The Fordham University Rams dropped to a 0-3 record on the season after a 41-18 defeat at Stony Brook University on Saturday, a game that highlighted strong individual efforts but also had several recurring issues with slow starts, turnovers and unfortunate lapses during big plays.
Linebacker James Conway anchored the defense, piling up 15 tackles and snagging a second-quarter interception that set up Fordham’s first points of the game. His play kept the Rams competitive through a scoreless first half for the offense. However, Stony Brook proved their explosiveness with a 93-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, a strike that erased any momentum Fordham had begun to build.
The Rams showed brief flashes of offensive rhythm in the third quarter. Following Conway’s interception, the offense had a balanced drive with a combination of short passes and inside runs, resulting in a field goal that finally put Fordham on the scoreboard. On their next possession, quarterback Gunnar Smith found his timing with quick sideline throws before launching a deep 35-yard pass to Troy Worrell for the Rams’ first touchdown. For a few minutes, the tempo and execution displayed some potential for a more dynamic attack.
Smith finished with 163 passing yards and the touchdown to Worrell, while Jack Freeburg added four catches for 54 yards, giving Smith a reliable target. Comparatively speaking, this was not Smith’s best game. On the ground, running back Jamell James contributed 45 of the team’s 124 rushing yards, but Fordham averaged under three yards per carry and struggled to stay ahead.
Turnovers and third-down inefficiency were costly. The Rams converted only eight of 20 third-down attempts while Smith threw two interceptions and the team lost a fumble, setting up short fields for the Seawolves. After being down 13-0 at half, Fordham briefly bridged the gap to 20-10 after Worrell’s touchdown, but Stony Brook’s quick response sealed the ultimate outcome.
Despite the loss, the Rams can still draw positives from Conway’s defensive leadership and Smith’s flashes in the passing game. With Patriot League play approaching, Fordham will look to tighten up defensively, establish a more consistent rushing attack and turn these individual performances into their first win of the season.
