CCSU Pushes Rhode Island to the Brink, 21-17
In a hard-fought battle to kick off the FCS playoffs, the Rhode Island Rams edged Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) 21-17 on Saturday at Meade Stadium. For the Blue Devils, the loss marked the end of a miraculous season, one where they defied all expectations. Picked to finish last in the Northeast Conference preseason poll, CCSU stunned the league by claiming the NEC title, fueled by improbable moments like forcing eight turnovers in the championship-clinching win over Duquesne and a last-second, two-point conversion against Robert Morris that ricocheted off a lineman’s helmet before being caught for the game-winner. Despite Saturday’s defeat, CCSU’s trademark resilience was on full display as they pushed the Rams to the brink.
Rhode Island wasted no time in asserting itself early. Quarterback Hunter Helms opened the scoring with a 38-yard touchdown strike to senior Tommy Smith, capping an 80-yard drive midway through the first quarter. Moments later, the Rams capitalized on a mistake by CCSU’s Brady Olson, as Emmanuel Gomes jumped a route and returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown, giving Rhode Island a 14-0 lead. The Rams appeared poised to dominate, but CCSU, as they had all season, refused to fold.
The Blue Devils regrouped in the second quarter, mounting an eight-play, 48-yard drive highlighted by Olson’s precision and the power running of Elijah Howard. Olson capped the series with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Isaac Boston, cutting the deficit to 14-7. CCSU’s defense found its footing as well, forcing two punts to keep the game within reach at halftime.
Momentum began to shift further in the third quarter. The Blue Devils methodically moved 75 yards downfield late in the frame, with Olson once again connecting with Boston, this time on a six-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14-14. With a fresh wave of energy, CCSU seemed ready to complete its comeback. But in the fourth quarter, the Rams reclaimed control with a key special teams play. Shawn Harris Jr. broke loose for a 23-yard punt return, giving Rhode Island excellent field position at the CCSU 32-yard line. Six plays later, Smith took a snap out of the wildcat formation and powered his way into the end zone on a six-yard run, putting the Rams up 21-14 with just under ten minutes remaining.
CCSU responded with a determined drive, reaching the Rhode Island 4-yard line. However, the Rams’ defense stiffened, sacking Olson for a 10-yard loss on third down. The Blue Devils settled for a 32-yard field goal by Jack Barnum to narrow the score to 21-17 with 4:47 left. After forcing a punt on Rhode Island’s next possession, CCSU had one final chance, starting a potential game-winning drive with 43 seconds remaining. On the very first play, Olson’s pass was tipped at the line by Carson Primrose and intercepted by Wesley Neal Jr., ending CCSU’s playoff run.
The Rams leaned on an exceptional performance by Malik Grant, who rushed for 223 yards on 29 carries, including a career-best 75-yard run that set the tone for Rhode Island’s offense. Helms completed 18 of 28 passes for 208 yards and a touchdown but also threw one interception. Smith delivered in crucial moments, accounting for two touchdowns—one receiving and one rushing.
For CCSU, Howard carried the offensive load, rushing for 101 yards on 19 carries and adding 54 yards as a receiver. Olson finished 11 of 23 for 148 yards, two touchdowns to Boston, and three interceptions. Boston led the Blue Devils’ receiving corps with his two scores, providing consistent reliability in key moments.
Although the playoff loss stings, CCSU’s season was nothing short of remarkable. From preseason afterthoughts to conference champions, the Blue Devils embodied perseverance and grit. Their campaign featured unforgettable moments and standout performances, establishing them as one of the NEC’s most resilient squads. Against a historic Rhode Island team making its first postseason appearance since 1985, CCSU proved they belonged on the FCS stage.
Rhode Island advances to face seventh-seeded Mercer (10-2) next Saturday in Macon, Georgia, as the Rams continue their record-breaking season. For CCSU, the journey ends, but the legacy of their improbable run will endure as a testament to what a team can achieve when no one believes in them but themselves.
