No. 15 UMass Rams Rhody, 49-0

Nov. 1, 2008

KINGSTON, R.I. - Playing the final college game in his home state, senior quarterback Liam Coen had the second-most proficient passing day in UMass history as he was 15-of-17 for 241 yards and three touchdowns as the No. 15 Minutemen routed Rhode Island, 49-0. Junior linebacker Josh Jennings had two interceptions including a 40-yard return for a touchdown. UMass (6-3, 3-2 CAA) had its second straight romp against an Ocean State team, as the Minutemen pounded Bryant last week, 42-7. UMass is making a push for its third straight NCAA Tournament berth after winning the CAA each of the last two years. Rhode Island (2-8, 0-6 CAA) lost its fourth straight game.

The shutout for UMass, was the first since a 7-0 win at Northeastern on Oct. 28, 2006. It was UMass' first shutout of Rhode Island since a 24-0 win on Oct. 20, 1979.

The win provided a measure of revenge for the Minutemen against the Rams, as last year URI beat then-No. 3 UMass, 12-6, in overtime as the game was played in hurricane-like conditions. It was especially sweet for Coen who threw for just 22 yards in the horrendous weather conditions.

Coen's 88.2 completion percentage is the second-best in a game in UMass history. Tim Day (17-of-19) set the mark of 89.4 at Delaware State on Sept. 4, 2004.

The CAA's leading receiver Victor Cruz continued to star as he had seven catches for 129 yards and two touchdowns. It was Cruz's third-career 100-yard game. His 35-yard TD reception put UMass ahead 42-0, in the third quarter.

The Minutemen defense tremendous racking up eight sacks for 55 yards with Darrlyn Fenner registering a pair. Coming into the game, UMass had just 10 sacks in the first eight games. UMass worked hard to preserve a shutout into the fourth quarter as the Minutemen kept the Rams off the scoreboard on three straight red zone penetrations bridging the second and third quarters.

Tony Nelson scored two touchdowns as he gained 62 yards on 10 carries. Freshman Korrey Davis also scored his second-career touchdown as he finished with 27 yards.

Jennings had his second interception for a 40-yard return for a touchdown with 5:20 left in the first half making it 35-0.

Cruz hauled in a 4-yard TD from Coen with 6:12 left for a 28-0 UMass lead as the Minutemen continued to pile up the points, scoring on their first possessions of the game.

Fullback Chris Zardas moved the score to 21-0 on a 2-yard touchdown reception from Coen 1:49 into the second quarter.

UMass' defense looked stout with back-to-back sacks by George Byrd and Darrlyn Fenner late in the first quarter forcing Rhode Island to their first punt after an interception and missed 39-yard field goal by Louis Feinstein.

Nelson ran in from 13 yards for his second touchdown of the game with 5:36 left in the first quarter making it 14-0. That wrapped up a six-play, 78-yard drive keyed by three Cruz catches, including a 32-yarder.

Jennings' interception on the second offensive play of the game set up the Minutemen's first score a 2-yard rush by Nelson to make it 7-0, just 2:42 into the game.

UMass returns home to host Maine next Saturday at 12 Noon, the game will be broadcast live on Comcast SportsNet.

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Liam Coen

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