By Tiffany Williams –
URI Rams and Georgia State Panthers kicked off their 2023 season with Thursday Night College Football. GSU hosted the Rams for the second-ever meeting between the two teams, and GSU grabbed the win, 35-42. The last time the two teams met was in 2012, and GSU won that game as well.
In the first quarter with 13:36 on the clock, the Panthers got into this game with Darren Grainger connecting with Robert Lewis to get a touchdown. The point after attempt by Liam Rickman was good for the Panthers to takevan 0-7 lead. With just 4:15 on the clock, Marcus Carroll had a rushing touchdown, and the point after an attempt by Liam Rickman was good to put the Panthers out front 0-14.
In the second quarter with 14:10 on the clock Rhode Island Rams got into the game with Kasim Hill connecting with John Erby to get a passing touchdown and the point after attempt by Ty Groff was good to make it a 7-14 game. But with 11:31 on the clock, Darren Grainger connected with Tailique Williams, and the point after attempt by Liam Rickman was good to put the Panthers on top 7-21. With just 1:40 remaining in the second quarter, the Rams made this a 14-21 game with Kasim Hill connecting with Gabe Sloat, and the point after attempt by Ty Groff was good.
In the third quarter with 14:12 on the clock, Kasim Hill connected with Darius Savedge, and the point after attempt by Ty Groff was good for the Rams to make it a 21-21 tie game. The Rams then took the lead, making it a 28-21 game with 8:02 on the clock with Kasim Hil connecting with Marquis Buchanan. The point after attempt by Ty Groff was good. With 6:21 on the clock, the Panthers made it a 28-28 game with Marcus Carroll grabbing a touchdown, and the point after attempt by Liam Rickman was good. With just 1:30 remaining in the third the Panthers pulled away to make it a 28-35 game with Gavin Pringle grabbing a 21-yard Interception return, and the point after attempt by Liam Rickman was good.
In the fourth quarter with 8:16 on the clock, Marcus Carroll grabbed another rushing touchdown for the Panthers, and the point after attempt by Liam Rickman was good to make it a 28-42 Panthers lead. With just 6:27 remaining on the clock in the fourth, Kasim Hill grabbed a rushing touchdown for the Rams to make it a 35-42 game.
Rams running back, Gabe Sloat made his first career start Thursday night and had 113 all-purpose yards. He rushed eight times for 35 yards, caught four passes for 47 yards and one touchdown, and returned two punts for 31 yards.
Rams wide receiver Marquis Buchanan topped 100 receiving yards in his collegiate debut. He had a 28-yard touchdown grab on his first career catch, and he later added a 73-yard reception to set up URI’s final score.
Rams quarterback Kasim Hill threw for a career-high 408 yards and matched his best with four touchdown passes. He also added a touchdown run.
Jeremiah Johnson led the Panthers’ defense with eight tackles.
Panthers Quarterback Darren Grainger completed 80 percent of his passes, including his first 14 throws, going 16-for-20 while averaging 9.6 yards per attempt.
Up next for the Rams is Colonial Athletic Association rival Stony Brook on Friday, Sept. 8th at 7:00pm. This will be the Rams home opener at Meade Stadium.
Up next for the Panthers, they will host and look to grab another win against a New England team next week when they play UConn, who lost to NC State on Thursday. That game kicks off at 7:00 PM. ET on September 9.
Sports Insider Daily 