Budge throws for 2 TDs, Garner adds pick-6 and Rhode Island scores 28 in 4th quarter in 31-10 win

Audio By Carbonatix

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — Tyler Budge threw two touchdown passes and Mitchell Garner's pick-6 helped Rhode Island break open the game with a 28-point fourth quarter in a 31-10 victory over Elon in a Coastal Athletic Association opener on Saturday.

Rhode Island's Josh Hemel kicked a 51-yard field goal — the third-longest in program history — to tie the game in the third quarter before the Rams (2-1, 1-0) took the lead for good early in the fourth on Terrence Campbell's 1-yard, fourth-down run to cap a 98-yard drive.

An interception by Tyson Grimm led to Marquis Buchanan's 7-yard TD reception, and 33 seconds later Garner returned a pick-6 30 yards for a 24-3 lead before the teams exchanged touchdowns in the final four minutes.

The Rams, ranked eighth in the Stats Perform FCS poll, intercepted four passes and recovered a fumble.

Budge finished 15-of-28 passing for 178 yards and an interception to go with his scores.

TJ Crews IV threw for 183 yards with one TD and two picks. Tanner Payne threw three passes without a completion and was intercepted twice. Kamerin McDowell-Moore rushed for 117 yards on 23 carries.