Maybe it was the tough schedule. Maybe it was just some early-season kinks that needed working out. Whatever the reason, the Rams offense has come alive again and not a moment too soon.
The Rams offense that was on display throughout the early weeks of the season was not the one that the fans at Bowman-Gray Stadium came to see. Their running game was pretty much ineffective and they turned the ball over way too many times against South Carolina State.
Against Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), they fumbled four times, and lost three of them. Without the turnovers, the Rams would have run away with that game. “If we eliminated the turnovers, imagine what the score would have been like,” said Martin Hicks, who has fumbled three times in the last four games. “We have to hang on to the ball and take care of it, and everything will be fine.”
Hicks has come up with big games to help get the Rams back on the winning track. After averaging less than three-yards per carry in the first three games, the two-time defending CIAA rushing champ has exploded, pushing more than 500 yards and seven touchdowns in the last three games. “I really wasn’t playing my best the first few games,” said the senior.
Running back Jed Bines missed the Virginia Union University (VUU) game because of an ankle injury. Although the Rams ran away with the game, the team was happy to have Bines back against longtime-rival Fayetteville State University (FSU). “Getting Jed back was a big spark for this team,” said head coach Kermit Blount, “Jed came out and ran the football very hard, and I think, sent a message.” FSU defenders definitely got the memo as Bines ran for 180 yards against them in a 26-24 win.
The defense has been playing good all season, highlighted by their shutout against VUU. After playing second fiddle to the offense last year, it is the defense that has kept this team close in most of their games.
Defensive back Nathaniel Biggs has made some big plays this season, intercepting three passes. Linebacker Levern Bynum has been a star on special teams blocking two kicks against the Vikings.
Keep an eye on the passing game. Monte Purvis is getting better every game. He was very effective on the game-winning drive against ECSU, hitting four of five passes to set up the Matt Hind field goal. He has begun to develop some chemistry with his receivers, especially senior Bradford Herring (19 rec. 2 tds).
Where would the Rams be without Matt Hind? The senior has been pulling double duty as both kicker and punter, and hit two game-winning field goals. Although he has had a few extra points blocked, he’s been perfect on field goal attempts (7-7).
Make no mistake about it; the Rams want to leave the CIAA on top. They have to feel optimistic about their chances of playing for the CIAA title, but I’m sure coach Blount will not allow them to look past any opponent.
Watch out for the Rams, they are armed and dangerous.