URI Head Coach Jim Fleming, Governor Gina Raimondo, and Brown Head Coach Phil Estes pose with the Governor’s Cup. Photo by Andrew Augustus, WPRO News
Andrew Augustus, WPRO News
This will be the 100th time the University of Rhode Island and Brown University will square off on the gridiron as the Bears look to defend the Governor’s Cup on home turf.
The series dates back to 1919 and Brown currently leads the all-time series with a record of 71-26-2.
“The 100th year makes it really really special,” said Brown Head Coach Phil Estes. “Anytime you play a state rival it means an awful lot.”
Last year Brown won the cup for a 4th straight year after defeating the Rams 20-13 in Kingston.
“I can tell you that it doesn’t get any less awesome every time you’re able to hoist that trophy,” said Brown quarterback Marcus Fuller.
The last time the Rams won the cup was back in 2010 when they earned a 27-24 victory in overtime.
“The atmosphere is a little different because it’s not like a season opener or season ender; It’s more of a rivalry game, high stakes, and got to get a must win,” said URI senior defensive back Myles Holmes.
Both URI and Brown enter the game winless as the Rams have dropped their first four games of the season while the Bears lost their first two.
This will be the first Governor’s Cup for Gina Raimondo and she says she is excited to attend with her family. “I am going with URI, but they’re great boys, I had a chance to meet with a few of the players today, play hard, play clean, have fun, but I want the state team to come out on top,” said the Governor.
During the press conference Estes gave the Governor some Brown apparel to wear to the game. The Governor also mentioned she use to play rugby in college and joked they often referred to football players as “wusses” for playing with pads.
Kick-off for the game is scheduled for 6:00 P.M. at Brown Stadium.
