The Rams season opener against Georgia State ends in a controversial loss —
ATLANTA, G.A – A dramatic ending to a back and forth battle between the Rams and Panthers ended in a Georgia State University victory, 42-35.
It came down to the very end after the Panthers had to get a first down on 4th-&-1 to clench the game. The carry by GSU Quarterback Darren Grainger, who had the stats of a running back for the night (51 rushing yards) was too close to call with a blind eye. After bringing out the sticks, not once, but twice, the controversial call on the field was ultimately a first down, solidifying the Panthers win.
“That one hurts. We came in with every intention of beating Georgia State, and we had many opportunities to do so.” Head Coach Jim Fleming said post game, “Defense, we got our foot in, we were down some people and they battled and I think they made a stop on 4th-&-1, and I sure hope it looks like that on film.”
The Panthers had a great showing for their first game of the season with standouts including Robert Lewis (97 yards / 1 TD) and Tailique Williams (52 yards / 1 TD). But with 183 rushing yards and three touchdowns, I think it’s safe to say it was the Marcus Carroll show at Centre Parc Stadium. Carroll did it himself in the fourth quarter with a 63-yard gain with 8 minutes to go followed by a 12-yard run up the middle resulting in a 42-28 lead against the Rams.
The Panthers started off the game strong with a 14-0 lead in the first quarter while the Rams defense was getting through some early-season rust. The tides turned in the Rams favor after North Kingston, Rhode Island native Native Gabe Sloat found a wide open path to the endzone for his first career touchdown with 1:40 to go before the half (21-14).
The momentum continued for the Rams, not even a minute into the third quarter when another hometown hero, Providence native Marquis Buchanan had a 63 yard completion to tie it up 21-21. The Rams clenched their first and only lead of the game after the Panthers received a roughing the punter call and gave Rhode Island the ball and first down on the 49- yard line. Buchanan took advantage of this opportunity and stormed past five defenders, 28 yards and into the end zone, 28-21.
“When people's opportunities come, you don't know when it’s going to be.” Coach Fleming continues, “I think Darius had to get an IV and popped [Marquis] in there and the kid came up with two really spectacular plays.”
Speaking of spectacular, it came to no surprise on the Rhode Island side that Kasim Hill showed up to play. Jim Fleming had one word to describe Hill’s performance and that was “insane.” Hill had an astounding 408 yards passing and added a 5 yard touchdown of his own.
In the second half the rust was off of the Rhode Island defense starting with Emmanuelle Gomes who was able to stop Carroll and force a punt to get a chance at the lead with less than three minutes to go in the third quarter. But it just wouldn’t be fair if the Panthers defense didn’t show up to play as well. Gavin Pringle responded with a pick 6, boosting the GSU lead to 7, and ultimately switching the momentum back to the Panthers.
Certainly a tough loss for the Rams on the road but Head Coach Jim Fleming is confident that his team can confidently move forward to CAA play.
“I feel for the kids in there, but it's a resilient group, they’ve been through the worst together, that was a tough loss but we will put it behind and get ready for Stony Brook.”
