News Summary
In a thrilling conclusion to the Governor’s Cup, Brown University shocked No. 10 Rhode Island, winning 28-21. Quarterback James Murphy led Brown with two touchdown passes, while Matt Childs added two rushing touchdowns. Brown’s defense made crucial plays, including a late interception by Miles Brophy, securing their second win of the season. Despite a strong performance from Rhode Island’s Devin Farrell, who threw three touchdown passes, they couldn’t overcome Brown’s resilient gameplay.
Providence, R.I. – In an exciting finish to the Governor’s Cup showdown, Brown University pulled off a stunning upset, defeating No. 10 Rhode Island by a score of 28-21 on Friday night. The victory marks an important milestone in Brown’s season, improving their record to 2-1, while Rhode Island falls to 4-2.
Brown’s offense was spearheaded by quarterback James Murphy, who threw two touchdown passes and completed 20 of 27 attempts for 201 yards. His notable plays included an 18-yard touchdown pass to Ty Pezza during the first half that gave Brown an early lead. Murphy’s second touchdown was an 8-yard connection with Solomon Miller late in the third quarter, extending Brown’s lead to 28-14.
Brown’s ground game was also effective, with Matt Childs contributing significantly by rushing for 64 yards on 22 carries, scoring two touchdowns. Meanwhile, Ty Pezza had a productive outing with six receptions tallying 93 yards.
On the defensive side, Brown’s performance was highlighted by Miles Brophy, who intercepted a pass with just 37 seconds left in the game, securing the upset. Elias Archie led the defense with five tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery, showcasing strong defensive efforts throughout the contest.
Rhode Island’s offense, despite the loss, showed resilience. Quarterback Devin Farrell threw three touchdown passes but also faced challenges, getting intercepted twice and losing two fumbles. Farrell completed 30 of 44 passes, accruing a total of 353 yards. His touchdown passes were distributed among his receivers: Marquis Buchanan (6 yards), Omari Walker (30 yards), and Matt Smith (2 yards).
The game marked the 109th meeting in the historical rivalry between Brown and Rhode Island. Historically, Brown leads the all-time series with an impressive record of 74-33-2. This match not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also continued the tradition of the Governor’s Cup clash, which emphasizes the fierce football rivalry in the region.
Brown initially took the lead in the game, scoring first and going into halftime with a 21-14 advantage. The second half saw a back-and-forth struggle as Rhode Island attempted to rally, but Brown’s strong defense and strategic offensive plays ultimately sealed Rhode Island’s fate.
This win is particularly significant for Brown, considering Rhode Island’s status as a ranked opponent, reinforcing the unpredictability and excitement that comes with college football. As the season progresses, both teams are expected to build on their performances, with Brown looking to continue capitalizing on this momentum.
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Additional Resources
- Brown Bears Athletics
- Providence Journal
- Providence Journal
- Providence Journal
- Brown Bears Athletics
- Wikipedia: Governor’s Cup
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
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