URI Moves Up To #17/18 In National Polls, Groff Earns Co-CAA Special Teams Player of the Week
University of Rhode Island Press Release
KINGSTON, R.I. – Rhode Island Football has carried its momentum in the national rankings into week four, jumping up to No. 17 in the Stats Perform Top 25 and No. 18 in the AFCA Coaches Top 25. Following its first win at Maine since 1998, Rhody (2-1, 2-0 CAA Football) improved from 21st in the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 poll, presented by FedEx Ground, while jumping up from its previous ranking of 20th in the Coaches Poll. The Rams defeated the Black Bears 34-17 last Friday night in Orono, shutting out the home team for the entirety of the second half. It marks the first time that Rhode Island has won back-to-back games against Maine since doing so in 1998-99. Numerous players stood out on the stat sheet following the win, with rookie kicker Ty Groff earning CAA Football Co-Special Teams Player of the Week accolades for his two 40+ yard field goals, which were the first two of his career. Wide receiver Kahtero Summers terrorized Maine’s secondary, catching six passes for 130 yards with two touchdowns while Ja’Den McKenzie got it done on the ground, rushing for 121 yards with a touchdown. Safeties Jordan Colbert and Brent Jackson led Rhode Island with nine tackles each.Joining the Rams in the Coaches Poll were three other CAA Football teams in William & Mary (5th), UNH (12th) and Delaware (16th). Each of the aforementioned programs was also ranked by Stats Perform, with the Tribe coming in at fifth, the Wildcats checking in at 11th and the Blue Hens slotted 19th. Villanova was also on the list at No. 25. Rhode Island will continue its road swing with a game at Villanova on Saturday, Sept. 23. Kick-off against the Wildcats is scheduled for 2 p.m.
