Rhode Island football shows no signs of slowing down. Here’s what they did vs. Maine

SOUTH KINGSTOWN — A second full month has passed in this college football season, and the University of Rhode Island still shows no signs of slowing down.

Saturday afternoon was the latest measuring stick at Meade Stadium, a Homecoming that felt in danger of being spoiled for a few brief minutes. The Rams managed what has become a customary response in 2024, and the result was never really in doubt over the final 12 minutes.

Malik Grant’s rushing touchdown put the hosts in front to stay. The defense handled matters from there in a 24-14 victory over Maine, a result that helped No. 15 URI continue to rewrite its record books.

More: Rhode Island football continues to climb the CAA weekly poll; where the Rams stand now

The Rams hadn’t started 7-1 or better since 2001. That was also the last time URI won its first four conference games, and it came before a move from the Atlantic 10 to the Coastal Athletic Association. The next milestone year often referenced is 1985, and this was another step toward an FCS playoff berth last achieved in that magical season.

“We’re going into November with a very challenging schedule, but tremendous belief – and a good football team,” URI coach Jim Fleming said. “It’s just going to be one week at a time.”

Brian Santana-Fis capped a short drive with a 4-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter. That drew the Black Bears into a 14-14 tie and sent some nervousness through the sellout crowd of 5,450 fans. Maine was a defensive stop and another effective possession from taking its second advantage of the afternoon.

The Rams didn’t allow that chance. Devin Farrell connected with Greg Gaines III for a first down and with Tommy Smith on a 46-yard bullet down the middle. That gave URI first and goal inside the 10, and Grant slipped his way 1 yard around right end to give the Rams a 21-14 lead.

“Every game we’ve started slow,” Farrell said. “The guys just keep working through it, and I’m so grateful to have them on my side.”

The Black Bears punted, turned it over on downs and ran out of time while coming up empty on each of their final three possessions. Maine was driving into a stiff breeze on what was otherwise a postcard day, and URI cranked up its aggression down the stretch. Devin Hightower’s sack on fourth down with 2:54 left just about finished it.

“Just trusting our offense that they’re going to do their part,” URI defensive back Emmanuel Gomes said. “We’re going to do our part.”

The Rams just might be making some of their own luck as well. Ty Groff’s insurance field goal was set up by a Farrell pass to the right that bounced off Omari Walker’s hands and right foot before sailing high in the air. Smith raced over in time to make a catch in traffic and Groff was good from 35 yards with 6:04 left.

“The ball’s bouncing right,” Fleming said. “Let’s keep it that way.”

Farrell’s pair of touchdown runs in the opening half came from 1 and 6 yards. URI (7-1, 4-0 CAA) overcame an early 7-0 deficit and took a 14-7 edge into the break. The Rams picked up all but one of their 24 first downs in the final three quarters, and Farrell closed with 221 total yards of offense.

“I would say the big guys up front – I believe 100% in those guys,” Farrell said. “They get it done when we need to get it done.”

The Black Bears (4-4, 2-3) were 5-for-6 on third down in the early going before slumping to a 3-for-11 finish. URI found a spark in the second quarter when Gomes thumped Jaharie Martin on a fourth down rush inside the Rams 30 to turn the ball over on downs. Maine was on the verge of asserting itself in a 7-0 game before Gomes changed the tone, with URI driving the other way to get on the board for the first time.

“Every fourth down is a big spark in the game,” Gomes said. “To be able to get a stop, you could say it’s a big spark.”

The Rams welcome Monmouth next Saturday, extending a span of three home games in four weeks. URI would clinch a winning record in conference for the second time in three years and continue to force the hand of the selection committee with another victory. That determination served the Rams well in the second half of this one against the Black Bears.

“What we had to do was keep the hammer on,” Fleming said. “Keep the pressure on. At some point they would break.

“And that’s not a negative on them – that’s just the game of football. Our kids have been very strong-willed.”

bkoch@providencejournal.com

On X: @BillKoch25