Rams Face UC Davis in Westward Second Round Showdown

The excitement builds as the No. 9 Rhode Island Rams prepare to face the No. 8 UC Davis Aggies in the second round of the 2025 FCS Championship. This matchup is set for Saturday, December 6, at 7 p.m. PT (10 p.m. ET) at UC Davis Health Stadium in Davis, California.

Matchup Overview: Rams vs. UC Davis

This contest marks the first meeting between Rhode Island and UC Davis, both of which are looking to advance further in the tournament. UC Davis earned an at-large bid to this postseason, while the Big Sky’s Montana State secured an automatic bid by winning the conference.

The winning team will move on to face the victor of the game between No. 1 North Dakota State and unseeded Illinois State, who unexpectedly knocked out No. 16 Southeastern Louisiana in the opening round.

Historical Context

• Rhode Island has faced current Big Sky members twice before, both in the NCAA I-AA Playoffs, resulting in a 0-2 record.
• The Rams suffered a significant defeat at Idaho State, losing 51-0 on December 4, 1981.
• In 1984, they lost to Montana State, 32-20, in the second round of the same playoffs.

Interestingly, Terry Lynch, Rhode Island’s current radio analyst, was the quarterback during the 1981 game against Idaho State. Lynch also served as a coach during the 1984 game against Montana State.

Rhode Island’s Long Distance Journey

This matchup in Davis, California, is notable for being the furthest the Rhode Island Rams have traveled for a football game domestically. The distance from Meade Stadium in Kingston, Rhode Island, to UC Davis Health Stadium is approximately 2,990 miles, which translates to a driving time of around 45 hours.

Prior to this journey, Rhode Island’s longest domestic travel for a football game was to Boise State, which is 2,695 miles away. They’ve faced Boise State twice, both matches resulting in losses.

Recent Performance

Rhode Island enters this game following a hard-fought victory over Central Connecticut State, winning 27-19. Quarterback Devin Farrell played a pivotal role, throwing for a career-high 365 yards, along with two touchdown passes in his first postseason game after recovering from injury.

• Farrell’s touchdown passes included a 28-yard completion to tight end Connor Finer and a 25-yard pass to wide receiver Marquis Buchanan.
• Running back Antwain Littleton, Jr. contributed with a rushing touchdown.
• Kicker Garth White added two field goals to the score.
• Defensively, Ayinde Johnson and Andre DePina-Gray led the team with seven tackles each.

As the Rams gear up for this significant clash against UC Davis, fans can expect an intense match with potential playoff implications. The team is determined to build momentum from their recent success and make a meaningful run in the 2025 FCS Championship.