FCS-CFB Game Preview: Rhode Island Rams (2-0) vs. Holy Cross Crusaders (0-2)

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Venue & Game Info

Kickoff: 2:00 PM ET

Location: Fitton Field, Worcester, Massachusetts

Broadcast: ESPN+ Audio: Varsity Network Live Stats via Holy Cross Athletics

Notable: First Rhode Island visit to Holy Cross in 37 years; last trip was 1988 (HC won 49–7)

Weather Outlook (as of Sept. 11)

Forecast: Mostly sunny, light breeze

Temperature at Kickoff: ~73°F, dropping to upper 60s by late 4th quarter

Wind: 6–8 mph from the northwest

Impact: Ideal football conditions; minimal weather effect on passing/kicking

Injury & Availability Report

Rhode Island:

No major starters ruled out

CB Ayinde Johnson and LB Case Mankins both active; Mankins has forced a fumble in each of first two games

Holy Cross:

No confirmed absences for key starters

RB Jayden Clerveaux (2024 All-Patriot League) healthy; 79 rush yds, 1 TD in 2025

WR Max Mosey (2024 All-Patriot League) healthy; 10 catches, 127 yds in 2025

Recent Form

Rhode Island:

W 27–24 at Stony Brook — forced 3 turnovers, Mankins fumble recovery

W 34–24 vs. Campbell — balanced offense, strong 4th quarter

Holy Cross:

L 19–16 at New Hampshire — defense kept it close, offense stalled late

L 19–14 vs. Merrimack — allowed late go-ahead score

Series History

All-Time: Holy Cross leads 9–2

Last Meeting: 2024 — Rhode Island 20, Holy Cross 17 (Meade Stadium)

Trend: URI snapped HC’s series win streak last year with last-minute TD

Betting Trends

Rhode Island: Won 4 of last 5 overall; 3–2 ATS in that span

Holy Cross: Won 2 of last 5 overall; 2–3 ATS in that span

Under has hit in both HC games this season (both finished 19–16 or lower)

Game Odds

Rhode Island Rams                          – 5.5

Holy Cross Crusaders                     46.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Friday, September 12, 2025