University of Rhode Island

How it Happened
Issues with the punting unit hurt Rhode Island as it lost 19-16 to Towson in overtime Saturday afternoon.

Rhode Island (5-6, 2-5 CAA Football) had the ball first in overtime and Ty Groff's third field goal of the day gave the Rams a chance to win. However, the Tigers (3-8, 3-4 CAA Football) responded with a touchdown, as quarterback Jacob Davis ran it in from 5 yards out to win the game.

URI had issues with its punting unit all day, which led to the first 13 points for Towson. The Rams had two muffed snaps on punts that led to a pair of Tiger field goals. A 15-yard penalty on punt coverage gave Towson a short field that led to a touchdown.

It was an exciting start to the game, as Alex McClelland hit Sean Byrd with a deep ball down the left sideline on the third play from scrimmage. After dragging the defensive back for several yards, Byrd broke the tackle and took the ball into the end zone for a 61-yard touchdown strike.

Towson chipped into the lead with a 30-yard field goal by Max Young just before the end of the first quarter, making the score 7-3.

Rhody extended the lead to 10-3 with a 30-yard field goal by Ty Groff on the opening possession of the second half. McClelland set up the scoring chance with a 67-yard run down the middle of the field.

After the teams exchanged scoreless possessions, a URI punt went to the 50-yard line, but a kick catching interference call gave Towson first-and-10 at the Rhode Island 35. A seven-play drive was capped by a 1-yard touchdown plunge by Tristan Kenan helped the Tigers pull even.

The second botched snap exchange on a URI punt play gave Towson a first-and-10 at the URI 14-yard line. The defense stood tall and held the Tigers to a 24-yard field goal.

Trailing 13-10, Rhode Island had a drive that appeared to stall near midfield. However, a roughing the passer penalty on fourth-and-5 at the Towson 47 gave Rhody new life with a first down at the Tiger 32-yard line. Ty Groff made it count with a 35-yard field goal to knot the score at 13-13, setting up overtime.

Inside the Box Score

• The game was Rhode Island's fifth and final home game at Centreville Bank Stadium, which served as the home away from home while Meade Stadium is being renovated.
• Case Mankins finished with 10 tackles, including three sacks plus an additional 9-yard loss.
• Mankins now has 13.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks on the season.
• Wide receiver Sean Byrd caught three passes for 80 yards and a touchdown.
• His 61-yard touchdown catch was a career long reception for Byrd.
• Quarterback Alex McClelland rushed for 137 yards on 24 carries.
• Moses Meus had nine tackles.
• Marquis Buchanan served as the anchor bearer.
• Andre DePina-Gray, Moses Meus, Terrence Campbell, Ethan McCann-Carter, Tosin Akinsulire, Joey Acciardo, Patrick Conserve and Alex McClennan were the game captains.

Up Next
Rhode Island finishes the season at Bryant on Saturday, Nov. 21. Game time is 1 p.m. on FloCollege.