How it Happened
No. 7/8 Rhode Island took care of business, knocking off a game Merrimack squad 34-7 in the season opener for both sides Friday night.
The defense for the two-time defending CAA Football champions was in mid-season form. After allowing a touchdown on Merrimack's second possession of the game, URI (1-0) blanked the Warriors over the final 50:15.
Moses Meus had a 49-yard interception return in the final minute to cap an incredible night for the defense. The defense forced three turnovers - with one more from the special teams - and helped Merrimack to a combined 5-of-17 on third and fourth downs.
With the defense holding down the fort, the Rams scored at least six points in each quarter as it steadily pulled away.
Inside the Box Score
- Rhode Island improved to 7-0 in season openers against FCS opponents under head coach Jim Fleming.
- The win was the 60th for Fleming with the Rams. He is 10 away from tying the legendary Frank Keaney for second place in program history.
- All-American wide receiver Marquis Buchanan scored the team's first points, catching a 16-yard touchdown pass from Tyler Budge.
- Buchanan finished with six catches for 72 yards. He is now tied with Shawn Leonard (2006-09) for fifth in program history with 21 career touchdown receptions.
- Quarterback Tyler Budge started in place of injured Devin Farrell. Budge was 13-of-29 for 128 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. He added 51 rushing yards.
- Quarterback Alex McClelland rushed for two touchdowns on direct snaps, scoring on runs of 5 yards in the second quarter and 4 yards in the third.
- Rhode Island rushed for 169 yards as a team, led by BJ Barrow (56 yards, 13 carries).
- Linebackers Dane Picariello and Rohan Davy led Rhode Island with nine tackles each.
- Linebacker Moses Meus and safety Andre DePina-Gray each had four tackles and one interception.
- Meus returned his pick 49 yards for a touchdown, while DePina-Gray intercepted a pass in the end zone to thwart a scoring chance for Merrimack. He returned the pick 75 yards.
- D.J. Cureton, Marquese Avery and Dylan Yang each recorded a sack for the Rams.
- Gage Hinkley recovered a fumble on special teams in the first quarter, setting up URI's first touchdown.
- Center Tre Alexander linebacker Rohan Davy served as the game captains, while linebacker Moses Meus was anchor bearer.
Up Next
Rhode Island is back on the road to face Temple on Saturday, Sept. 5. Kickoff is 2 p.m. on ESPN+.
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