On Saturday, October 2nd, the Rhode Island Rams beat Stony Brook 27-20 in an overtime thriller to remain undefeated. Winning at home, the Rams did so in front of friends and family, as alumni and parents weekend saw a sold-out game. Without a doubt, this game was the best possible outcome for the team.
A Gritty Offensive Performance
Entering the game, the Rams scored 45 points in two contests, and 16 in another. To say the offense has been up and down would be putting it lightly. That being said, the game against Stony Brook saw all the flashes and headaches Rams fans put up with every week.
Quarterback Kasim Hill, who overall has been fantastic this season, had his hiccups throughout the ballgame. A handful of passes were underthrown, as the Seawolves’ defensive line got consistent pressure. Nevertheless, Hill made things work, finishing with 21 completions on 37 attempts for 226 passing yards and the game-winning touchdown to tight end Caleb Warren. The junior quarterback even added another 66 yards rushing and a touchdown on the ground.
Arguably the most surprising part of the Rams offense was their commitment to the passing game early. Running back Justice Antrum came into the game as arguably their most efficient offensive player, yet rarely saw the ball early. After carrying the football on the first play for 12-yards, he never carried it again until their fourth drive, and after Hill began two for eight in the air.
In the end, none of it would matter, as Antrum dominated on the ground, taking 25 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. On the year, Antrum finds himself with 331 yards rushing and five rushing touchdowns on just 70 total carries. Meanwhile, receiver Ivory Frimpong finished with six catches for 87 yards, despite being a non-factor early on. Additionally, tight end Caleb Warren had three grabs for 61 yards, including the previously mentioned go-ahead touchdown.
Defense Deserves Credit
Listen, there is a reason why Stony Brook was in this game. Running back Ty Son Lawton killed the Rams run defense, taking 28 carries for 154 yards and a touchdown. Even quarterback Tyquell Fields added two touchdowns on the ground. Yet, when it came down to it, it was the Rams run defense that won them the game.
With fourth down and one from the URI two-yard line in overtime, linebacker Andre Blackett stopped Lawton’s run up the middle for no gain to win the ballgame. Thus, commencing the huge celebration that took place in Kingston, Rhode Island in celebration of the victory.
At the same time, the pass defense warrants credit here too. Fields was held to just 101 yards passing on nine completions, as defensive backs Coby Tippett and Jordan Jones had big days in the backend.
Next Steps for the Rams
Following their 27-20 overtime win against Stony Brook, the Rhode Island Rams find themselves 4-0 for the first time in 20 years. The last time the Rams had a start like this one came in 2001 when the team started 7-0 before finishing the year 8-3. URI hopes to keep their hot start going Saturday, October 9th, as they host the 3-1 Delaware Blue Hens at 1:05 pm.
