By Charlie Adams
NEFJ Correspondent
KINGSTON – Brown and Rhode Island renewed their long-standing rivalry with the 108th matchup Saturday in Kingston.
In the 42nd meeting since the introduction of the Governor’s Cup, the Rams won a historic sixth-straight Cup over the Bears, 31-21.
Rhode Island’s head coach Jim Fleming improved his record to 7-3 against Brown since joining the team in 2014. The Rams will most likely continue to move up in the rankings this week as well after entering this game at No. 21.
“It means a lot to me, and I think it means a lot for our program,” Fleming said. “That cup is a mainstay in our office.”
URI’s offense was highlighted by Rhode Island native Marquis Buchanan recording his first 100+ receiving yard day of the season. He finished with nine receptions totaling 107 yards and a 16-yard touchdown to open scoring for the Rams.
“It feels great, just like last year,” Buchanan said. “I came in with a mindset to dominate Brown and keep the cup home, and that’s what I came here to do today. ”
The Rams trailed 21-17 after the third quarter, marking the third straight week that Rhode Island trailed and came back to win in the final 15 minutes.
“We’ll take them however we can get them, there’s a big heart on this football team,” Fleming said.
Momentum built for Rhode Island after stopping Brown for no gain on 4th & 1. The Rams took two plays to take the lead. Deon Silas picked up 21 yards on a handoff before Shawn Harris Jr. broke off a 45-yard rushing touchdown. Ty Groff got the PAT to put URI up 24-21.
Brown had a chance to tie after the drive stalled at Rhode Island’s 19-yard line. Christopher Maron stepped on for a 37-yard field goal try. URI’s Gabe Salomons was able to tip the attempt, keeping the lead as he forced it to fall short.
“I’m thankful for the guys inside of me, they were the ones that brought the field goal block unit down and gave me a crease to be able to go,” Salomons said. “We knew we had to go get it and it was a crucial part of the game. I just threw my hand up and it connected.”
Momentum continued rolling in Rhode Island’s favor in the fourth quarter as Devin Farrell found Buchanan for a 22-yard pickup. Farrell followed it up with a five-yard touchdown on a keeper. Groff’s PAT put URI in front by 10 with 2:49 remaining.
Brown’s Jake Willcox looked deep trying to get the Bears back in the game, Emmanuel Gomes intercepted the pass for Rhode Island. Willcox would have one more possession, fumbling on third down as Malachi Burby forced it free and Moses Meus recovered it for the Rams.
Governor Dan McKee presented the Governor’s Cup to the Rams postgame, keeping it in Kingston for a sixth straight year.
Fleming believes Rhode Island still has more to show their opponents halfway through the season.
“I still think our best game is out there, we have not played our best game as a full football team,” he said.
Rhode Island will travel to take on New Hampshire next Saturday, a matchup that historically has not gone URI’s way on the road. The Rams are 0-10 at Wildcat Stadium since 2000.
“We got New Hampshire,” Fleming said. “Bloodbath, that’s what it’s going to be. It’s easy for us to keep motivated on that.”
