FCS Playoffs Preview: CCSU at Rhode Island
Rhode Island and Central Connecticut State are set to meet in the first round of the FCS Playoffs, bringing together two programs with vastly different paths to this moment. The Rams, hosting Saturday’s contest at Meade Stadium, are riding the momentum of their best regular season ever. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils arrive as a classic underdog story, overcoming preseason predictions to claim the Northeast Conference title and punch their postseason ticket. The stakes are high, with the winner advancing further into the national championship hunt.
For Rhode Island, 2024 has been nothing short of historic. Under head coach Jim Fleming, the Rams have achieved a program-record 10 wins, claimed a share of the CAA Football title, and returned to the postseason for the first time since 1985. URI has turned Meade Stadium into a fortress, completing an undefeated 6-0 home campaign. Anchored by a balanced attack and a disciplined defense led by senior linebacker Cole Brockwell, Rhode Island has consistently proven itself against a challenging conference schedule. Brockwell’s leadership, highlighted by his team-leading 93 tackles, has been central to the Rams' success.
In contrast, Central Connecticut State entered the season under vastly different expectations. Picked to finish last in the NEC preseason poll, the Blue Devils defied the odds, claiming their seventh conference title with a 7-5 record. Second-year head coach Adam Lechtenberg has CCSU leaning on a tough defense and an efficient ground game. Elijah Howard, the NEC Offensive Player of the Year and a Walter Payton Award finalist, has been a dynamic force for the Blue Devils, rushing for 833 yards and eight touchdowns in just 10 games. On the defensive side, NEC Defensive Player of the Year Kimal Clark has been equally impactful, amassing 109 tackles and leading a secondary that thrives on creating turnovers.
This will be just the fifth meeting between Rhode Island and Central Connecticut, with the Rams holding a 3-1 edge in the all-time series. Their last encounter, in 2014, saw CCSU dominate 38-14 on its home field. Much has changed since then, as URI has emerged as a consistent contender in CAA Football, while CCSU continues to shine as one of the NEC’s top programs. For Rhode Island, Saturday’s game is a chance to reconnect with a proud postseason history that includes three prior appearances in the 1980s and two trips to the national quarterfinals. For CCSU, it’s an opportunity to continue a Cinderella season and prove they belong on the national stage.
The matchup itself presents an intriguing clash of styles. Rhode Island boasts a balanced offensive approach and a defense that has been effective at stifling opposing playmakers. In Brockwell, the Rams have a veteran presence capable of anchoring the front seven, while their coaching staff brings valuable experience in high-stakes contests. Central Connecticut counters with a gritty defensive unit, led by Clark and rising star Christopher Jean. Jean, the NEC Defensive Rookie of the Year, has been a turnover machine, leading the conference in interceptions and fumble recoveries. The Blue Devils’ ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes has been a key to their success, and they’ll need that opportunistic mindset to disrupt URI’s offense.
Special teams could also play a pivotal role. CCSU kicker Jack Barnum has set a program record with 15 field goals this season, and punter Aidan Clark has been instrumental in flipping field position, averaging 42.8 yards per punt. Rhode Island, on the other hand, has relied on consistency in all phases of its special teams to maintain control in tight games. Additionally, Central Connecticut’s return specialist Jadon Turner has been a game-changer, leading the NEC in kickoff return average and providing a spark whenever opponents dare to kick his way.
The personal connections between these teams add yet another layer of intrigue. Rhode Island linebacker Harold Miles III spent three seasons at CCSU before transferring to URI, where he’s become a key contributor for the Rams. His familiarity with the Blue Devils’ personnel and tendencies could provide a unique advantage for Rhode Island. Meanwhile, CCSU wide receiver Cameron Alves, the team’s lone Rhode Island native, will be playing in his home state with a chance to help the Blue Devils pull off an upset.
As the game approaches, several questions loom. Can Rhode Island’s defense contain Elijah Howard, whose explosive playmaking has powered CCSU’s offense? Will the Blue Devils’ offensive line, which has allowed just seven sacks all season, continue to protect its quarterback against URI’s aggressive pass rush? And which team will handle the playoff atmosphere better, given the stakes and the high-pressure environment of postseason football?
This first-round matchup promises to deliver drama, with each team bringing unique strengths and compelling storylines to the table. Rhode Island, backed by its historic season and fervent home crowd, has the upper hand on paper. But Central Connecticut, unburdened by expectations and fueled by its underdog spirit, is more than capable of pulling off a shocker. Whatever the outcome, both teams have earned their place in the spotlight, and their postseason journeys are just beginning.
