Priore throws for 3 scores, Rhode Island wins, 42-14
KINGSTON, R.I. -- Vito Priore threw for 246 yards and three touchdowns to lead Rhode Island to just its second win of the year, a 42-14 victory over Merrimack in a nonconference game on Saturday.
The Rams beat Brown 31-28 a month ago for their first win of the season before dropping three straight games.
Rhode Island (2-7, 0-5) will return to Northeast Conference play next Saturday at William & Mary (2-6, 0-4).
Priore was 16-of-25 passing with one interception. Aaron Parker hauled in eight of those passes for 126 yards and a touchdown.
The Rams forced five turnovers with Malik Gavek returning an interception 30 yards for a score to take a 21-7 lead early in the third quarter. Gavek also had a career-high 14 total tackles, well above his previous high of five in one game, and forced a fumble. Momodou Mbye and Rashod Dickerson also each picked off a Christian Carter pass.
Matt Brehon led Merrimack (4-5), rushing for 107 yards and one score.
Game Information
2024 FCS Independents Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Merrimack | 0-0 | 4-5 |
| Sacred Heart | 0-1 | 4-5 |
2024 Coastal Athletic Association Standings
| Team | CONF | OVR |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island | 5-0 | 8-1 |
| Richmond | 5-0 | 7-2 |
| Villanova | 4-1 | 7-2 |
| Delaware | 4-1 | 7-1 |
| Stony Brook | 4-1 | 7-2 |
| William & Mary | 3-2 | 6-3 |
| New Hampshire | 3-2 | 5-4 |
| Towson | 2-3 | 4-5 |
| Hampton | 2-3 | 5-4 |
| Monmouth | 2-3 | 4-5 |
| Maine | 2-3 | 4-5 |
| Elon | 2-3 | 3-6 |
| Campbell | 1-4 | 3-6 |
| UAlbany | 1-4 | 3-6 |
| Bryant | 0-5 | 2-7 |
| North Carolina A&T | 0-5 | 1-8 |
NCAAF News
