After a wild spring season that saw the Rams only play 3 games, they returned to Meade Stadium on a nice fall evening in September for a formal proceeding against the cross-state rival Bryant Bulldogs.
Tonight's meeting was the first between the two Ocean State foes as Division I FCS programs. The Bulldogs and Rams met back in 2002, won by the Rams 28-0 in Bryant's 4th season as a Division II program. This game also marked the beginning of a 10-year deal between the schools which will see them alternate home games. Rhode Island struck early with 11:03 left in the first as Justin Antrum, who turned in a career high 96 yards rushing, barreled in from the 1 yard line. CJ Carrick knocked home the PAT and Rhody was off to the races leading 7-0. Bryant tried to keep it close by closing off the first quarter with a 1 yard rush of their own from Daniel Adeboboye to tie the game at 7, but Rhode Island would rock off 24 unanswered points from Ivory Frimpong, Matt Pires, Antrum and Carrick to take a 31-14 lead to the locker room at half. The Rams elected to play a few 2nd team members during the 2nd half which led to a defensive battle breaking free but still Kasim Hill and Joey Kenny added a touchdown each in the 3rd and 4th respectively and the Rams were able to head to the victory column with a 45-21 decision. QB Kasim Hill was asked about the ability to have 5 separate rushers and 11 receivers to make an impact on tonight's game and responded by saying "it just goes to show how deep our team is, how everyone can step up to make and impact, and how we will frustrate teams because they can't just key in on one guy." Head Coach Jim Flemming said "it just felt great to finally get back out when we normally play, with a full stadium of fans and students, recognizing the 1980's Yankee Conference Championship teams at halftime and just feeling the passion and energy of Rhody football being back as it should be." Rams will go on the road the next two weeks at Albany and Brown before returning home October 2nd vs. Stony Brook. That will mark the 4th game overall on the season for the Rams, something they did not accomplish in the rescheduled spring season as Covid ravaged the program and halted play with a 2-1 record after just 3 games. #ncaa #football #ncaafootball #fcs #rhodeisland #bryant #rams #bulldogs
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