Harris Touchdown In Final Minute Lifts URI Over Holy Cross In Season Opener

University of Rhode Island Press Release

How it Happened
Devin Farrell connected with Shawn Harris on a 31-yard touchdown pass with 19 seconds remaining to lift Rhode Island (1-0) to a 20-17 victory over Holy Cross in the season opener for both teams Saturday night.

The visiting Crusaders (0-1) took their first lead of the night on a 4-yard touchdown run by Jordan Fuller with just 1:47 to go. From there, Farrell orchestrated an unlikely 75-yard touchdown drive to lift the Rams to the win.

On the winning drive, Farrell converted a fourth-and-10 by scrambling 13 yards for a first down. Then on third-and-10, he hit Tommy Smith for an 11-yard reception. After that, on a third-and-20, Farrell found Greg Gaines III for a 23-yard pass and another first down.

Two plays later, Farrell hit Harris over the middle. Harris caught the ball at the 19 and raced across the field and got into the corner of the end zone before the defense could converge on him.

Inside the Box Score

• In his first career start, quarterback Devin Farrell was 20-for-33 for 287 yards and two touchdowns.
• He also rushed for 55 yards, giving him 342 total yards of offense.
• Rhode Island’s wide receivers combined for 17 catches, 250 yards and the two touchdowns.
• Greg Gaines III had five catches for 70 yards, while Tommy Smith added five catches for 47 yards and his first career touchdown.
• Marquis Buchanan had four catches for 88 yards.
• Shawn Harris, Jr. made three catches for 45 yards, including his game-winning score.
• Rhody won despite losing three fumbles,
• Safety Emmanual Gomes led the defense with seven tackles, while linebacker Devin Hightower, cornerback Fredrick Mallay  and linebacker Cole Brockwell all had six stops.
• Linebacker A.J. Pena had five stops and a quarterback hurry.
• The Ram defense held Holy Cross to just 101 passing yards.
• Rhody also limited the Crusaders to 3-for-11 on third downs.
• Linebacker Gabe Salomons and wide receiver Tommy Smith served as game captains.
• Linebacker A.J. Pena was the anchor bearer.
• Offensive lineman Damon McMillan, Jr. and linebacker Emmanuel Dankwa were named scout team players of the week by the Rhode Island staff.
• The game was a sellout with a crowd of 5.770.

Up Next
The Rams will play their first road game of the season at Minnesota on Saturday, Sept. 7. Kick-off against the Golden Gophers is set for 12 p.m. EST and the action will be carried on Peacock.