NC A&T Holds Off Rhode Island for 22-18 Upset
from the Rhode Island website, no info at the Aggies’ site so far…
Too many mistakes early cost No. 19/22 Rhode Island, as a furious second half rally fell short in a 22-18 loss at NC A&T Saturday.
The Rams (2-3, 1-2 CAA Football) fell behind by 19 points in the third quarter following a 69-yard scoop-and-score touchdown by NC A&T’s Tyrek Brown five minutes into the third quarter that made the score 22-3.
It was the third of four takeaways by the defense for NC A&T (1-4, 1-1 CAA Football), which turned into 16 points for the hosts.
With their backs against the wall, the Rams turned to Alex McClelland at quarterback, and the offense responded. McClelland orchestrated a 14-play, 65-yard drive that culminated in a 2-yard touchdown run by Gabe Winowich. McClelland then hit Will Dixon for the two-point conversion to close the gap to 22-11 with 3:45 left in the third quarter.
The Rhody defense followed with a quick three-and-out to get the ball back for the Rams. After the punt, Rhode Island started at its own 40-yard yard and proceeded to march 60 yards in 10 plays for another touchdown. This time it was Terrance Campbell running it in from 13 yards out, helping pull the Rams within four at 22-18.
Yet another three-and-out by the defense got URI possession quickly, but this time the offense stalled at midfield. After the punt pinned NC A&T inside its own 5-yard line, the defense once again got the three-and-out, with Moses Meus tackling quarterback Kevin White at the line of scrimmage. This time, a poor punt put Rhody at the Aggies’ 37-yard line with 6:57 to go.
Rhode Island drove to the NC A&T 14 and had a first down. However, a 5-yard Winowich run was negated by a holding call. On first-and-20 from the 24, McClelland threw behind Winowich. The ball defected off the running back and into the arms of NC A&T’s Kamari Blankumsee.
Still, the Rams fought. The defense forced another punt, and URI took over on its own 21 with 1:34 to go. Rhody managed to get the ball to the NC A&T 19-yard line on a 29-yard pass to Sean Byrd. They gained a first down and could have potentially stopped the clock with one second to go, but after review, the officials ruled the game was over, leaving the Rams without a final shot at the end zone.
Inside the Box Score
NC A&T had a 16-0 edge in points off turnovers.
Terrance Campbell rushed for a career-high 85 yards and one touchdown, his third of the season.
It was part of a 200-yard rushing day for the Rams, as Tyler Budge rushed for 49 yards, Alex McClelland had 38 and Gabe Winowich added 31 on the ground.
Winowich also had a 2-yard touchdown.
Alex McClelland played admirably off the bench. He was 12-of-23 for 119 yards and rushed for 38 yards after entering in the third quarter.
All-American wide receiver Marquis Buchanan led the team with four catches for 35 yards despite missing most of the first half with a knee injury. He returned after halftime and gutted his way through the game.
Case Mankins recorded five tackles, including his team-leading fourth sack of the season.
Linebackers Rohan Davy and Moses Meus combined for 13 tackles. Davy had two tackles for loss.
Kicker Jash Hamel had a 45-yard field goal and is now 3-for-4 on field goals this season.
All three of the makes have been at least 38 yards long.
Quarterback Tyler Budge and defensive back Tyson Grimm were the game captains, while defensive back D.J. Cureton served as the anchor bearer.