Rhode Island Faces UC Davis in Pivotal FCS Playoff matchup
KINGSTON, R.I. – The Rhode Island Rams travel to face the UC Davis Aggies on Saturday night wiht a chance to reach the final eight of the FCS Playoffs and solidify their status as a rising power in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA). The Rams have secured back-to-back league titles and playoff appearances as the CAA undergoes significant conference realignment.
UC Davis enters the contest with an 8-3 record from the Big Sky Conference, despite battling injuries. Freshman quarterback Caden pinnick has led the Aggies’ offense, while their defense has proven strong against the run. UC Davis has only lost once at home this season and benefitted from an extra week of planning.
Rhode Island, led by 12th-year head coach Jim Fleming, achieved an 8-0 conference record this season – their first since Fleming’s arrival. Quarterback Devin Farrell ranks second in the FCS with 3,451 passing yards, connecting frequently with receiver Marquis Buchanan, who leads the nation with 1,224 receiving yards.
The Rams also boast a formidable linebacking corps featuring A.J. Pena, Moses Meus, and Rohan Davy. Meus and Davy have combined for 199 tackles, while Pena has recorded ten sacks and 19 tackles for loss. UC Davis will be without defensive back Rex Connors.
The winner of Saturday’s game will advance to face the winner of the matchup between #1 North Dakota State and Illinois State. A victory for rhode Island would likely set up a contest against North Dakota State and represent the program’s deepest playoff run in four decades.
Rhode Island and UC Davis will kick off at 10:00 PM (ET) on Saturday, with the game broadcast on ESPN2.
