<p>PHILADELPHIA — Kevin Brown Jr. had four touchdown runs, Kasim Hill scored on a 2-yard run in overtime and Rhode Island beat sixth-ranked Villanova 40-37 on Saturday in its season opener. </p>
<p>The Rams’ C.J. Carrick kicked a 22-yard field goal as time expired to force the extra period tied at 34. Cole Bunce made a 45-yard field goal for Villanova in OT. Hill threw a 23-yard pass to Ivory Frimpong and then scored the game winner two plays later. </p>
<p>Rhode Island has won two straight against Villanova (1-1, 1-1 Colonial Athletic Association) since ending a five-game losing streak against the Wildcats. </p>
<p>Brown carried 20 times for 140 yards with each score coming from inside the 5. His 1-yard TD run pulled the Rams to 34-31 with 3:36 remaining. Hill was 18-of-28 passing for 246 yards. </p>
<p>Justin Covington ran for 141 yards and had touchdown runs from 26 and 76 yards for Villanova. Daniel Smith and Jalen Jackson each had a touchdown run. Smith finished with 110 yards rushing and Jackson had 60. </p>
<p>Rhode Island was scheduled to open its season on Feb. 27 against Bryant, but the game was postponed due to COVID-19 protocols within the Bulldogs program. </p>
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