Villanova Tops Rhode Island 31-10 In CAA Opener

VILLANOVA, Pa. (CBS) -- Villanova improved to 2-1 on the season with a 31-10 win over the Rhode Island Rams in their Colonial Athletic Association opener on Saturday.

The Wildcats rushed for four touchdowns, including a pair by sophomore running back Kevin Monangai.

Monangai's first score, a 1-yard run, was set up by Joe Sarnese's interception of Rhode Island's Bob Bentsen on the opening drive.

Bentsen completed a 25-yard touchdown pass to Billy Morgan later in the first quarter, and kicker Dylan Smith gave the Rams a 10-7 halftime lead with a 25-yard field goal.

But that was all of the scoring Villanova's defense would permit. The Wildcats allowed just 51 yards of total offense in the second half, while their own offense scored the last 24 points of the game.

Villanova quarterback John Robertson threw for 171 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions, and Kicker Mark Hamilton added a field goal in the win.