Heartbreaker For Rhode Island! Kamari Blankumsee Picks Off Alex McClelland

4th, 5:01 - North Carolina A&T 22, Rhode Island 18

Rhode Island was driving for a potential go-ahead touchdown, but North Carolina A&T's defense has come up with another massive turnover.

The Rams reached the Aggies' 14-yard line before a holding penalty backed them up. On the next play, Kamari Blankumsee intercepted Alex McClelland at the North Carolina A&T 24-yard line on a pass intended for Gabe Winowich.

North Carolina A&T takes over with 5:01 remaining, protecting a four-point lead.

Marquis Buchanan Moves The Chains As Rhode Island Threatens

4th, 6:35 - North Carolina A&T 22, Rhode Island 18

Rhode Island is knocking on the door.

On the first play of the possession, Alex McClelland connected with Marquis Buchanan for 12 yards and a first down, moving the Rams to the North Carolina A&T 25-yard line.

Rhode Island is now just 25 yards away from potentially taking its first lead of the game.

Rhode Island Gets It Right Back With A Chance To Take The Lead

4th, 11:38 - North Carolina A&T 22, Rhode Island 18

Rhode Island's defense has forced another quick three-and-out, and suddenly the Rams have the football with a chance to take their first lead of the game.

Mitchell Garner broke up Kevin White's first-down pass before the Aggies gained just 4 yards on the possession. White's third-down pass fell incomplete, forcing a punt.

Rhode Island takes over at its own 35-yard line, trailing by four with 11:38 remaining.

We Have A Ballgame! Terrence Campbell Pulls Rhode Island Within Four

4th, 12:40 - North Carolina A&T 22, Rhode Island 18

Rhode Island has stormed back in Greensboro.

Terrence Campbell broke free for a 13-yard touchdown run, capping a 10-play, 60-yard drive that pulled the Rams within four points of North Carolina A&T.

Backup quarterback Alex McClelland continued to provide a spark, converting a third-and-4 with a 12-yard keeper and later finding Aboraa Kwarteng for another third-down conversion.

Josh Hamel made the extra point, and after trailing 22-3, Rhode Island has scored 15 unanswered points to make it 22-18.

Third Quarter Stat Leaders: Alex McClelland Sparks Rhode Island Comeback Attempt

End 3rd - North Carolina A&T 22, Rhode Island 11

Rhode Island outscored North Carolina A&T 8-7 in the third quarter, with backup quarterback Alex McClelland helping the Rams cut into what had been a 19-point deficit.

Third Quarter Stat Leaders

• Passing: Rhode Island QB Alex McClelland: 7-of-9, 58 yards

• Rushing: Rhode Island RB Terrence Campbell: 11 carries, 55 yards overall

• Receiving: Rhode Island Marvin Landy: 3 catches, 30 yards overall

• Touchdown: Rhode Island Gabe Winowich: 2-yard rushing touchdown

• Two-point conversion: Alex McClelland to Will Dixon

• Defense: Rhode Island Rohan Davy: 6 tackles, 2 tackles for loss overall

• Sacks: Rhode Island Case Mankins: 1

• Turnovers: North Carolina A&T's Tyrek Brown returned a fumble 69 yards for a touchdown

McClelland provided the biggest spark for Rhode Island in the quarter, leading a 14-play, 65-yard touchdown drive after replacing the injured Tyler Budge.

Rhode Island Heads Into Fourth Quarter With Momentum

Start 4th - North Carolina A&T 22, Rhode Island 11

Rhode Island has made this a game entering the final 15 minutes in Greensboro.

After trailing 22-3, the Rams responded with an 8-point touchdown drive and another defensive stop. Alex McClelland now has Rhode Island moving again, including a 15-yard completion to Aboraa Kwarteng on third-and-7.

The Rams will begin the fourth quarter at the North Carolina A&T 36-yard line, needing 11 points to pull even.

Rhode Island Defense Answers With Another Three-And-Out

3rd, 1:50 - North Carolina A&T 22, Rhode Island 11

Rhode Island has the momentum after its defense quickly gets the ball back following the Rams' first touchdown of the game.

The Rams held J.T. Smith to just 2 yards on two carries before Marquese Avery pressured Kevin White into an incompletion on third-and-8.

North Carolina A&T punted it away, and Rhode Island will take over at its own 21-yard line with a chance to make things even more interesting.

WATCH: Tyrek Brown Takes Rhode Island Fumble 69 Yards To The House

Tine of Play: 3rd, 10:19 - North Carolina A&T 22, Rhode Island 3 

North Carolina A&T's defense delivered one of the biggest plays of the game when Donavan Frederick sacked Tyler Budge and forced a fumble.

Tyrek Brown scooped it up and raced 69 yards for the touchdown, giving the Aggies a 22-3 lead.

SCOOP AND SCORE

Tyrek Brown scoops and scores after a sack results in a fumble. The Aggies are up 22-3 in the third quarter.@NCATFootball | @CAAFootball

📺: https://t.co/mdn1HCCexw#CAA | Aug 26 - Nov 22 | Live on Flo pic.twitter.com/R6UMxafZpd

— FloCollege | Football (@FloCollegeFB) September 26, 2026

Backup QB Alex McClelland Leads Rhode Island On 14-Play Touchdown Drive

3rd, 3:45 - North Carolina A&T 22, Rhode Island 11

Rhode Island isn't going away.

With Tyler Budge out of the game, backup quarterback Alex McClelland led the Rams on a 14-play, 65-yard touchdown drive that took 6:25 off the clock.

McClelland kept the drive alive with a 7-yard scramble on fourth-and-4 before finding Gabe Winowich for 19 yards down to the North Carolina A&T 2-yard line. Winowich finished the job with a 2-yard touchdown run.

McClelland then connected with Will Dixon for the two-point conversion, cutting the Aggies' lead to 22-11.

Tyler Budge Leaves Game With Injury; Alex McClelland Takes Over At QB

3rd, 10:10 - North Carolina A&T 22, Rhode Island 3

Rhode Island quarterback Tyler Budge has left the game with an apparent injury after his fumble and Alex McClelland has taken over the offense for the Rams.

McClelland has already made an impact with his legs, scrambling for 7 yards on fourth-and-4 to move the chains. He also completed passes to Marvin Landy and C.J. Hawkins as Rhode Island moved into North Carolina A&T territory.

McClelland and the Rams are currently at the Aggies' 32-yard line, looking to cut into the 22-3 deficit.

Disaster For Rhode Island! Aggies Take A Fumble 69 Yards To The House

3rd, 10:19 - North Carolina A&T 22, Rhode Island 3

A promising Rhode Island possession has turned into a North Carolina A&T defensive touchdown.

On third-and-10, Donavan Frederick sacked Tyler Budge for a 14-yard loss and forced the ball loose. Tyrek Brown scooped up the fumble and returned it 69 yards for a touchdown, stretching the Aggies' lead to 22-3.

Asher Holland converted the extra point.

It is Rhode Island's third turnover of the game, and North Carolina A&T has now scored 16 points off those turnovers.

Rhode Island Gets Excellent Field Position After Defensive Stop

3rd, 13:57 - North Carolina A&T 15, Rhode Island 3

Rhode Island will begin its first possession of the second half already in North Carolina A&T territory.

After the Rams forced a three-and-out, Kevin Green Jr. returned DJ Page's 45-yard punt 10 yards to the North Carolina A&T 48-yard line.

The Rams now have an opportunity to make this a one-score game early in the third quarter.

By The Numbers: Aggies Have Made Their Opportunities Count

Halftime - North Carolina A&T 15, Rhode Island 3

North Carolina A&T hasn't dominated possession or total plays, but the Aggies have been much more efficient with their opportunities through two quarters.

• Total yards: North Carolina A&T 261, Rhode Island 186

• Yards per play: North Carolina A&T 8.2, Rhode Island 5.5

• Rushing yards: North Carolina A&T 133, Rhode Island 114

• Passing yards: North Carolina A&T 128, Rhode Island 72

• Red zone: North Carolina A&T 4-for-4, Rhode Island 0-for-0

• Points off turnovers: North Carolina A&T 9, Rhode Island 0

• Turnovers: Rhode Island 2, North Carolina A&T 0

• First downs: North Carolina A&T 11, Rhode Island 9

• Time of possession: North Carolina A&T 15:30, Rhode Island 14:28

Rhode Island has moved the football at times, particularly on the ground, but two turnovers and zero red-zone trips have helped turn a relatively close statistical first half into a 12-point North Carolina A&T lead.

Aggies Take Control As Rhode Island Turnovers Loom Large At Halftime

Halftime - North Carolina A&T 15, Rhode Island 3

Halftime Stat Leaders

• Passing: North Carolina A&T QB Kevin White: 10-of-13, 128 yards

• Rushing: North Carolina A&T J.T. Smith: 2 carries, 66 yards

• Rhode Island rushing: QB Tyler Budge: 3 carries, 60 yards

• Receiving: North Carolina A&T Anthony Rucker: 2 catches, 45 yards

• Rhode Island receiving: Marquis Buchanan: 2 catches, 21 yards

• Scoring: North Carolina A&T Asher Holland: 3 field goals

• Turnovers: North Carolina A&T 0, Rhode Island 2

North Carolina A&T averaged 8.2 yards per play in the first half and rushed for 133 yards. Rhode Island found some success on the ground with 114 yards, but the Rams enter halftime still searching for their first touchdown.

Aggies Add Three At The Buzzer To Take 15-3 Lead Into Halftime

Halftime - North Carolina A&T 15, Rhode Island 3

North Carolina A&T closed the first half with another scoring drive, as Asher Holland connected on a 21-yard field goal with two seconds remaining to send the Aggies into halftime leading 15-3.

Kevin White helped move North Carolina A&T down the field through the air, including a 24-yard completion to Jayvonne Dillard that put the Aggies at the Rhode Island 4-yard line.

Rhode Island kept North Carolina A&T out of the end zone, but Holland converted his third field goal of the half to extend the lead to 12 points.

Tyler Budge Rips Off 55-Yard Run, Then Aggies Slam The Door

2nd, 1:42 - North Carolina A&T 12, Rhode Island 3

Rhode Island appeared to have the momentum after Tyler Budge broke loose for a 55-yard run, taking the Rams from their own 22-yard line to the North Carolina A&T 23.

But the Aggies came up with another huge defensive play. After two incompletions, Steven Davis II intercepted Budge on third-and-10 in the end zone for a touchback.

Rhode Island has now turned the ball over twice in the first half.

Aggies Turn J.T. Smith's Big Run Into Three More Points

2nd, 3:03 - North Carolina A&T 12, Rhode Island 3

North Carolina A&T has stretched its lead back to nine points after Asher Holland drilled a 31-yard field goal.

J.T. Smith's 63-yard run put the Aggies deep in Rhode Island territory, but the Rams' defense kept them out of the end zone. Kevin White's third-down completion to Anthony Rucker lost 2 yards, forcing North Carolina A&T to settle for three.

Holland is now 2-for-2 on field goals with makes from 41 and 31 yards.

J.T. Smith Explodes For 63 Yards

2nd, 6:17 - North Carolina A&T 9, Rhode Island 3

North Carolina A&T running back J.T. Smith just broke loose for a 63-yard run, taking the Aggies from their own 25-yard line all the way to the Rhode Island 12.

Shimique Blizzard followed with a 2-yard run before a North Carolina A&T false start backed the Aggies up to the Rhode Island 15-yard line.

The Aggies are threatening to answer after Rhode Island got on the board.

Rams Moving The Ball, But Still Searching For Points

2nd, 7:18 - North Carolina A&T 9, Rhode Island 0

Rhode Island has actually outgained North Carolina A&T in total plays, 26-19, and has seven first downs to the Aggies' six, but the Rams are still looking for their first points.

Rhode Island has 117 total yards, including 68 through the air and 49 on the ground. The difference so far has been finishing drives: North Carolina A&T is 2-for-2 in the red zone with nine points, while Rhode Island has yet to reach the red zone.

The Rams' lone turnover also led directly to North Carolina A&T's touchdown.

Kevin White Punches It In As Aggies Find The End Zone

2nd, 12:24 - North Carolina A&T 9, Rhode Island 0

Kevin White scores the first touchdown of the afternoon, punching it in from 2 yards out to extend North Carolina A&T's lead.

White set up the score one play earlier with a 47-yard completion to Anthony Rucker, helping the Aggies turn Rhode Island's fumble into six points.

Asher Holland missed the extra point wide right, keeping the score 9-0.

2nd, 14:43 - North Carolina A&T 3, Rhode Island 0

North Carolina A&T has forced the first turnover of the afternoon.

Tyler Budge found Marquis Buchanan for a 17-yard gain on third-and-5, but Kamari Blankumsee knocked the ball loose from Buchanan. DeAndre Nance recovered the fumble at the North Carolina A&T 39-yard line.

The Aggies take over with a 3-0 lead.

End 1st - North Carolina A&T 3, Rhode Island 0

First Quarter Stat Leaders

• Passing: Rhode Island QB Tyler Budge: 5-of-9, 40 yards

• Rushing: North Carolina A&T RB Shimique Blizzard: 6 carries, 53 yards

• Receiving: Rhode Island M. Landy: 1 reception, 19 yards

• Tackles: Rhode Island Tyson Grimm: 3 tackles; Case Mankins: 3 tackles

• Sacks: Rhode Island Case Mankins: 1 sack

• Scoring: North Carolina A&T Asher Holland: 41-yard field goal

End 1st - North Carolina A&T 3, Rhode Island 0

North Carolina A&T takes a 3-0 lead into the second quarter after a defensive opening 15 minutes in Greensboro.

The Aggies outgained Rhode Island 73-52 in the first quarter, with 54 of those yards coming on the ground. Rhode Island quarterback Tyler Budge finished the quarter 5-of-9 passing for 40 yards, while the Rams were held to just 12 rushing yards.

Asher Holland's 41-yard field goal remains the difference as the second quarter begins.

1st, 3:07 - North Carolina A&T 3, Rhode Island 0

North Carolina A&T is on the board first after putting together a 12-play, 59-yard drive that took 5:48 off the clock.

Shimique Blizzard powered the possession with 53 rushing yards, including gains of 29 and 13 yards. Rhode Island eventually stopped the Aggies at the 23-yard line, but Asher Holland connected on a 41-yard field goal to give North Carolina A&T a 3-0 lead.

1st, 8:11 - Rhode Island 0, North Carolina A&T 0

North Carolina A&T has produced the biggest play of the game so far.

After a false start backed the Aggies up to their own 13-yard line, Shimique Blizzard ripped off a 29-yard run up the middle to move the ball out to the North Carolina A&T 42-yard line.

Rhode Island's previous possession reached Aggies territory behind a 7-yard Tyler Budge keeper, but three consecutive incompletions forced another Randy Leavitt punt.

1st, 11:01 - Rhode Island 0, North Carolina A&T 0

Rhode Island's defense answers with a stop on North Carolina A&T's opening possession.

The Aggies appeared to convert a third down on a 13-yard completion from Kevin White to Elijah Kennedy, but an illegal shift wiped out the play. On the ensuing third-and-8, Case Mankins sacked White for an 8-yard loss and forced a fumble, which White recovered.

North Carolina A&T now faces fourth-and-16 from its own 30-yard line, and will bring out the punt team.

1st, 13:19 - Rhode Island 0, North Carolina A&T 0

Rhode Island's opening possession ends with a punt after the Rams fail to move the chains.

Tyler Budge completed an 8-yard pass to Jamall Mensah on the drive, but North Carolina A&T's defense forced a three-and-out. Randy Leavitt's 44-yard punt gives the Aggies the ball at their own 29-yard line.

1st, 15:00 - Rhode Island 0, North Carolina A&T 0

We are underway from Truist Stadium in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Rhode Island is wearing white jerseys with blue helmets, while North Carolina A&T is in blue and yellow jerseys with blue helmets.

Players To Watch For Rhode Island Vs. North Carolina A&T

We are getting closer to kickoff in Greensboro. Here are a few names to keep an eye on when Rhode Island and North Carolina A&T take the field.

Rhode Island

• QB Tyler Budge: Budge has handled the quarterback duties through the first four games, throwing for 719 yards and five touchdowns.

• WR Marquis Buchanan: Rhode Island's biggest receiving threat has 27 catches for 358 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Rams in all three categories.

• WR Aboraa Kwarteng: Kwarteng gives the Rams another option on the outside with 11 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown.

North Carolina A&T

• QB Kevin White: White has thrown for 514 yards and five touchdowns through four games while also contributing on the ground.

• WR Elijah Kennedy: Kennedy leads the Aggies with 20 receptions for 217 yards and three touchdowns. He also was named the CAA preseason all-conference punt returner.

• RB JT Smith: Smith leads North Carolina A&T's rushing attack with 143 yards on 46 carries.

Rhode Island Vs. North Carolina A&T History

Saturday is just the second meeting between Rhode Island and North Carolina A&T.

The programs first met Nov. 11, 2023, during North Carolina A&T's first season in the CAA. Rhode Island won 31-24 after Ja'Den McKenzie scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 4-yard run with less than three minutes remaining.

McKenzie rushed for 233 yards and three touchdowns in the victory.

Rhode Island Football Record

Rhode Island enters Saturday 2-2 overall and 1-1 in CAA play.

• Aug. 28: Rhode Island 34, Merrimack 7

• Sept. 5: Temple 38, Rhode Island 14

• Sept. 12: Rhode Island 31, Elon 10

• Sept. 19: Stony Brook 56, Rhode Island 24

North Carolina A&T Football Record

North Carolina A&T enters Saturday 0-4 overall and 0-1 in CAA play.

• Aug. 29: Morgan State 17, North Carolina A&T 7

• Sept. 4: Georgia State 59, North Carolina A&T 10

• Sept. 12: North Carolina Central 30, North Carolina A&T 22

• Sept. 19: Campbell 42, North Carolina A&T 14

Join The College Football Conversation

• Follow us on Twitter @FloCollegeFB
• Follow us on Instagram @FloCollegeFootball
• Follow us on TikTok @FloCollegeFootball
• Watch us on YouTube
• Like us on Facebook