Water Was the Rushing Leader in This Game

Rhode Island Coach Tim Stowers has been on the sidelines for plenty of rain-soaked games. He even coached a game that took place near the eye of a hurricane.

But the outcome -- or lack thereof -- of Saturday’s game against Richmond was a new one for Stowers.

The game was suspended at halftime because the field was flooded at Meade Stadium in Kingston, R.I.

Rhode Island’s sideline began to collect water during the first half, and a downpour at halftime submerged the entire field. About 30 minutes after the suspension was announced, the field’s grass surface was no longer visible.

“I’ve never seen anything like this happen before,” Stowers said.

Richmond was leading, 6-0, but under Atlantic 10 Conference rules, the game could resume today because three quarters were not completed. If the game does not get started before noon, Richmond is credited with a victory.

Richmond Coach Jim Reid said he didn’t understand why officials were considering stopping the game ... until his team exited the field.

“The water was up to my knees,” Reid said.

“I’m not a tall guy, but that’s still pretty deep.”

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--Mike Bresnahan