Delaware Drops Tight Matchup at Rhode Island

Saturday, October 9

Kingston, RI

1 p.m.

University of Delaware

3-2 , 2-1

No. 18/20 Rhode Island

5-0 , 3-0

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Delaware

Rhode Island

Photo by: Mark Campbell

10/9/2021 5:29:00 PM | Football

Box Score Box Score Photo Gallery

KINGSTON, R.I. – In a tight, CAA battle of two top-25 programs, the No. 9/10 Delaware football team fell 22-15 to No. 18/20 Rhode Island on Saturday afternoon at Meade Stadium. With the setback, the Blue Hens slip to 3-2 on the season and 2-1 in CAA play.

"It's disappointing," said Head Coach Danny Rocco. "I certainly expected a really good game. I've been watching this program this season. They've won some really close games and it has kind of become their M.O. I thought what we did in the second half was pretty impressive. We went back out there, we got some momentum, we got some scores, we got some stops. We took the lead. It really felt like we were getting ready to take the game."

The Rams (5-0, 3-0 CAA) took advantage of an early turnover to score the only points of the opening quarter on a 22-yard field goal.

On the first play of the second frame, Amonte' Strothers intercepted a deep pass in the end zone to prevent a score and swing momentum to the Blue Hens. The rushing attack of Dejoun Lee and Anthony Paoletti drove Delaware down the field, but a 43-yard field goal attempt by Ryan Coe sailed wide left to keep the deficit at 3-0.

Rhode Island responded with a 15-play, 75-yard drive that took more than seven minutes and resulted in a short touchdown. The PAT attempt was missed as URI took a 9-0 lead. An interception allowed the Rams to extend their advantage to 12-0 with a field goal right before halftime.

The UD defense forced a three-and-out to start the second half, and the offense followed it up with a 10-play, 86-yard drive that was capped when Zach Gwynn found a streaking Thyrick Pitts down the right hashmarks for a 42-yard touchdown pass. Coe's PAT made it a 12-7 game with 8:24 left in the third quarter.

Near the end of the quarter, Justis Henley broke through the line on a 33-yard field goal attempt and got a hand out for the block, keeping it a one-score game. Delaware used the momentum swing to march 69 yards down the field. Quincy Watson would not be stopped on an eight-yard scoring run, bouncing off several defenders for the touchdown. Lee ran in the 2-point conversion to give the Blue Hens the 15-12 advantage with 10:37 left in the fourth quarter.

The Blue Hen defense had another red zone stand that held Rhode Island to a field goal, tying the game at 15 with 6:39 left. On the ensuing possession, Delaware drove into URI territory, but was forced to punt. The Rams blocked the kick and returned it for the touchdown to go up 22-15 with less than four minutes remaining.

The Blue Hens drove down to the 12-yard line with less than 30 seconds left, but a pass into the end zone was intercepted, sealing the victory for the Rams.

Gwynn finished 9-of-17 passing for 117 yards and a touchdown. Pitts led the receivers with eight catches for 61 yards, while Gene Coleman II added three catches for 40 yards. Noah Plack and Colby Reeder led the defense with eight tackles apiece.

Lee registered his third-straight 100-yard rushing game with 115 yards on the ground. He became the 17th Blue Hen all-time to surpass 2,000 career rushing yards. His 179 all-purpose yards give him 3,772 for his career, which put him into the top-10 in Delaware's record books.

The Blue Hens will remain on the road for a CAA matchup at Stony Brook on Saturday, October 16. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. Delaware's next home game will be Saturday, October 23 when the Blue Hens host James Madison for Homecoming. Fans can purchase tickets for that game and all remaining home games HERE.

For the latest on the Delaware football program, follow the Blue Hens on Twitter @DelawareFB and Instagram @DelawareFootball, and like "Delaware Football" on Facebook.

Gallery: (10-9-2021) Football at Rhode