DURHAM, N.H. — In a strong performance during the third quarter, Rhode Island secured a 26-9 victory against New Hampshire on Saturday, with Freddie Camp scoring a touchdown after recovering a fumble on a punt return.

The Rams entered halftime trailing slightly, down 3-2, and came close to securing a lead when Moses Meus managed to block a New Hampshire punt that was recovered in the end zone.

Rhode Island took the lead for the first time following a short field goal by Ty Groff, which put them ahead 5-3. The special teams continued to excel, allowing the Rams to extend their lead to 12-3. The offense finally joined the scoring when Devin Farrell connected with Marquis Buchanan for a significant 57-yard touchdown pass.

The Wildcats struggled on their next drive, turning the ball over on downs deep in their own territory. Capitalizing on the opportunity, the Rams quickly covered 25 yards in just three plays, culminating with a three-yard carry by Tommy Smith to seal the game.

In the closing moments, New Hampshire’s Matt Vezza threw a 13-yard pass to Logan Tomlinson for a touchdown, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

Malik Grant was a standout for Rhode Island, rushing for 127 yards as part of a total ground game of 171 yards. The Wildcats’ passing attack, featuring two quarterbacks, accumulated 215 yards, but they struggled significantly in rushing, finishing with just 20 yards due to being sacked four times.

Both teams currently find themselves in the lower tier of the FCS coaches poll.