#5/6 Ranked URI Escapes with Win at Holy Cross

#5/6 Ranked URI Escapes with Win at Holy Cross

The University of Rhode Island football team left Worcester Saturday with a hard-fought 9-7 victory over Holy Cross.

 

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URI (3-0) did not allow any second-half points.

 

Coming into the game, the Rams were ranked #5/6 in the national polls.

 

After a Holy Cross (0-3) punt, the Rams took over at their own 9-yard line with 5:57 to go. Devin Farrell hit tight end Connor Finer for a 35-yard gain on first down. After a holding call, Farrell found Greg Gaines III for a 24-yard strike, which was followed by a 13-yard run by Antwain Littleton, Jr. A 10-yard Farrell scramble moved the ball to the Holy Cross 34-yard line.

 

Farrell made the biggest play of the game on third-and-5 when he appeared to be wrapped by defensive lineman Donovan Comestro for a sack. Farrell escaped the grip and alertly threw the ball away to avoid a loss. That allowed Garth Snow to drill a 41-yard field goal on the next snap for the game-winning points with 2:23 to go.

 

The Rams put together an impressive opening drive, moving the ball 78 yards on 14 plays before things stalled in the red zone. Facing first-and-goal at the 7-yard line, Holy Cross came up with three straight stops, and Rhode Island settled for a 24-yard Garth White field goal for the early 3-0 lead.

 

Holy Cross took the lead late in the second quarter. After being forced to punt on their first three possession, the Crusaders drove 53 yards on eight plays for a 1-yard touchdown by Jayden Clerveaux for a 7-3 lead with 5:30 to go in the half.

 

Before the half, Rhode Island got another field goal from Garth White. A pair of 20-yard passes by Devin Farrell - one to Aboraa Kwarteng and another to Marquise Buchanan - keyed a a 13-play, 69-yard drive that culminated in a 29-yard White field goal that got URI within 7-6.

 

Rhode Island's defense came up with several big plays in the second half. A.J. Pena and Sam Ofurie had back-to-back sacks before a bogus pass interference call extended a drive for Holy Cross. The Crusaders took the ball inside the URI 20, but a Rohan Davy sack and a forced incompletion led to a missed field goal, keeping Rhody within one point.

 

Key Stats

- Rhode Island has started a season for just the 10th time in program history. It is the first time since 2021.
- The Rams have scored 17 points in the final two minutes of the second quarter this season. They had touchdowns against Campbell and Stony Brook, and a field goal at Holy Cross.
- The defense limited Holy Cross to just 229 yards of offense (157 passing, 72 rushing).
- URI's defense recorded five sacks, all in the second half. Moses Meus, A.J. Pena, Sam Ofurie, Rohan Davy and John Broyles all had one.
- Davy has had one sack in each of the three games this season. 
- Linebackers Moses Meus and Rohan Davy both had seven tackles and one sack.
- Linebacker A.J. Pena had two tackles, one sack and three quarterback hurries.
- Defensive backs Trey Lubin, Jordan Campbell, Ayinde Johnson and defensive tackle Case Mankins broke up one pass each.
- Kicker Garth White was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goal attempts. His game-winning 41-yarder was the longest of his career. He also had a tackle on special teams.
- Wide receiver Marquise Buchanan had five catches for 84 yards, while tight end Connor Finer had five catches for 80 yards.
- Wide receiver Greg Gaines III added six grabs for 69 yards.
- Running back Antwain Littleton, Jr. ran for 94 yards on 18 carries and added three catches for 27 yards. He had a 37-yard touchdown, catch negated by a penalty.
- Despite an 0-3 record, Holy Cross has allowed just 15.7 points per game this season. The Crusaders have yet to give up more than 19 points in a game.

 

NEXT

Rhode Island returns to Meade Stadium to host LIU on Saturday, Sept. 20, for its Homecoming Game. Kickoff is at 6 p.m.