Szczur runs for a TD, throws for 1 to lead Villanova to 36-7 victory over Rhode Island

Villanova rolls past Rhode Island 36-7

VILLANOVA, Pa. — Matt Szczur ran for a touchdown and threw for one to lead Villanova to a 36-7 victory over Rhode Island on Saturday, giving coach Andy Talley his 200th career victory.

The Wildcats (7-1, 4-1 Colonial Athletic Association) rushed for 376 yards behind Chris Whitney, who had 124 yards on 17 carries and Aaron Ball, who added 99 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries. It was the third time Villanova has rushed for 300 or more yards in a game.

Villanova had 500 yards of offense.

Talley is 200-120-2 in his 30th season. He was 28-18-1 in five seasons at St. Lawrence and is 172-102-1 since arriving at Villanova in 1985.

Szczur scored on a 1-yard run and threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mikey Reynolds to help Villanova build a 21-0 lead.

Rhode Island (1-6, 0-4) scored when Chris Paul-Etienne hit Ty Bynum on a 7-yard touchdown pass with 9:59 left in the third quarter.