RHODE ISLAND VS. STONY BROOK - SERIES NOTES

• Friday night's game will be the 10th in the history between the Rams and the SeaWolves, which dates back to 2013. 
• While Stony Brook took the first seven meetings between the two sides, Rhody has claimed the last two. 
• The team secured a 27-20 overtime victory in 2021 at Meade Stadium before adding another win on the road last year (35-14). 
• After heading into the locker room at Stony Brook tied 14-14, Rhode Island put up 21 unanswered points to defeat the SeaWolves. 
• Linebacker Evan Stewart's defensive efforts helped the Rams claim their triumph last year, recording five tackles, one sack and an interception. 
• A Rhode Island win would mark the team's fifth straight at home. The Rams closed out their 2022 campaign at Meade Stadium by defeating Brown (38-10), No. 14/18 Elon (17-10), Maine (26-22) and UAlbany (35-21). 

HOME SWEET HOME

• The game against the Seawolves will be the first-ever to be played on a Friday evening at Meade Stadium.
• Rhode Island has enjoyed the full benefits that come with playing in front of a home crowd over the past two seasons, finishing with a 4-1 record in both. 
• The Rams' veteran group of center Sebastian Delasoudas, right guard Nick Correia, left tackle Lorenzo Thompson, linebacker Chris Arrington and wide-out John Erby have amassed a 13-8 advantage at home on Priore Field since joining the program in 2018. 
• Five of those victories have come over ranked opponents. 
• Most recently, Rhody defeated No. 14/18 Elon 17-10 on a Saturday in October of last year. 

AND SO IT BEGINS... CONFERENCE PLAY

• After a winless 2019 campaign in league play (0-8), Rhode Island has found a way to be successful in CAA Football action. 
• The Rams have finished .500 or better in every season since, going 2-1 in 2020 and 4-4 in 2021 before earning their 5-3 mark last year. 
• Rhody averaged 30.0 points per game in conference contests a year ago, putting up a whopping 48 in the seven-overtime thriller at Monmouth (48-46).
• Rhode Island has won its league-opener in four of the past six seasons.
• Its largest margin of victory during that span was just last season when it defeated Stony Brook 35-14 at the Seawolves' home stadium.

THE 'FIRST' NIGHT

• Numerous career firsts were achieved by Rhode Island players during the season-opener at Georgia State. 
• The Debut - wide receiver Marquis Buchanan topped 100 receiving yards in his first collegiate appearance, hauling in a 28-yard touchdown grab on his first catch.
• For Starters - On offense, both running back Gabe Sloat and right tackle Brock Bethea made their first career starts for Rhody. The defensive side featured a trio of first-time starters in linebacker Mekhi Bethel, safety Emmanuel Gomes and corner Syeed Gibbs.
• Reeling 'Em In - Sloat caught his first touchdown pass, a 15-yard grab in the second quarter. Wide receiver John Erby also hauled in the first touchdown of his career, a 20-yard effort that put Rhode Island on the board. 
• In the Air - Quarterback Kasim Hill exceeded 400 passing yards for the first time in his career, throwing for 408 total. 
• Versatility - Tight end Kevin Schaeffer had the first catch of his career, a 25-yard grab.
• On the Ground - In his first apperance as a Ram, running back Deon Silas rushed 10 times for a team-best 50 yards. 
• A Special Night - Kickers Will Johnson and Ty Groff, as well as punter Devin Walter, made their first career appearances as true freshmen. Johnson handled kickoff responsibilities, while Groff (0-1 FG) made all five of his PATs.