playing with a vengeance...Tony Nelson goes untouched up the middle 13 yards and into the endzone for his second touchdown in less than 10 minutes as the Minutemen take the 14-0 lead. Its his fourth-career multi-touchdown game (third this season). The key play of the drive came on third down when Victor Cruz went 32 yards on a slant. Cruz finished the drive with 3 catches for 55 yards.
UMass 14, URI 0, 5:36 1st
12:16 p.m. The Rams' Louis Feinstein misses a 39-yard field goal wide right as the Minutemen hold onto their 7-0 lead. The snap was bounced, which seemed to disrupt the play. Any momentum the Rams picked up seems to be lost as the big crowd continues to be extremely quiet.
12:09 p.m. Tony Nelson easily walks in for his eighth rushing touchdown of the season. Less than three minutes into the game, the Minutemen are already on top, 7-0 as the momentum is clearly on their side. 4 plays, 29 yards, taking 1:44
UMass 7, URI 0, 12:18 1st
12:07 p.m. The changes keep pouring in as the Minutemen get into the red zone. John Ihne gets the start on the offensive line (at center) while Sean Calicchio shifts to right guard in place of Rob Getek.
12:05 p.m. On the second play of the game, Derek Cassidy throws an interception as Josh Jennings gets his second-career pick. 1st and 10 UMass from the 29.
12:04 p.m. Late news from the defensive front...for the second week in a row, Ray Jones is starting at defensive line in place of Brandon Collier.
12:02 p.m. Armando Cuko booms the kickoff as we're underway! Brandon Johnson-Farrell returns it to the 27 yard line. Add a five-yard penalty on UMass to the 32 yard line. 1st and 10 URI.
11:58 p.m. UMass captains Liam Coen, Sean Calicchio, Brandon Collier, and Sean Smalls meet at the center of the field for the coin toss. The Minutemen won the toss and will defer to the second half. The rest of the team and the cheerleaders head onto the field as we're set for kickoff.
11:55 p.m. The fans keep pouring in as it looks like it could be a sellout. The URI band just played the national anthem and we're awaiting the teams to enter the field.
11:44 p.m. As kickoff nears, we're back with some more news. Sean Smalls, who suffered a season-ending injury last week, has made the trip and is on the field with crutches. Also, former UMass defensive tackle and long snapper Jason Leonard ('07) is in attendance to support his Minutemen and to see his brother Shawn who is a receiver for Rhode Island.
11:25 a.m. Back with some injury news. Offensive guard Rob Getek is out with a neck injury and backup linebacker Kurt Filler is out with a shoulder injury. Neither player traveled.
11:10 a.m. UMass takes the field donning a new look. White tops with black pants. Last week against Bryant, the Minutemen displayed black pants for the first time ever (along with a maroon top).
10:59 a.m. Quite a few Rhode Island players are on the field warming up, as is UMass placekicker Armando Cuko who is testing the wind in what UMass color commentator (and former UMass kicker) Matt Goldstein deemed a tough stadium to kick.
10:30 a.m. Welcome to another edition of the UMass Football Blog! Jason Yellin and Justin Lafleur here at Meade Stadium to bring you all the action from family weekend on the campus of the University of Rhode Island. Check back as the day goes along for more updates.
Old friend and current URI Athletic Director Thorr Bjorn has made an appearance. Make sure to tune into WRNX for a halftime interview as Bjorn will join the voice of the Minutemen Josh Maurer.
It's a nice day with a considerable breeze. Thankfully, it's nothing near the blustery tropical storm conditions from the game at Kingston last season.
