Rhode Island Finishes Strong, Tops Bryant Behind Second-Half Shutout 38-17…

Déjà Vu No More: Rams Regain Control, Defense Puts Down A Strong Bull Dog Team

It felt like déjà vu for Rhode Island right from the opening snap. On the first play from scrimmage, quarterback Devin Farrell hit Marquis Buchanan for a deep 54-yard strike — only for Buchanan to fumble at the Bryant 21, a turnover eerily reminiscent of the early takeaway that haunted the Rams in their loss to Brown. Bryant capitalized immediately, driving 79 yards and punching in a touchdown to take a 7–0 lead, just as Brown had done weeks earlier.

But this time, the Rams didn’t flinch. Rhode Island responded behind a rejuvenated ground game led by Gabe Winowich, whose 51-yard touchdown run midway through the first quarter tied the score at 7–7. Moments later, special teams swung the momentum when Andre DePina-Gray recovered a muffed kickoff at the Bryant 21, setting up another quick strike — a six-yard touchdown run by Winowich that put URI ahead 14–7.

University of Rhode Island Captain and Quarterback, Devin Farrell had one official rushing first down, the 10-yard scramble late in the second quarter (0:56) that helped set up URI’s 54-yard field goal. Passing: Farrell was 14 of 22, 272 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, long 63.

The first half featured three lead changes as both offenses traded big plays. Bryant briefly regained the lead 17–14 before Farrell capped a 75-yard march with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Schaeffer. With just 19 seconds left before halftime, kicker Garth White drilled a record 54-yard field goal, the longest in program history, giving the Rams a 24–17 advantage at the break.

Rhode Island extended its lead in the third quarter when Farrell connected with Greg Gaines on a 38-yard touchdown strike, pushing the score to 31–17. From there, the defense took over. The Rams recorded seven tackles for loss and two sacks while holding Bryant scoreless in the second half. In the fourth quarter, Ayinde Johnson intercepted a pass and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown, sealing the win. Moments later, DJ Cureton added a second interception in the end zone to shut the door completely.

Video by Dom Murgo: After Johnson’s interception and run back see fans’ reaction:
Now Fans Could Relax And Enjoy The Finish!!

Despite being flagged 11 times for 125 yards, Rhode Island’s defense rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Case Mankins, A.J. Pena, and Rohan Davy anchored the defensive front, combining to pressure Bryant quarterback Jaden Keefner and stuff multiple red-zone opportunities.

Captain Case Mankins anchored Rhode Island’s defensive front, finishing with 3 total tackles (2 solo, 1 assist), including 1 tackle-for-loss and involvement in several key run stops that stalled Bryant drives. The veteran lineman’s power inside and disciplined gap control helped URI’s defense limit the Bulldogs to short gains in the second half. Mankins teamed with Rohan Davy and A.J. Pena to set the tone at the line of scrimmage, part of a front that held Bryant scoreless after halftime in the Rams’ 38-17 win.

The Rams controlled possession, limited mistakes in the second half, and finished with 402 total yards of offense to Bryant’s 363.

**Dontay Bishop following URI win over Bryant Bulldogs in Kingston, RI. Bishop had the lone QB sack for URI.**

**Number 56 Dontay Bishop R-So, back in August working as OL, then switched over to DL, making the only sack on Bryant QB Jayden Keefner**.

**What will the 2025 season mean for Mr. Bishop? Dontay at URI Media Day 2025 @ Dom Murgo**

Key Play-by-Play Moments

First Quarter, 15:00 — Farrell hits Buchanan for 54 yards on the game’s first play, but a fumble at the Bryant 21 sets up an early Bulldog touchdown drive.
First Quarter, 05:17 — Winowich bursts through the line for a 51-yard score, tying the game 7–7.
Second Quarter, 01:55 — Farrell finds Schaeffer over the middle for a 27-yard touchdown, putting the Rams ahead 21–17.
Second Quarter, 00:19 — White nails a 54-yard field goal, the longest in URI history, to make it 24–17 at halftime.
Fourth Quarter, 02:12 — Ayinde Johnson’s pick-six from 24 yards out seals the 38–17 victory.

Rhode Island Individual Leaders

Quarterback
Devin Farrell — 14 of 22, 272 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, long 63 yards.
Poised and accurate, Farrell spread the ball to seven different receivers and hit several deep shots that flipped field position.

Rushing
Gabe Winowich — 13 carries, 90 yards, 2 TD, long 51 yards (6.9 avg)
Brendon Barrow — 6 carries, 22 yards (3.7 avg)
Devin Farrell — 6 carries, 19 yards
URI total: 26 carries, 130 yards, 2 TD (5.0 avg)

Leading Receivers
Marquis Buchanan — 3 receptions, 124 yards, long 63
Greg Gaines — 6 receptions, 92 yards, 1 TD, long 38
Kevin Schaeffer — 1 reception, 27 yards, 1 TD
URI total: 14 receptions, 272 yards, 2 TD

Defense
URI held Bryant scoreless in the second half, forcing two interceptions and recording seven tackles for loss with one sack.
Key contributors: Case Mankins, A.J. Pena, Rohan Davy, Ayinde Johnson (INT TD), DJ Cureton (INT)

Special Teams
Garth White — 5/5 PATs, 1/1 FG (record 54 yards), 7 kickoffs for 404 yards, 2 touchbacks
James Allen — 4 punts, 173 yards (43.2 avg), long 51
Angel Sanchez — 3 punt returns for 39 yards, 1 kickoff return for 32 yards

Game Notes & Team Summary

Final Score: Rhode Island 38, Bryant 17
Halftime: URI 24, BRY 17

Total Offense:
URI – 402 yards (272 passing, 130 rushing)
BRY – 363 yards (196 passing, 167 rushing)

First Downs: URI 14, BRY 26
Third Down Efficiency: URI 3 of 9, BRY 7 of 16
Time of Possession: URI 20:58, BRY 39:02

Penalties: URI – 11 for 125 yds
BRY – 5 for 38 yds

Key Defensive Plays:
– Ayinde Johnson 24-yd interception return for TD (4Q, 2:12)
– DJ Cureton interception in end zone (final seconds)
– URI defense: 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 INT

Record Kick:
Garth White set a school record with a 54-yard FG at 0:19 in 2Q.

Turning Point:
Two first-quarter touchdowns by Gabe Winowich erased an early 7-0 deficit and set the tone for URI’s 31-10 run to close the game.

Next Game: Rhode Island vs. Towson – Saturday, October 26