A diverse and dominant defensive effort from the University of Rhode Island Rams helped them turn a fourth-quarter deficit into a record-setting win against longtime rival Brown University.

The Rams outlasted the Bears 31-21 to become the first of the two teams to win the coveted Governor’s Cup six consecutive times. 

The Rams trailed 21-17 after three quarters, but a fourth-and-1 stop two minutes into the final stanza set into motion a spectacular series of defensive plays that included a blocked field goal, an interception and a fumble recovery. 

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The go-ahead score came two plays after Brown was left inches short of a fresh set of downs.

Senior running back Deon Silas rushed for 21 yards on the first play of Rhode Island’s ensuing drive, and redshirt senior receiver Shawn Harris Jr. finished the job with a 45-yard scamper down the right side. 

Brown answered quickly and had a chance to tie the game at 24, but the 37-yard field goal attempt from senior kicker Christopher Maron was blocked by senior linebacker Gabe Salomons. 

The Rams took advantage of the opportunity and marched 80 yards on nine plays to put the game out of reach with a 5-yard quarterback keeper from redshirt sophomore Devin Farrell. 

Everything went wrong for the pressing Bears in the final three minutes of the game, which included a mishandled kickoff, the interception and a fumble by quarterback Jake Willcox.

As has been the tradition since 1981, the winning team in this matchup was awarded the Governor’s Cup. Though both teams had won it five straight times in the past, Rhode Island became the first of the two to complete the task six years in a row. 

The last time the Rams lost to Brown was in 2017. The last time Rhode Island lost the Governor’s Cup at home was 2014. Since the introduction of the Cup in 1981, the Rams are 23-19.

Brown dominated in the early years against Rhode Island, winning the first 23 meetings and 37 of the first 40. They played for the first time in 1909.

Overall, it was the 108th meeting between the two squads, with Brown still leading the series with a 73-33-2 mark. 

In the home win for Rhode Island at Meade Stadium on Saturday, Farrell was 21 of 32 for 244 yards and a touchdown, while leading the Rams’ ground with 65 yards and the final score on eight attempts. Farrell also threw two interceptions Saturday.

Redshirt sophomore Marquis Buchanan led Rhode Island with 107 receiving yards on nine catches, 16 of which came on a first-quarter strike from Farrell to tie the game at 7-7.

The balanced effort from Rhode Island included 434 total yards – 244 through the air and 190 on the ground, while Brown had 165 and 133, respectively for 298 total yards. 

Willcox was 20 of 30 for all 165 yards for Brown, plus the interception. Freshman running back Matt Childs was the leading rusher with 48 yards on 12 touches, and led all Brown receivers with 52 yards on three catches. 

With the win, Rhode Island improves to 5-1 on the season and now will turn its focus back to the race for a Coastal Athletic Association title. 

The Rams opened CAA play last week with a double-overtime win against Hampton and will close the regular season with another six CAA matchups. Next up is an Oct. 19 visit to New Hampshire.

With the loss Saturday, Brown falls to 2-2, denied the opportunity to start a year at 3-1 for the first time since 2013.

Up next for the Bears will be an Oct. 18 trip to Princeton to resume Ivy League play. Brown won its conference opener against Harvard on Sept. 28 (31-28).

Final Stats From 31-21 Rhode Island Win Over Brown

Rhode Island Defeats Brown To Win Governor's Cup

The Rhode Island Rams defeat the Brown Bears 31-21 at Meade Stadium.

Brown Fumbles, Falls Short In Bid To Reclaim Governor's Cup

A Willcox fumble on Brown's final drive gives the ball back to Rhode Island with a minute left to play.

The Rams recover the ball and take a knee to run out the clock. 

The Rams win the Governor's Cup for the sixth consecutive time. 

Rhode Island Interception Stuns Brown In Final Minutes

Brown mishandles the ensuing kickoff and is forced to start at its own 12-yard line with 2:41 left on the clock. 

The first play of the drive is an interception by Willcox. Redshirt senior defensive back Emmanuel Gomes makes the play at midfield.

It's the second interception of the year for Rhode Island. 

The two-minute warning is on the horizon. 

Devin Farrell Puts This One Out Of Reach For Rhode Island

Watch Farrell call his own number to all but close out the win against Brown.

Devin Farrell does it himself 😤#CAAFB | @CAAFootball | @RhodyFootball pic.twitter.com/kBxRnPypEw

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) October 12, 2024

Rhode Island All But Seals Win Over Brown With QB Touchdown, Rams Lead 31-21

After blocking what would've been a game-tying field goal, Rhode Island marches 80 yards on nine plays and eats almost six minutes off the clock.

Farrell keeps it and takes it in from 5 yards out, giving the Rams a 30-24 lead. Groff adds the extra point for a 31-21 advantage with about three minutes left on the clock. 

Rhode Island Blocks Brown Field Goal Attempt

Brown's attempt at a 37-yard game-tying field goal is blocked by senior linebacker Gabe Salomons.

It still hits the crossbar but doesn't go through. 

Rhode Island gets the ball back at its own 20 with just less than nine minutes remaining in the game.

The Bears' 56-yard drive included a 35-yard pass from Willcox to freshman running back Matt Childs.

Watch Shawn Harris Jr. Put Rhode Island Ahead

This 45-yard scamper from Harris puts Rhode Island back in front against Brown. With the PAT, the Rams lead 24-21.

SHAWN HARRIS JR. 45-YARD TOUCHDOWN‼️#CAAFB | @CAAFootball | @RhodyFootball pic.twitter.com/csn9ayPF7x

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) October 12, 2024

Rhode Island Stops Brown On Fourth Down, Scores On Ensuing Drive - Rams Lead 24-21

Two plays after stopping a fourth-down try by Brown (by inches), Rhode Island finds the end zone to take the lead against the Bears.

Senior running back Deon Silas runs for 21 yards on the first play of the drive, and Harris finishes the effort on the second play with a 45 yard touchdown run. The 66-yard drive takes 37 seconds.

Groff adds the extra point to give the Rams a 24-21 lead. 

There are 12 minutes left in the contest. 

Final Quarter Begins With Governor's Cup On The Line

Brown leads Rhode Island with one quarter left to play at Meade Stadium.

Rhode Island Takes To The Air, Leads To FG

A 37-yard toss from Farrell to redshirt senior receiver Shawn Harris Jr. gets the Rams into Brown territory. 

Rhode Island can't keep the momentum going in the red zone, however, and the Rams settle for a field goal.

Groff kicks one through from 20 yards to cut the deficit to 21-17 with less than two minutes left in the third quarter.

It was 77 yards on 14 plays.

Brown Rolls In Opening Drive Of Second Half Against Rhode Island, Bears Lead 21-14

The Bears cruise down the field and cap their first drive of the second half with a 1-yard touchdown run from junior running back Qwentin Brown. Maron adds the extra point to give Brown a 21-14 lead.

The 75-yard drive takes 14 plays and burns six minutes off the clock.

Second Half Underway In Rhode Island

Rhode Island kicks off to Brown to start the second half at Meade Stadium.

URI hasn't lost this rivalry game at home since 2014.

It's tied 14-14.

First-Half Stats From Brown Vs. Rhode Island 2024

First Half Concludes, Rhode Island And Brown Football Tied At 14

It's halftime, and this one is knotted at 14. 

Rhode Island QB Devin Farrell Intercepted In End Zone

A great sequence from URI forces Brown to punt from its own end zone and gives the Rams the ball at the Brown 30-yard line. 

The Rams are unable to take advantage, as they're pushed back by a holding penalty, and then Farrell is intercepted by senior defensive back Tim Malo in the end zone.

The Bears will get one final drive with about a minute left in the half. They're on their own 20-yard line.

Brown Football Scores First In Second Quarter Against Rhode Island

Brown quarterback Jake Willcox scores on a 7-yard keeper to the right corner of the end zone to erase the deficit against Rhode Island.

The drive was 11 plays and 66 yards and chewed five minutes off the clock.

Maron adds the extra point to tie the game at 14 all.

There's 5:20 left in the half.

First Quarter Ends, Rhode Island Leads Brown 14-7

It's time for the second quarter at Meade Stadium in Kingston, Rhode Island. The Rams lead 14-7.

Rams Getting It Done On The Ground Against Brown

Watch Grant's 2-yard score against Brown in the 42nd edition of the Governor's Cup. 

Rams run it in for the lead!

5th touchdown in three games for Malik Grant.#CAAFB | @CAAFootball | @RhodyFootball pic.twitter.com/fAKqNIyLFk

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) October 12, 2024

Rhode Island Takes 14-7 Lead At Home Against Brown

The Rams go for it on fourth and 2 with 30 seconds left in the first quarter, and graduate running back Malik Grant is able to punch it in from 2 yards out to put Rhode Island ahead 13-7. 

Groff adds the extra point to make it 14-7.

There are 28 seconds left on the clock as URI kicks off to Brown.

Rams Answer The Call Against Brown, Game Tied At 7-7

Watch Rhode Island's first score against Brown on Saturday at home in Kingston, Rhode Island:

Farrell ➡️ Buchanan

Rhode Island gets on the board.#CAAFB | @CAAFootball | @RhodyFootball pic.twitter.com/d9PDIBXwCM

— FloFootball (@FloFootball) October 12, 2024

Rhode Island Rams Get On The Board Against Brown

Rhode Island capitalizes on the opportunity and field position, and Farrell connects with redshirt sophomore receiver Marquis Buchanan in the corner of the end zone from 16 yards out for the Rams' first score of the day. 

Sophomore kicker Ty Groff adds the extra point to tie the game at 7-7 with just under seven minutes remaining in the first quarter.

Rhode Island's Devin Farrell Nearly Breaks Free

The URI quarterback finds a hole and scampers down the left side for 44 yards. A personal foul after the play gives the Rams another 15 yards. 

It'll be first and 10 for Rhode Island at the Brown 23-yard line.

Brown Scores First In Rivalry Game Against Rhode Island Football, Bears Lead 7-0

On the first play after the interception, Brown senior running back Jordan DeLucia rushes up the middle for a 4-yard touchdown (his second TD of the year) to put the Bears ahead 6-0. 

Senior kicker Christopher Maron adds the extra point to make it 7-0.

Rhode Island's Opening Drive Ends With Interception

A third-down pass from Rhode Island quarterback Devin Farrell is intercepted by Brown senior defensive back Noble Cooper III, who returns it to the URI 4-yard line.

Brown Wins Coin Toss In 2024 Edition Of Brown Vs. Rhode Island

Brown wins the coin toss and defers to the second half. Rhode Island will receive the opening kick.

When Is The Brown Vs. Rhode Island Football Game?

The Brown Bears will take on the Rhode Island Rams at Meade Stadium in Kingston Rhode Island, on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. Eastern/Noon Central.

How To Watch The Brown Vs. Rhode Island Football Game

Football action is streaming live on FloFootball and the FloSports app, including the Brown vs. Rhode Island football game during Week 7 of the 2024 college football season.

Replays and postgame highlights also will be available on both platforms. 

Rhode Island Governor Welcomes Bears And Rams

Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee welcomed Brown and URI to the Rhode Island State House this week to promote their storied rivalry.

Governor McKee welcomed Brown and URI to the State House this afternoon ahead of this Saturday's Governor's Cup clash

📰- https://t.co/LRlFshnKE5#EverTrue pic.twitter.com/CXImm44c2F

— Brown Bears Football (@BrownU_Football) October 9, 2024

Did You Miss Rhode Island's CAA Win Over Hampton Last Week?

Watch the highlights from Rhode Island's 46-44 double-overtime win over Hampton last week.

Spookiness In Brown Vs. Rhode Island Saga

Earlier in the rivalry, the teams played for the William T. Broomhead ’35 Trophy, but it somehow was misplaced or disappeared in the 1970s. 

Needing something tangible for which to play, the Governor’s Cup was introduced in 1981.

Fast Fact About The Governor’s Cup

Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee will be at the Brown-Rhode Island game Saturday to present the Governor’s Cup to the winning team. 

Both teams previously have held the Cup for five straight years - URI (1988-1993) and Brown (2011-2015), and Rhode Island now has a second chance to be the first to take it six straight times.

About Brown Football

After jumping out to a 2-0 start this season, Brown received votes in both main polls (AFCA FCS Coaches Poll and Stats Perform FCS Coaches Poll), marking the first time since 2008 the Bears achieved that feat. They’ve since fall out, however. 

The Brown offense is led by quarterback Jake Willcox, who has completed 59 of 109 passes for 852 yards and six touchdowns. He also has thrown one interception this year. Willcox leads the Ivy League so far this year in pass attempts, yards, yards per game (284) and total offense (314.33).

Only two receivers have 10 or more catches this year – wide receiver Mark Mahoney (13) and freshman running back Matt Childs (10). 

On the ground, Childs has rushed 14 times for 76 net yards – third on the team – but team-leading performances in Brown’s last two games helped him to back-to-back Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors. 

Brown leads the Ivy League in points per game with 30.7 and total points (92) and is second behind Columbia in total yards (1,235) and yards per game (411.7).

Among the conference’s eight teams, the Brown defense is giving up the third-most yards per game (406) and points per game (28).

How To Watch Brown Football Games In 2024

Brown’s conference games can be watched on ESPN+, while next week’s matchup with Princeton will air on ESPNU.

Brown Head Coach Talks Rhode Island, Governor’s Cup & More

Hear what Brown head coach James Perry had to say about this week’s game against Rhode Island, where the coveted Governor’s Cup will be on the line.

On this week's episode of the Brown Bears Football Report, head coach James Perry discusses the Bears' upcoming showdown with URI on Saturday, and also features Michael Bumpus and Matt Childs

🔊- https://t.co/kJD3aUfPMe #EverTrue pic.twitter.com/35VA7dkPas

— Brown Bears Football (@BrownU_Football) October 10, 2024

About Rhode Island Football

Redshirt sophomore Devin Farrell and senior Hunter Helms have handled the snaps this year for the Rams, with Farrell seeing about 75% of the action. He has completed 58 of 106 passes for 782 yards and six touchdowns, but he also has thrown three interceptions. 

The top receiver for Rhode Island is redshirt sophomore Marquis Buchanan, who has 19 catches for 284 yards and two touchdowns.

The team’s top rusher is graduate running back Malik Grant with 421 yards and four touchdowns on 69 attempts. 

The Rhode Island offense is in the bottom half of the 16-team CAA in most categories, while the defense is fifth in the conference in yards allowed per game at 368.4, while allowing a ninth-best 27.8 points per contest. 

How To Watch Rhode Island Football Games In 2024

Coastal Athletic Conference and Rhode Island football home games will stream live on FloFootball and the FloSports app.

Game replays, highlights and breaking news will be posted on both platforms.

The Governor’s Cup In All Its Glory

What does the Governor’s Cup look like? Take a peek now!

Rhody vs. Brown. 🐏🏈🐻

Saturday. 1 pm. For the Cup 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Hbaa9iUQuc

— Rhody Football (@RhodyFootball) October 9, 2024

Brown Football Schedule 2024

All Times Eastern

• Sept. 21: Brown 26, Georgetown 14 (W)
• Sept.28: Brown 31, Harvard 28 (W)
• Oct.5: Bryant 42, Brown 35 (L)
• Oct.12: at Rhode Island, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct.18: at Princeton, 7 p.m.
• Oct.26: vs. Cornell, Noon
• Nov.2: vs. Penn, Noon
• Nov.9: at Yale, Noon
• Nov.16: vs. Columbia, Noon
• Nov.23: at Dartmouth, 1 p.m.

Rhode Island Football Schedule 2024

All Times Eastern

• Aug. 31: Rhode Island 20, Holy Cross 17 (W)
• Sept.7: Minnesota 48, Rhode Island 0 (L)
• Sept.14: Rhode Island 21, Campbell 9 (W)
• Sept.21: Rhode Island 28, Long Island 21 (W)
• Oct.5: Rhode Island 46, Hampton 44 (2OT) (W)
• Oct.12: vs. Brown, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct.19: at New Hampshire, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Oct.26: vs. Maine, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Nov.2: vs. Monmouth, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Nov.9: at Delaware, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Nov.16: vs. UAlbany, 1 p.m. (FloSports)
• Nov.23: at Bryant, 1 p.m. (FloSports)

Brown Football Roster For 2024

Here is where fans can find the Brown football roster.

Rhode Island Football Roster For 2024

Here is where fans can find the Rhode Island football roster.

CAA Week 7 Schedule 

All Times Eastern

• Brown at Rhode Island, 1 p.m.
• Maine at Delaware, 1 p.m.
• UAlbany at Bryant, 1 p.m.
• New Hampshire at Elon, 2 p.m.
• Towson at Norfolk State, 2 p.m.

Check out FloFootball’s CAA preview and predictions for Week 7. 

What Were Some Of The Noteworthy Division I FCS Football Scores In Week 6 Of The 2024 Season?

Read more: FCS Scores And Biggest Upsets In Week 6

What Else Is Happening Around the CAA?

• Hampton’s Mays, Villanova’s Avit Receive National FCS Weekly Awards
• CAA Weekly Awards – Oct. 7

Things To Watch In the CAA In Week 7:

AFCA FCS Coaches Poll For Week 7

1. South Dakota St. (4-1) - Prev. 1
2. North Dakota St. (5-1) - Prev. 2
3. Montana St. (6-0) - Prev. 3
4. South Dakota (4-1) - Prev.4 
5. Villanova (5-1) - Prev. 5
6. UC Davis (5-1) - Prev. 8
7. Mercer (5-0) - Prev. 11
8. Idaho (4-2) - Prev. 12
9. Southeast Missouri St. (5-1) - Prev. 13
10. North Dakota (4-2) - Prev. 6
11. Tarleton St. (5-1) - Prev. 14
12. ACU (4-2) - Prev. 17
13. Central Arkansas (4-2) - Prev. 7
14. Montana (4-2) - Prev. 9
15. UIW (3-2) - Prev. 15
16. Illinois St. (4-2) - Prev. 19
17. Richmond (4-2) - Prev. 21
18. William & Mary (4-2) - Prev. 10
19. Florida A&M (3-2) - Prev. 22
20. Sacramento St. (2-3) - Prev. 20
21. Rhode Island (4-1) - Prev. 25
22. New Hampshire (3-2) - Prev. 16
23. Weber St. (3-3) - Prev. NR
24. North Carolina Central (4-2) - Prev. NR
25. Missouri St. (3-2) - Prev. NR

Dropped Out: Northern Iowa (18), Southern Illinois (23), McNeese (24).

Others Receiving Votes: Lafayette, 49; Northern Iowa, 47; Dartmouth, 32; McNeese, 31; Butler, 27; Jackson St., 27; Duquesne, 24; Stony Brook, 21; Harvard, 15; Chattanooga, 14; Lamar, 10; Monmouth (N.J.), 10; Southern Illinois, 9; Western Carolina, 6; East Tennessee St., 5; Columbia, 4; Nicholls, 4; Northern Arizona, 4; Davidson, 1; Drake, 1.

What Are The Top Conference In The FCS?

Curious about the top performers and strongest conference within the FCS ranks? We’ve got you covered.

See the FCS conferences ranked using a unique system that originally was developed for chess.

When Do The 2024 FCS College Football Playoffs Start?

The FCS playoffs begin on November 30, 2024.

The 2024 Division I FCS College Football Championship game will be played on January 6, 2025, at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

Archived Footage On FloFootball

Video footage from all events will be archived and stored in a video library for FloFootball subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscription.

Watch The 2024 College Football Season On FloFootball 

FloFootball is the home of the best FCS, Division II and Division III football action all season long. 

Don't miss the latest college football action by bookmarking the FloFootball schedule page for the latest games. 

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