Grant leads Rhode Island to late victory over Long Island

On Saturday, Malik Grant led Rhode Island to a thrilling 28-21 victory over Long Island in New York. The game saw a dramatic turn of events in the final minutes, with Grant's performance being pivotal. He rushed for 141 yards and scored three touchdowns, including the decisive 8-yard run with just 1:08 left on the clock. This final touchdown capped a swift 67-yard drive that showcased Rhode Island's resilience. The Rams initially found themselves trailing 21-14 after Long Island's Luca Stanzani connected with Michael Love for a 42-yard touchdown pass with 9:13 remaining. Despite a fumble on the Long Island 1-yard line during a promising drive, Rhode Island regained possession after Long Island's own fumble. Quarterback Hunter Helms played a crucial role, tying the game with a 4-yard run with 3:42 left. With the game tied, Rhode Island's defense forced a three-and-out, giving them the ball back on their own 33-yard line with 2:45 to play. Helms completed a key 20-yard pass on the first play of the winning drive, setting the stage for Grant to take over. He carried the ball five times, covering the final 43 yards to secure the victory. Stanzani had a solid performance for Long Island, completing 16 of 27 passes for 176 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for a touchdown. However, his team fell to 0-4, highlighting their struggles this season. Rhode Island improved to 3-1, showcasing their ability to rally in critical moments.