The University of Rhode Island football team remained undefeated in conference play with a 45-13 victory over the University of Maine on Saturday, setting the Rams up for a potential Coastal Athletic Association conference title-clinching game this weekend.
Rhody traveled to Orono, Maine, where the Black Bears came in riding a six-game winning streak. Maine, who had emerged as a top-five conference contender, also came into the matchup as a top-three defense in the conference, but URI’s offense was relentless throughout the contest.
URI fifth-year running back Antwain Littleton Jr. picked up the game’s first touchdown with under four minutes left in the first quarter, capping off a 13-play opening drive with a two-yard run.
Maine’s aggressive fourth-down play on its own 27-yard line led to a Rhode Island defensive showcase, as the Black Bears turned the ball over on downs and lost 22 yards on the play.
“ I think the guys came out prepared and were mentally ready to play in this game,” URI Defensive Coordinator Chris Lorenti said. “I think they went out, and they executed on the defensive side of the ball. This is usually a pretty daunting trip, especially this late in the year, but the guys really just battled from the kickoff.”
This set the Rams up five yards from the end zone with two minutes to go in the quarter, and ultimately fourth-year quarterback Devin Farrell threw to third-year offensive lineman Dontay Bishop for a two-yard touchdown.
“ Devin’s a great player, great leader, puts a lot on himself,” URI Offensive Coordinator Mike Flanagan said. “He is able to do that, week in, week out, with the pass game. And [we have] some really special wide receivers out there that have the same desire to win. So, it’s player-led.”
Maine fifth-year quarterback Carter Peevy began the second quarter with a 40-yard touchdown throw, but it would only stay a one-possession game for less than a minute.
A 65-yard gain by Littleton Jr. got the Rams right near the red zone, and one play later, fifth-year running back Brendon Barrow put the Rams back up by two scores.
Before the end of the half, Farrell connected with fourth-year wide receiver Marquis Buchanan on a 63-yard touchdown pass to put the Rams up 28-7.
URI’s two touchdowns in the third quarter came on the ground, as Barrow picked up a three-yard run and Littleton Jr. rushed up the middle for 52 yards into the end zone.
“ I thought we ran the ball really well,” Flanagan said. “We challenged our offensive line all week [and] tight ends to be able to go block, and I think we had some special performances out of the backfield.”
Littleton Jr. finished the contest with 202 rushing yards, and Farrell finished with 221 passing yards, contributing to the 497 total yards that the Rams collected.
Improving to 7-0 against conference opponents, the Rams now have the opportunity to complete the program’s first perfect CAA season and first outright conference title.
“ It means a lot,” Lorenti said. “We get to carry a little bit more momentum with us. This is a group that didn’t look ahead to the end of the season. They’re not looking ahead to anything after the season. They’re focused on the next opponent.”
URI’s regular season finale will be at home against Hampton University on Saturday at 1 p.m. This game will stream on FloCollege, with radio broadcasts available on The Varsity Network and WRIU 90.3 FM.
