Top Story - The Robert Morris University football team takes to the road for the first time in 2015 this Saturday, Sept. 12, as it makes a short jaunt to take on Youngstown State at 7:00 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium. The Colonials dropped their opener against Dayton as the Flyers rallied in the fourth quarter to eke out a win. Youngstown State gave Pittsburgh everything it could handle in its opener but came up on the short end of a 45-37 decision. The Penguins have won four national championships, making YSU the third school Robert Morris has played in its his- tory that has won a FCS title. True freshman Mathew Barr, an Ohio native, became the first true freshman to start a season opener at quarterback for RMU since 1994 as he went the distance last week. Sophomore strong safety Ryan Richards Jr. became the first Colonial to win a weekly honor after the season’s opening week in six years when he was selected Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Week. RMU will return home next weekend as it hosts Notre Dame (Ohio) Saturday, Sept. 19, as part of the University’s Homecoming festivities. Quick Stat of the Evening - Robert Morris suffered a close loss in its opener, dropping a 27-24 decision to Dayton. However, the Colonials have shown an ability to bounce back from such setbacks throughout their history. RMU is 15-9 (.625) all-time when playing after a loss of four or fewer points in its previous game (within the same season). The Colonials have a mark of 6-2 (.750) when playing at home in these situations and 9-7 (.563) when hitting the road. Robert Morris has won three of its past four games after suffering a tight loss in its previous contest with two of those three victories coming on the road. In fact, in each of those three games, the Colonials rallied from a fourth quarter deficit to pull out a win. RMU most recently achieved this during the middle of the 2013 season—after falling by a single point the week prior, Robert Morris scored a touchdown in the final 90 seconds to post a 17-13 comeback win at Wagner. Saturday's Opponent - Saturday’s game between Robert Morris and Youngstown State marks the inaugural meeting between the two programs. Robert Morris owns a record of 19-13-1 (.609) when facing off with an opponent for the first time. Youngstown State is one of four new pro- grams on RMU’s schedule this year, the most new foes the Colonials have faced since their inau- gural season. The matchup with the Penguins will make 2015 the sixth consecutive season in which RMU has played at least one new opponent. Of RMU’s previous 33 games against a first- time opponent, 17 have come on the road. In those games, RMU is 7-9-1 (.441). On This Date (Sept. 12) in Robert Morris Football History - Robert Morris has played twice on September 12 and dropped decisions both times. Like this Saturday, both of those contests were also non-conference road tilts that served as RMU’s second game of the season. The most recent time the Colonials played on this date was in 2009 when RMU traveled to Bucknell for the only time in program history. After the Colonials and Bison played the first half to a 10-10 draw, Bucknell found the end zone with two defensive touchdowns in the first three minutes of the second half to seemingly take control. Robert Morris fought back with 13 straight points to pull within a point late in the fourth quarter, but the Colonials could not secure points on either of their final two drives and lost 26-23. RMU had a large advantage in total yards (348-183) thanks primarily to a tremendous effort against the run that saw the Colonials hold the Bison to -18 rushing yards. Ian Milanak (2006-09) posted 4.5 tackles for loss in the setback. Colonials At A Glance 2015 Schedule Sept. 5 DAYTON L, 24-27 Sept. 12 @ #17 Youngstown State 7 p.m. Sept. 19 NOTRE DAME (Ohio) # 3 p.m. Sept. 26 @ #9 South Dakota State 6 p.m. Oct. 3 @ Wagner * Noon Oct. 10 SACRED HEART * Noon Oct. 24 DUQUESNE * 6 p.m. Oct. 31 @ Central Conn. State * Noon Nov. 7 EAST TENNESSEE STATE Noon Nov. 14 @ Saint Francis * Noon Nov. 21 BRYANT * $ Noon * NEC game; # Homecoming; $ Senior Day Robert Morris (0-1) @ No. 17 Youngstown State (0-1) Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. Stambaugh Stadium (20,630) - Youngstown, Ohio Radio: ESPN 970 AM (Chris Shovlin - play-by-play & Brian Cleary - color) Audio on the internet at: www.970espn.com / Live Video: ESPN3 Starters Returning / Lost ........................... 15 / 9 Offensive Starters Returning / Lost ........... 8 / 3 Defensive Starters Returning / Lost ........... 7 / 4 Specialist Starters Returning / Lost ........... 0 / 2 Letterwinners Returning / Lost ............. 38 / 16 Offensive Starters Returning / Lost ........... 8 / 3 LT - Blake Chambliss ................. (6-5, 300, R-So.) LG - Max Robertson ....................... (6-4, 325, Sr.) C - Nick Faraci ............................ (6-3, 290, R-Sr.) RG - Josh Thiel ............................. (6-3, 300, R-Jr.) QB - Derik Abbott .......................... (5-11, 195, Sr.) RB - Rameses Owens .................... (6-2, 230, So.) WR - Sean Gavin .......................... (6-0, 175, R-Jr.) WR - Nic Lamica ........................ (6-4, 220, R-So.) Defensive Starters Returning / Lost .......... 7 / 4 DE - Forrest Mason .................... (6-3, 280, R-Sr.) DE - Austin Trgovcich ................. (6-2, 260, R-Jr.) OLB - Jimmy Masson ...................... (6-0, 200, Jr.) ILB - Mike Stojkovic ................... (6-3, 240, R-Sr.) ILB - Jake Tkach .......................... (6-0, 235, R-Sr.) SS - Sam Woods .......................... (6-0, 190, R-So.) WS - Andy Smigiera ........................ (6-1, 205, Jr.) Specialist Starters Returning / Lost ........... 0 / 2 For the latest information on Robert Morris University football, including news, stats, records and videos, please visit: www.rmucolonials.com
Transcript
Top Story - The Robert Morris University football team takes to the road for the first time in 2015 this Saturday, Sept. 12, as it makes a short jaunt to take on Youngstown State at 7:00 p.m. at Stambaugh Stadium. The Colonials dropped their opener against Dayton as the Flyers rallied in the fourth quarter to eke out a win. Youngstown State gave Pittsburgh everything it could handle in its opener but came up on the short end of a 45-37 decision. The Penguins have won four national championships, making YSU the third school Robert Morris has played in its his-tory that has won a FCS title. True freshman Mathew Barr, an Ohio native, became the first true freshman to start a season opener at quarterback for RMU since 1994 as he went the distance last week. Sophomore strong safety Ryan Richards Jr. became the first Colonial to win a weekly honor after the season’s opening week in six years when he was selected Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Week. RMU will return home next weekend as it hosts Notre Dame (Ohio) Saturday, Sept. 19, as part of the University’s Homecoming festivities.
Quick Stat of the Evening - Robert Morris suffered a close loss in its opener, dropping a 27-24 decision to Dayton. However, the Colonials have shown an ability to bounce back from such setbacks throughout their history. RMU is 15-9 (.625) all-time when playing after a loss of four or fewer points in its previous game (within the same season). The Colonials have a mark of 6-2 (.750) when playing at home in these situations and 9-7 (.563) when hitting the road. Robert Morris has won three of its past four games after suffering a tight loss in its previous contest with two of those three victories coming on the road. In fact, in each of those three games, the Colonials rallied from a fourth quarter deficit to pull out a win. RMU most recently achieved this during the middle of the 2013 season—after falling by a single point the week prior, Robert Morris scored a touchdown in the final 90 seconds to post a 17-13 comeback win at Wagner.
Saturday's Opponent - Saturday’s game between Robert Morris and Youngstown State marks the inaugural meeting between the two programs. Robert Morris owns a record of 19-13-1 (.609) when facing off with an opponent for the first time. Youngstown State is one of four new pro-grams on RMU’s schedule this year, the most new foes the Colonials have faced since their inau-gural season. The matchup with the Penguins will make 2015 the sixth consecutive season in which RMU has played at least one new opponent. Of RMU’s previous 33 games against a first-time opponent, 17 have come on the road. In those games, RMU is 7-9-1 (.441).
On This Date (Sept. 12) in Robert Morris Football History - Robert Morris has played twice on September 12 and dropped decisions both times. Like this Saturday, both of those contests were also non-conference road tilts that served as RMU’s second game of the season. The most recent time the Colonials played on this date was in 2009 when RMU traveled to Bucknell for the only time in program history. After the Colonials and Bison played the first half to a 10-10 draw, Bucknell found the end zone with two defensive touchdowns in the first three minutes of the second half to seemingly take control. Robert Morris fought back with 13 straight points to pull within a point late in the fourth quarter, but the Colonials could not secure points on either of their final two drives and lost 26-23. RMU had a large advantage in total yards (348-183) thanks primarily to a tremendous effort against the run that saw the Colonials hold the Bison to -18 rushing yards. Ian Milanak (2006-09) posted 4.5 tackles for loss in the setback.
Colonials At A Glance
2015 ScheduleSept. 5 DAYTON L, 24-27Sept. 12 @ #17 Youngstown State 7 p.m.Sept. 19 NOTRE DAME (Ohio) # 3 p.m.Sept. 26 @ #9 South Dakota State 6 p.m.Oct. 3 @ Wagner * NoonOct. 10 SACRED HEART * NoonOct. 24 DUQUESNE * 6 p.m.Oct. 31 @ Central Conn. State * NoonNov. 7 EAST TENNESSEE STATE NoonNov. 14 @ Saint Francis * NoonNov. 21 BRYANT * $ Noon
* NEC game; # Homecoming; $ Senior Day
Robert Morris (0-1) @ No. 17 Youngstown State (0-1)Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
Stambaugh Stadium (20,630) - Youngstown, OhioRadio: ESPN 970 AM (Chris Shovlin - play-by-play & Brian Cleary - color)
Audio on the internet at: www.970espn.com / Live Video: ESPN3
Starters Returning / Lost ........................... 15 / 9Offensive Starters Returning / Lost ........... 8 / 3Defensive Starters Returning / Lost ........... 7 / 4Specialist Starters Returning / Lost ........... 0 / 2Letterwinners Returning / Lost ............. 38 / 16
Saturday, September 5Dayton 27, Robert Morris 24Saint Francis 48, Georgetown 20Duquesne 47, Kentucky Christian 7Bryant 27, American International 3Rice 56, Wagner 16Sacred Heart 43, Saint Anselm 19
Saturday, September 12Sacred Heart @ Valparaiso 1 p.m.CCSU @ Stony Brook 6 p.m.Duquesne @ Bucknell 6 p.m.Saint Francis @ Towson 6 p.m.Robert Morris @ Youngstown State 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 19Bryant @ Brown 12:30 p.m.Duquesne @ Dayton 1 p.m.Notre Dame (Ohio) @ Robert Morris 3 p.m.Saint Francis @ Youngstown State 4 p.m.Monmouth @ Wagner 6 p.m.Sacred Heart @ Marist 6 p.m.Bowie St. @ CCSU 7 p.m.
Saturday, September 26University of Faith @ Saint Francis 1 p.m.Duquesne @ Albany 3:30 p.m.Bryant @ Coastal Carolina 6 p.m.CCSU @ New Hampshire 6 p.m.Lafayette @ Wagner 6 p.m.Robert Morris @ South Dakota St. 6 p.m.Sacred Heart @ Dartmouth 7 p.m.
Saturday, October 3CCSU @ Duquesne * NoonRobert Morris @ Wagner * NoonBryant @ Monmouth 1 p.m.Saint Francis @ East Tennessee State 1 p.m.
NEC 2015 Composite ScheduleSaturday, October 10Sacred Heart @ Robert Morris * NoonAlderson Broaddus @ Duquesne 1 p.m.Bryant @ CCSU * 1 p.m.Wagner @ Columbia 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 17Dartmouth @ CCSU NoonDuquesne @ Bryant * NoonCornell @ Sacred Heart 1 p.m.Wagner @ Saint Francis * 3:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 24CCSU @ Sacred Heart * 1 p.m.Saint Francis @ Bryant * 1 p.m.Wagner @ BYU 3 p.m.Duquesne @ Robert Morris * 6 p.m.
Saturday, October 31Robert Morris @ CCSU * NoonSacred Heart @ Saint Francis * NoonWagner @ Duquesne * NoonBryant @ Holy Cross 1:05 p.m.
Saturday, November 7Bryant @ Wagner * NoonDuquesne @ Sacred Heart * NoonEast Tennessee St. @ Robert Morris NoonSaint Francis @ CCSU * Noon
Saturday, November 14CCSU @ Wagner * NoonRobert Morris @ Saint Francis * NoonSacred Heart @ Bryant * Noon
Saturday, November 21Bryant @ Robert Morris * NoonSaint Francis @ Duquesne * NoonWagner @ Sacred Heart * Noon
For the latest information on Northeast Conference football, including news, stats, standings and videos, please visit:
www.northeastconference.org
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEKSept. 7: Khairi Dickson (Saint Francis)Sept. 14:Sept. 21:Sept. 28:Oct. 5:Oct. 12:Oct. 19:Oct. 26:Nov. 2:Nov. 9:Nov. 16:Nov. 23:
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEKSept. 7: Ryan Richards Jr. (Robert Morris)Sept. 14:Sept. 21:Sept. 28:Oct. 5:Oct. 12:Oct. 19:Oct. 26:Nov. 2:Nov. 9:Nov. 16:Nov. 23:
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEKSept. 7: Lance Geesey (Saint Francis)Sept. 14:Sept. 21:Sept. 28:Oct. 5:Oct. 12:Oct. 19:Oct. 26:Nov. 2:Nov. 9:Nov. 16:Nov. 23:
2015 Robert Morris Football Game Notes @ #17 Youngstown State (9/12/15) - Page 3
Head Coach John BanaszakSecond Season - Eastern Michigan ’75
John Banaszak became the second head football coach in Robert Morris University history in December 2013. He served as an assistant coach and assistant head coach for the Colonials for 11 consecutive years prior to taking over the top spot. Banaszak was selected as Coach-In-Waiting in January 2012, allowing for a simple transition following the 2013 campaign. At the end of the 2013 season, he was named as the Assistant Coach of the Year at the FCS level as selected by the American Football Coaches Association. He was one of five coaches selected for dedication to their teams and communities. He was the first RMU coach, as well as the first from the NEC, to claim this honor. The 2013 season was Banaszak's sixth and final as assistant head coach for Robert Morris. Among his
numerous duties with the program before becoming head coach, he was responsi-ble for tutoring the defensive line and the special teams unit. Under Banaszak's guidance in 2013, Robert Morris led the NEC in net punting, punt return defense and punt return average. Banaszak was also a key component in instructing a RMU defense that finished second in the NEC in total defense within league play in 2013. Robert Morris finished its regular season ranked among the top 25 nationally in at least seven defensive categories including total defense. With Banaszak's assistance, RMU has led the NEC in total defense four times in the past 11 years and ranked among the top four nine times in the past 12 seasons. Banaszak was a key component to a 2010 defense that led the NEC in total defense as the Colonials claimed the NEC's inaugural berth in the FCS Playoffs. In 2006, he helped tutor an RMU defense that led I-AA in total defense, allowing an average of just 228.36 yards per game. 10 of the 13 players in school history to earn All-NEC recognition on the defensive line have come under the tutelage of Banaszak, including Nolan Nearhoof (2009-12), who was named the 2012 NEC Defensive Player of the Year after breaking both the school and league records for career sacks. Nearhoof would go on to earn All-America honors, becoming the third Colonial defensive lineman to claim an All-America nod under Banaszak in a seven-year span. As much as Banaszak's presence has been felt on the defensive side of the ball, the same can be said on special teams. He helped five distinct Colonials win an award at return specialist within the span of one decade. A graduate of Eastern Michigan, Banaszak signed as a free agent with the Pittsburgh Steelers prior to the 1975 season and was one of only three rookies to make the defending Super Bowl champion team out of training camp. Primarily a special teams player on Pittsburgh's Super Bowl X championship team, Banaszak started five games the following season and then started at both right end and inside tackle in 1977 before suffering a knee injury that forced him to the injured reserve list. Between 1978 and 1980, Banaszak started 45 regular-season games at defensive end as the Steelers won back-to-back Super Bowls. In Super Bowl XIII, Banaszak recorded six tackles, including a pair of sacks, and a fumble recovery in a 35-31 win over the Dallas Cowboys, which garnered him Defensive Player of the Game honors. The following year, Banaszak helped the Steelers to a 31-19 victory over the Rams.
RMU vs. All-Time Foes
The Banaszak FileWho: John Arthur BanaszakBorn: Aug. 24, 1950 (Cleveland, Ohio)Residence: McMurray, Pa.Wife: Mary (44 years)Son: JayDaughters: Carrie, AmyeGrandchildren: Emma, Jack, Abby, John, Mia, TessAlma Mater (Year): Eastern Michigan (1975)Degree: Health, Physical Education & RecreationHigh School: Holy NamePlaying Experience:Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)- Defensive Line (1975-81)- Three-time Super Bowl Champion (X, XIII, XIV)- Defensive Player of the Game (Super Bowl XIII)Michigan Panthers (USFL)- Defensive Line (1983-84)Memphis Showboats (USFL)- Defensive Line (1985)
Banaszak's College Football Coaching RecordYear Team Record Pct. Postseason1999 Washington & Jefferson 9-3 .750 NCAA Second Round2000 Washington & Jefferson 9-2 .818 NCAA First Round2001 Washington & Jefferson 11-1 .917 NCAA Second Round2002 Washington & Jefferson 9-3 .750 NCAA Second Round2014 Robert Morris 1-10 .091 N/A 2015 Robert Morris 0-1 .000Six-Year Career Totals 39-20 .661
2015 Robert Morris Football Game Notes @ #17 Youngstown State (9/12/15) - Page 4
THE UNIVERSITYLocation: Moon Township, Pa.Founded: 1921Enrollment: 5,359Interim President: David L. JamisonAffiliation: NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS)Conference: Northeast (NEC)Home Field (capacity): Joe Walton Stadium (3,000)Playing Surface: Field TurfSchool Colors: Blue (282) and White with Red (187)Nickname: ColonialsUniversity Website: www.rmu.eduAthletics Website: www.rmucolonials.com INTERCOLLEGIATE ATHLETICSDirector of Athletics: Craig Coleman, M.D.Senior Associate Athletic Director: Marty GalosiAssociate Athletic Director / SWA: Addie MutiAssociate Athletic Director: Sean SimmonsAssociate Athletic Director: Don SmithAssociate Athletic Director: Ryan FleischerFaculty Representative: Scott Branvold, Ed.D.Division I Programs: 16 (six men, 10 women)Athletics Phone: (412) 397-4913
THE TEAMHead Coach: John Banaszak (Eastern Michigan, 1975)Banaszak's Record at RMU: 1-11 (.083 - second season)Banaszak's Career Record: 39-20 (.661 -sixth season)Letterwinners Returning / Lost: 38 / 16Starters Returning / Lost: 15 / 9Basic Offense: Multiple SpreadBasic Defense: 3-4
PROGRAM HISTORYFirst Season of Football: 1994All-Time Football Record: 116-103-1 (.530)All-Time NEC Record (1996 - present): 75-52 (.591)Northeast Conference Championships: 6All-Northeast Conference Selections: 135NCAA FCS Playoff Appearances / Last: 1 / 2010Last Postseason Opponent: North Dakota StateResult: L, 17-43 All-Time Joe Walton Stadium Record (2005 - ): 24-28 (.462)All-Time Moon Stadium Record (1994-2004): 41-13 (.759)All-Time Road Record: 51-62-1 (.452)
MEDIA RELATIONSFootball Contact: Spencer KowitzKowitz’s Phone: (412) 397-4950Kowitz’s E-mail Address: [email protected] Relations Fax: (412) 397-4992Football Press Box: (412) 397-4955Media Relations Director: Jim DuzykAssistant Media Relations Director: Ken BakerMedia Relations Graduate Assistant: Rachel LaboskyMedia Relations Graduate Assistant: TBA
Robert Morris University AthleticsSewall Center
6001 University BoulevardMoon Township, PA 15108-1189
Robert Morris Quick FactsLast Time Out - Robert Morris held a halftime lead, but a back-and-forth second half saw Dayton come away with a 27-24 victory … Dayton's 37-yard field goal with 2:32 remaining proved to be the game winner as the clock ran out on RMU's final possession with the Colonials driving in Flyer territory … RMU’s first touchdown of the season came on a 6-yard pass from Mathew Barr to Nic Lamica … Junior Connor Shennan con-verted his first field goal try of the season, a 30-yard attempt … Redshirt senior Mike Stojkovic notched his first forced fumble in a Colonial uniform while redshirt sopho-more Zack Zamiska and redshirt freshman Marquis Robinson both recovered fumbles.
Back-to-Back - Sophomore Ryan Richards Jr. was named Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Week Monday. It marked the second straight weekly release in which he was honored as he claimed rookie accolades to close the 2014 season. Richards grabbed a pair of interceptions in the season opener, his fourth career start, while adding six tackles and a pass breakup. Richards became the 18th distinct Colonial to grab multiple picks in a contest with his effort against the Flyers.
Special Special Teams - Cole Blake returned a blocked punt 26 yards for a touchdown in RMU’s season opener. It marked the first time RMU scored a special teams TD since Sept. 28, 2013 and the first time since 2002 that RMU returned a blocked punt for a TD.
Behind Enemy Lines - In its 2014 finale at Duquesne, the Robert Morris defense racked up 15 tackles for loss, which marked a new school record against a Division I foe. While the finale was grand, RMU was strong in this department in its final three games a year ago as it posted 33 TFL in that span, a finish that helped the Colonials rank among the top 25 nationally in that category. RMU picked up where it left off as it posted 9.0 TFL in its season opener last week with 10 Colonials contributing to that mark.
Record-Breaking Rookies - Prior to 2014, no more than two Colonials had claimed weekly rookie awards within a calendar year. That all changed last season as four Colonials were named NEC Rookie of the Week, allowing RMU to tie a league record for distinct student-athletes honored in that category in a season. Rameses Owens (9/8), Nic Lamica (10/20), Gerald Ferguson (11/10) and Ryan Richards Jr. (11/24) each took home the honor a season ago. Although they did not win it last year, other active Colonials to have won the honor include Marcelis Branch and Marcus Prather.
Third Degree - Robert Morris finished the 2013 campaign ranked among the top 25 in the FCS in third down defense, allowing opponents to convert at a .349 clip. The Colonials managed to improve that figure to .331 in 2014 although that placed them one spot outside the top 25 nationally. If last week was any indication, RMU will perform well in that category again in 2015 as it held Dayton to a 5-for-18 mark on third down.
Turning It Around - A main point of emphasis for Robert Morris in 2015 was to improve its turnover differential after last year’s poor showing in that category. One week into 2015, RMU stands at +1 in turnovers. The Colonials did turn the ball over three times, but they forced four turnovers—two interceptions, two fumbles—to make up for that.
Break It Up - The median completion percentage across the FCS in 2014 was 57.6%. Robert Morris has allowed only two of its past 19 opponents to reach that mark. In fact, six times in this stretch, the Colonials have held their opponent under a 45% rate. In each of the past two seasons, RMU has had a stretch where it held its opponent under a 50% completion mark in three straight games.
Tkach Attack - After serving as a reserve in prior years, Jake Tkach made the most of his opportunity in 2014. The linebacker led the team with 84 tackles and tied for the team lead with 10 tackles for loss. He ranked fourth in the NEC in tackles per game in 2014. The redshirt senior tallied nine stops in the season opener last week.
Start Me Up - Nick Faraci enters Saturday's game with the most consecutive starting assignments of all active Colonials as he has served as the center for 34 straight games. On defense, Marcelis Branch has the most total starts among active Colonials with 21, but Andy Smigiera and Mike Stojkovic are tied for the longest active streak (12).
2015 Robert Morris Football Game Notes @ #17 Youngstown State (9/12/15) - Page 5
Game #1 • Dayton 27, Robert Morris 24September 5, 2015 • Moon Township, Pa.
Joe Walton Stadium (Attendance: 1,329) - Robert Morris rallied from a fourth quarter deficit to take the lead, but Dayton had the last laugh as the Flyers came away with a 27-24 victory on a humid afternoon. RMU punted on the game's opening drive, and Dayton then drove into Colonial territory but was stopped short on fourth down. A trio of punts followed before a Dayton field goal was blocked. Three more punts would occur before Ryan Richards Jr. grabbed his first pick of the game. Three plays later, true freshman Mathew Barr lofted a high pass into the end zone, and redshirt sophomore Nic Lamica outjumped his defender to haul it in. RMU immediately forced a Dayton three-and-out to get the ball back to its offense. The Colonials would convert on two third downs to move into the red zone but would settle for a 30-yard field goal attempt, which was converted by junior Connor Shennan. Richards Jr. notched his second interception of the quarter, this one coming inside RMU's 10-yard line, on Dayton's next drive. The Colonials punted on their next drive, practically ending the first half. Dayton traveled 60 yards on 11 plays on the opening drive of the second half, but RMU forced a 33-yard field goal. The Flyers tied the game under two minutes later on an interception return. After a Colonial punt gave the Flyers a short field, Dayton took advantage with a 48-yard touchdown drive, taking the lead on a 27-yard pass. A fumble by each team followed before Robert Morris launched a 12-play, 70-yard touchdown drive. The rookie would find the end zone himself on a QB keeper from a yard out. RMU then forced a three-and-out by Dayton and subsequently blocked the Flyers' punt. Cole Blake scooped up the ball and returned it 26 yards to the end zone, putting the Colonials back on top. A pair of punts followed, and Dayton would again take advantage of a short field. The Flyers drove 42 yards on seven plays, capped off by a quarterback rush up the middle, to even the score. Robert Morris could not get a first down on its next possession, and the Flyers followed with five rushes and one pass to move the ball 35 yards into field goal range. A 37-yarder would put Dayton on top with 2:32 to play. A turnover by the hosts on their next drive hurt their comeback hopes. The RMU defense did force one final three-and-out. Robert Morris would move inside Dayton's 30-yard line on its final drive, but the Colonials were out of timeouts and unable to pull off a last-gasp attempt at a victory.
Last RMU GameBlock Party - The Robert Morris special teams units rushed opposing kickers with ferocity in the opener. Junior Andy Smigiera blocked a field goal try in the first quarter while redshirt sophomore T-J Waters blocked a punt in the fourth quarter. In doing so, Robert Morris blocked two kicks in a game for just the second time in program history and the first time since 2002.
Thou Shall Not Rush - The Robert Morris defense put forth a strong effort against the nation's fifth-leading rusher from a year ago in its 2015 season opener. Dayton's Connor Kacsor averaged over 140 yards per game on the ground in 2014, but the Colonials held him to nearly half that mark last Saturday. RMU held Kacsor to 2.2 yards per carry on 33 attempts after he averaged 6.1 yards per carry during the 2014 season. That helped the Colonials keep the Flyers under 300 total yards of offense.
Double-Take - After starting the first four games of the 2014 season at line-backer, Nic Lamica was moved to the other side of the ball. He wasted no time jumping in as he started the final seven games at wide receiver. Despite not playing a full season on offense, Lamica finished second on the team in recep-tions (30) and receiving yards (362) while also grabbing two touchdowns. Lamica caught eight passes last Oct. 18, tying the RMU freshman record for single-game receptions. He began 2015 with a TD catch in the season opener.
Stock Watch - Redshirt senior linebacker Mike Stojkovic is back for his third and final season with RMU after he transferred from FBS program North Texas. After missing the majority of 2013 to an injury, Stojkovic started every game last season and finished among the top five in the conference in tackles per game (7.5). A high school quarterback that led his team to the state title game in Texas, Stojkovic owns 113 tackles in a Colonial uniform, after tallying 13 in the season opener, and has recovered four fumbles in 16 games.
Spread the Love - Drew Allen, in his third start in his true freshman season, grabbed an interception in the 2014 season finale at Duquesne. In doing so, he became the latest Colonial to pick off his first pass. In RMU’s past 19 games, 17 distinct Colonials have grabbed at least one interception.
Initial Impressions - A number of RMU players accrued a ‘first’ during the 2015 season opener. Four Colonials made their first collegiate start. Each of those four was part of a group of 15 Colonials that made their collegiate deubt against Dayton. A total of 27 Colonials made their first career start a year ago while 35 Colonials made their collegiate debut last season.
Welcome Back - Three Colonial defenders made returns to the field in last week’s season opener after missing all of 2014, and each made significant contributions. Marcelis Branch contributed 12 tackles, including seven solo; Kimani Smith notched eight stops, including 2.5 tackles for loss; and T-J Waters blocked a punt that RMU returned for a touchdown.
No Passing Zone - The Robert Morris defense did well in keeping opposing offenses from moving the ball through the air near the end zone last year. The Colonials grabbed eight interceptions in 2014 within 20 yards of the end zone they were defending. Ryan Richards Jr. tallied a pick at his 6-yard line in the opener, giving RMU nine such grabs in its past 12 games. Six different Colonials have contributed to that mark.
Long And Short of It - The 2014 edition of the Robert Morris defense did not allow a single opponent to complete a pass of 50+ yards. It marked just the third time in program history that RMU achieved such a feat (2009, 1998). However, last season was the first in Colonial history in which neither team completed a pass of 50+ yards throughout the season. That trend continued in RMU's 2015 season opener, extending this streak to 12 games.
1996 ................................................... Robert Morris, Monmouth1997 ....................................................................... Robert Morris1998 .................................................. Robert Morris, Monmouth1999 ....................................................................... Robert Morris2000 ...................................................................... Robert Morris2001 ......................................................................... Sacred Heart2002 .................................................................................... Albany2003 .............................................................. Monmouth, Albany2004 ............................. Monmouth, Central Connecticut State2005 ............................ Central Connecticut State, Stony Brook2006 ............................................................................ Monmouth2007 .................................................................................... Albany2008 ................................................................................... Albany2009 .................................................. Central Connecticut State2010 ........................ Robert Morris, Central Connecticut State 2011 .................................................................. Albany, Duquesne2012 ..................................................................... Albany, Wagner2013 ....................................................... Duquesne, Sacred Heart2014 .......................................................... Sacred Heart, Wagner
Team (First-Place Votes) 1. Bryant (4) 2. Duquesne (1) 3. Sacred Heart (2) 4. Wagner 5. Saint Francis 6. Central Connecticut State 7. Robert Morris
2015 NEC Preseason Pollas voted by league head coaches
Team (First-Place Votes) 2015 Record Pts.1. Sam Houston State (31) 0-1 3,1322. North Dakota State (22) 0-1 3,1233. Coastal Carolina (24) 1-0 3,1154. Illinois State (20) 0-1 3,0685. Jacksonville State (24) 1-0 3,0476. Villanova (6) 0-1 2,9727. Eastern Washington (6) 0-1 2,6888. Montana (2) 1-1 2,401 9. South Dakota State (8) 1-0 2,37410. Chattanooga 0-1 2,04011. Montana State 1-0 1,99412. New Hampshire 0-1 1,86413. James Madison 1-0 1,77614. Northern Iowa 0-1 1,68915. Liberty 1-0 1,46516. Fordham 1-0 1,44617. Youngstown State 0-1 1,44218. Cal Poly (1) 1-0 1,14419. Eastern Kentucky 1-0 1,12720. Southeastern Louisiana 1-0 90821. Indiana State 1-0 66522. Richmond 0-1 64623. Idaho State 1-0 49824. Portland State 1-0 32625. Harvard 0-0 324
Others Receiving Votes: Northern Arizona (238), McNeese State (213), William & Mary (212), North Dakota (186), Western Illinois (109), Samford (89), Southern Illinois (88), Stephen F. Austin (81), South Carolina State (58)
as of Sept. 7, 2015
2015 Robert Morris Football Game Notes @ #17 Youngstown State (9/12/15) - Page 6
STATS FCS Top 25
NEC Champions since 1996
For Starters - When Robert Morris took the field in its 2014 season finale at Duquesne, it sported its 11th distinct offensive starting lineup in the 11th and final game. RMU, which has sported different lineups on offense in its past 15 games overall, saw 23 distinct players start on offense in 2014 alone.
Making the Grade - Current redshirt senior offensive lineman Nick Faraci and recently graduated wide receiver Duane Mitchell were both named Capital One Academic All-District First Team last November. It was the second straight year Faraci earned this honor and the first such award for Mitchell, as they continued the trend of academic successes in the football program. These two accolades gave the Colonial program at least one Academic All-District honoree in each of the past 12 seasons, a span in which Robert Morris has taken home 23 overall selections. To put that in perspective, no other NEC school has an active streak of football Academic All-District selections lon-ger than three years. Mitchell, a finance major, became the first RMU wide receiver to ever claim this honor.
Ramming Defenses - Rameses Owens flashed dazzling potential as a true freshman in 2014 before missing the final four games due to injury. Owens ran for a 17-yard touch-down in last year's season opener before rushing for 199 yards at North Dakota in his first career start one week later. In doing so, Owens broke the RMU freshman single-game rushing mark and was also named National Freshman of the Week by The Sports Network, becoming the first Colonial in program history to claim that honor. In his first home start, Owens rushed for 154 yards against Monmouth, which, at the time, was the highest such figure against the Hawks in their past 29 outings.
Seventh Heaven - Robert Morris was selected to finish seventh in the annual preseason Northeast Conference coaches poll. That fact may actually bode well for the Colonials on multiple fronts. In two of the past three seasons, the team picked seventh in the league has gone on to claim the NEC's automatic bid into the FCS Playoffs. Furthermore, the only other time in the past decade that Robert Morris was placed in the seventh position in the preseason poll came in 2006. RMU finished 7-4 that season and was a game out of first place at 5-2 in the league. In fact, the Colonials led the nation in total defense that season, allowing an average of 228.4 yards per game.
Hurry Up – Robert Morris has run at least 80 offensive plays in a game 13 times in program history. After doing it eight times in its first 20 seasons, RMU has run 80+ plays five times since new offensive coordinator Darrin Hicks took over in 2014. The Colonials hit that figure four times in 2014 and reached it in last week’s season opener.
They'll Be Back - One interesting way to examine the state of the Colonial roster is to look at the number of players that started the season opener who will be finished with their careers after this season. Of RMU’s 22 offensive and defensive starters from its opener, only five Colonials—two on offense, three on defense—will have used all of their NCAA eligibility when the 2015 campaign is completed.
Times Two - One of the mainstays returning to the RMU defense in 2015 is redshirt senior Forrest Mason. Mason earned his second straight All-NEC honor in 2014, making him just one of five Colonials ever to claim multiple all-league honors as a defensive lineman. What made his accolade even more impressive a year ago is that the league’s coaches voted him to the team despite the fact that he was only able to appear in seven games. Mason owns 92 tackles and 10.0 sacks in his career to date. He also claimed a NEC Defensive Player of the Week honor last October.
The Nurse Will See You - RMU's starting center, redshirt senior Nick Faraci, became the fifth Colonial in school history, and the first on the offensive side of the ball, to earn a prestigious Academic All-America award this past December. However, that may not even be his most impressive feat. Faraci graduated from RMU in May with the highest grade point average in his nursing class. He subsequently passed his nursing board exams in the summer to earn his registered nurse (RN) license. Faraci, who owns a 3.94 cumulative GPA, worked in four area hospitals as part of his clinical rotations over the past few years.
2015 Robert Morris Football Game Notes @ #17 Youngstown State (9/12/15) - Page 7
Scott Farison (assistant head coach, defensive coordinator; Mercyhurst ’01) Farison, in his 14th season at RMU, is currently the longest-tenured active member on staff. He was promoted to assistant head coach last year and is in his ninth season as defensive coor-dinator. In Farison’s 12 seasons coaching the defensive side of the ball at RMU, the Colonials have finished among the top 25 nationally in total defense on six occasions, including finishing among the top 11 on four of those occurrences. Farison has been directly responsible for help-ing four different Colonials to NEC Defensive Player of the Year honors since 2004.Darrin Hicks (offensive coordinator; Washington & Jefferson ’96) Hicks is in his second season as offensive coordinator after brining 17 years of collegiate coaching experience to RMU. Hicks’ numerous accomplishments include helping Delta State win games in the Division II Tournament in back-to-back years, including reaching the nation-al quarterfinals in 2008. Hicks was an all-conference offensive lineman who helped Washington & Jefferson reach the national championship game as a player.Andrew Richardson (offensive line; Penn State ’05) Richardson is in his ninth season at Robert Morris and was promoted to recruiting coordina-tor prior to the 2014 season. In Richardson’s time on staff, RMU offensive linemen have claimed seven All-NEC honors, and two Colonials have earned All-America awards. Richardson helped A.J. Dalton improve his craft and earn a free agent contract with the Detroit Lions in 2014.Bill Hurley (secondary; Syracuse ’80) Hurley is in his seventh season on staff at RMU. He has seen Colonial defensive backs take home eight All-NEC honors, five by corners and three by safeties, in addition to a major post-season award. Drafted as a safety in the fourth round of the 1980 draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Hurley played two seasons in the NFL with New Orleans and Buffalo.Patrick Shepard (receivers and tight ends; Miami University ’09) Shepard is in his seventh season on staff at RMU. He has coached each of the top two Colonials in the school’s all-time receptions category. In his first five years when he coached exclusively tight ends, Shepard helped RMU earn four league awards at that position.Myles Russ (running backs; Robert Morris ’11) Russ is in his fourth season on staff at RMU. He helped two Colonials to multiple 100-yard rushing efforts in 2014. The RMU alum was named the 2010 Northeast Conference Offensive Player of the Year after averaging 5.8 yards per carry.Cornelius Coleman (defensive line; Waynesburg ’99) Coleman is in his second season on staff at RMU. Before helping Forrest Mason to All-NEC honors in 2014, Coleman was the assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator at Averett University. He has participated in the NFL-NCAA Coaches Academy on two occasions.Nick McVay (receivers; Otterbein ’13) McVay is in his second season on staff at RMU. After coaching tight ends last year, he will assist with receivers in 2015. He earned three letters at Ohio Wesleyan and Otterbein.Mike Brown (outside linebackers; Mercyhurst ’13) Brown is in his first season on staff at RMU although he was an intern with the program in 2014, assisting the defensive staff. He also previously worked as an intern at James Madison.TBA
2015 Robert Morris Football Game Notes @ #17 Youngstown State (9/12/15) - Page 8
Category Rank Avg.Scoring Offense 7th 9.9Scoring Defense 7th 34.3Pass Offense 5th 149.7Pass Defense 5th 189.2Kickoff Returns 6th 16.8Net Punting 4th 32.3Turnover Margin 7th -1.82Rushing Offense 7th 86.2Rushing Defense 7th 231.1Total Offense 7th 235.9Total Defense 7th 420.3Punt Returns 3rd 9.7Pass Efficiency 7th 90.6Pass Efficiency Defense 7th 126.8First Downs 7th 156Opponent First Downs 7th 229Sacks By 7th 12Penalties 1st 44.8Opponent Penalties 1st 81.84th Down 6th .348Opponent 4th Down 5th .429Red Zone Offense 6th .682Red Zone Defense 6th .8203rd Down 7th .286Opponent 3rd Down 4th .331Sacks Against 7th 36
Robert Morris in the 2014 NEC StatsThe Founding Father - The one constant in the first two decades of Colonial football was former head coach Joe Walton. Walton, the former NFL tight end and head coach of the New York Jets, started the program from scratch, com-pleting everything from hiring assistants to purchasing equipment. He was named NEC Coach of the Year four times in 18 seasons and guided RMU to a pair of NCAA I-AA mid-major national crowns during his time on the side-lines. Walton, currently a special assistant to the athletic director at Robert Morris, was inducted into the RMU Athletic Hall of Fame in November 2013.
Get To The Chopper - A quick glance at RMU’s record when broken down proves how important it is the Colonials get off to a good start in contests. When Robert Morris is leading at halftime, the program owns an all-time record of 89-14 (.864). When trailing at the break, Robert Morris owns a mark of 13-80-1 (.144). Even going into halftime tied is beneficial, as the Colonials own an overall record of 14-9 (.609) in such games.
The Magic Mark - Since the Colonials began play in 1994, there have been 76 games in which Robert Morris has scored 30 or more points. In those contests RMU boasts a record of 71-5 (.934), including a record of 42-5 (.894) in games in which the team scores between 30 and 39 points. In games in which the Colonials score 40 or more points, RMU is a perfect 29-0.
RMU Football Historical Tidbits - The inaugural running back at Robert Morris, the late Tim Hall (1994-95), rushed for 2,908 yards in his two seasons as a Colonial. Hall still owns the FCS season and career records for yards per carry, with his season record of 8.7 yards per carry set in 1994 and his two-year career record of 7.4 established in 1994 and 1995 ... Hall also ranks fourth all-time in the FCS in both rushing yards per game (153.1) and all-purpose yards per game (194.8) ... Former Colonial linebacker James Noel (2002-05) ranks sixth in the FCS record book for career tackles per game (10.7), while his career tackle total of 437 takedowns ranks 15th all-time ... Former linebacker and assistant coach Alex DiMichele (2008-10) averaged 10 tackles per game over his three years in a Robert Morris uniform, which ranks 13th all-time in the FCS record book ... Robert Morris has topped the nation in passing defense twice in the past 16 years, based on passing effi-ciency defense rating. The Colonials topped the charts in 1999 (with a 80.80 rating) as well as in 2006 (with a 88.70 rating).
Did You Know? - Robert Morris owns the all-time FCS record for the most consecutive quarters while holding an opponent scoreless. During the 1996 season, the Colonials went 15 straight quarters without allowing a single point. In fact, the record-setting streak occurred at the beginning of the sea-son. RMU posted three straight shutouts -- 20-0 against Mercyhurst (9/7), 38-0 against Butler (9/14) and 7-0 against Towson State (9/21) -- to open the campaign and then held Central Connecticut State (9/28) scoreless for the first three quarters before finally allowing a point for the first time all sea-son. In all, Robert Morris went 234:04 before allowing a point in 1996. RMU went 9-2 (.818) in 1996, claiming a share of the NEC championship, and con-ceded just 12.9 points per game.
The Last Time a Colonial ... Rushed for 200 or more yards in a game: Myles Russ, 246 (10/11/08 vs. Duquesne - span of 72 games) ... Passed for 300 or more yards in a game: Paul Jones, 321 (9/28/13 @ VMI - span of 19 games) ... Passed for 400 or more yards in a game: Rich Demaio, 444 (11/15/03 @ Duquesne - span of 120 games) ... Scored three or more touchdowns in a game: Duane Mitchell, 3 (11/2/13 vs. Bryant - span of 15 games) ... Made 15 or more tackles in a game: Mike Cook, 19 (9/14/13 vs. Dayton - span of 20 games) ... Had three or more interceptions in a game: Brian Dunn, 3 (10/8/94 vs. Duquesne - span of 215 games) ... Had three or more sacks in a game: Nolan Nearhoof, 3 (10/13/12 @ Bryant - span of 28 games).
CAREER STARTS AT ROBERT MORRISNAME Con. 12 13 14 15 TOTAL Faraci, N. 34 11 11 11 1 34Robertson, M. 30 9 11 11 1 32Branch, M. 1 9 11 -- 1 21Mason, F. 8 0 10 7 1 18Stojkovic, M. 12 -- 4 11 1 16Smigiera, A. 12 -- 1 11 1 13Smith, K. 1 0 11 -- 1 12Lamica, N. 0 -- 0 11 0 11Chambliss, B. 1 -- 0 8 1 9Lewis, R. 1 -- 0 8 1 9Masson, J. 8 -- 0 8 1 9Thiel, J. 1 0 0 8 1 9Tkach, J. 1 0 0 8 1 9Gavin, S. 0 0 5 3 0 8Shennan, C. 1 -- 7 0 1 8Woods, S. 0 -- 0 8 0 8Owens, R. 1 -- -- 6 1 7Trgovcich, A. 0 -- -- 7 0 7Zamiska, Z. 2 -- 0 6 1 7Line, B. 0 -- -- 6 0 6Abbott, D. 0 0 0 5 0 5Brumbaugh, L. 0 -- 0 5 0 5Centofanti, L. 1 0 0 4 1 5Allen, D. 4 -- -- 3 1 4Ferguson, G. 0 -- -- 4 0 4Richards Jr., R. 4 -- -- 3 1 4Lucian, A. 0 0 0 3 0 3Williams, J. 1 -- -- 2 1 3Blackmon, J. 1 -- 0 1 1 2Prather, M. 0 -- 1 1 0 2Barnes, F. 0 -- -- 1 0 1Barr, M. 1 -- -- -- 1 1Buss, K. 1 -- -- 0 1 1Check, A. 1 -- -- -- 1 1Garry, C. 0 0 1 0 0 1Lamb, M. 1 -- -- 0 1 1Maine, E. 0 -- 0 1 0 1
The Start Chart
RMU’s All-Time Record When ...Scores fewer than 10 points: 3-25 (.107)Scores 10-19 points: 11-42-1 (.213)Scores 20-29 points: 31-31 (.500)Scores 30-39 points: 42-5 (.894)Scores 40-49 points: 26-0 (1.000)Scores 50+ points: 3-0 (1.000)Scores a special teams touchdown: 7-4 (.636)Has a 100-yard rusher: 64-26-1 (.709)Has a 200-yard rusher: 9-1 (.900)Has a 100-yard receiver: 39-20 (.661)Has a 300-yard passer: 6-3 (.667)Has three interceptions in a game: 20-5 (.800)Has four + interceptions in a game: 8-0 (1.000)Has 1-4 sacks in a game: 80-69 (.537)Has five + sacks in a game: 22-7 (.759)All-Time Record: 116-103-1 (.530)All-Time Home Record: 65-41 (.613)All-Time Road Record: 51-62-1 (.452)Playing on Grass: 57-30-1 (.653)Playing on Turf: 9-7 (.563)Playing on Field Turf: 50-66 (.431)Playing After a Loss (within season): 39-52-1 (.429)In Overtime: 3-2 (.600)Playing at Night: 3-11 (.214)Playing after a Bye Week: 16-9-1 (.635)When Leading at Halftime: 89-14 (.864)When Trailing at Halftime: 13-80-1 (.144)When Tied at Halftime: 14-9 (.609)Record in August: 0-2 (.000)Record in September: 44-37 (.543)Record in October: 41-38-1 (.519)Record in November: 31-26 (.544)
The Last Time Robert Morris ...Scored 50 or more points in a game:54 @ Central Connecticut State (W, 54-21; 11/9/13) ... a span of 14 gamesScored fewer than 10 points in a game:0 @ Duquesne (L, 0-22; 11/22/14) ... a span of 1 gameTallied five or more sacks in a game:5 vs. Bryant (W, 24-3; 11/2/13) ... a span of 15 gamesTallied four + interceptions in a game:4 @ Central Connecticut State (W, 54-21; 11/9/13) ... a span of 14 gamesHad 25 or more first downs in a game:27 vs. Bryant (L, 27-34; 10/22/11) ... a span of 38 gamesHad over 400 yards total offense:448 @ VMI (W, 37-31 (2 OT); 9/28/13) ... a span of 19 gamesHad fewer than 200 yards total offense:149 @ Duquesne (L, 0-22; 11/22/14) ... a span of 1 gameHad two 100-yard rushers:@ Monmouth (W, 41-20; 10/25/97) ... a span of 183 gamesRalph Clark (15 attempts, 127 yards, 1 TD)Archie Wannamaker (19 attempts, 106 yards, 1 TD)Had two 100-yard receivers:vs. Stony Brook (W, 45-19; 11/3/01) ... a span of 141 gamesStephen McNair (5 catches, 112 yards, 1 TD)Brent Hockenberry (6 catches, 106 yards, 1 TD)Scored a special teams touchdown:vs. Dayton (L, 24-27; 9/5/15) ... a span of 0 gamesCole Blake 26-yard blocked punt returnPlayed in overtime:@ VMI (W, 37-31; 9/28/13) (2 OT) ... a span of 19 games
Robert Morris CaptainsHead coach John Banaszak announced after the team's final scrimmage that four Colonials will serve as captains in the 2015 season.
OFFENSERedshirt senior Nick Faraci and senior Max Robertson are the team’s captains on offense. Faraci has started each of RMU’s past 34 games at center and was selected as an Academic All-American in 2014. Robertson started 31 games at left guard over the past three seasons, but he was shifted down a spot to left tackle prior to the 2015 season.
DEFENSERedshirt seniors Forrest Mason and Mike Stojkovic are the team’s captains on defense. Mason is a two-time All-Northeast Conference honoree and is one of just five defensive lineman in RMU history to earn multiple all-league honors. He owns 92 tackles and 10.0 sacks in his career. He became the first Colonial defensive lineman to be named NEC Defensive Player of the Week in over 15 years last October. Stojkovic, who served as a captain in the latter half of the 2014 season, was ranked among the top five in the league in tackles per game last year and totaled 82 stops. He owns 113 tackles and 12.5 tackles for loss in a Colonial uniform. The Texas native began his col-legiate career at FBS institution North Texas.
Gameday Colonial football games are heard live on ESPN Radio AM-970 Pittsburgh, the flagship station of Robert Morris University athletics. ESPN 970 and RMU reached a three-year agreement in the summer of 2013 to broadcast foot-ball, men’s basketball and men’s hockey games. The Voice of the Colonials, Chris Shovlin, and color analyst Brian Cleary call the football action. RMU Assistant Media Relations Director Spencer Kowitz joins Shovlin as color analyst for select Colonial road games. "The John Banaszak Show" is on 30 minutes prior to kickoff. Games can also be heard on the station’s website, www.970espn.com, as well as on iHeartRadio. RMU home and league games can generally be seen live for free on NEC Front Row, the conference’s online digital network. The league has added multiple upgrades in recent years, including the ability to transmit live events in HD as well as providing the ability for the viewer to use a DVR-style, in-game real-time rewind feature. Robert Morris will also have at least three games that will air on ESPN3 in 2015. The Sept. 12 game at Youngstown State, the Oct. 10 game vs. Sacred Heart and the Oct. 31 game at C. Connecticut St. will be on the digital network.Weekly Segments Coach Banaszak sits down for a weekly chat with play-by-play voice Chris Shovlin most Mondays at the All Star Sports Bar & Grill in either Robinson or Canonsburg. Their discussion is aired live on ESPN 970 from 8-9 p.m. Coach Banaszak also has a weekly segment on TribLIVE Radio that generally can be heard on Wednesday at 9:45 a.m. A Colonial student-athlete is also usually featured on ESPN 970 during a weekday afternoon.
Robert Morris On The Airwaves
2015 Robert Morris Football Game Notes @ #17 Youngstown State (9/12/15) - Page 10
Robert Morris in the Red Zone - 2015 Times Times Total Rush Pass FGs ------ Failed to score inside 20 ------Date Opponent Score In 20 Scored Pts TDs TDs TDs Made FGA Downs Int Fumb Half Game-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------9/5 DAYTON L, 24-27 4 3 17 2 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 09/12 @ Youngstown State9/19 NOTRE DAME (OHIO) 9/26 @ South Dakota St.10/3 @ Wagner *10/10 SACRED HEART *10/24 DUQUESNE *10/31 @ C. Conn. State *11/7 EAST TENNESSEE ST.11/14 @ Saint Francis *11/21 BRYANT *TOTALS (3-for-4 - 75%) 4 3 17 2 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 0* Northeast Conference game
Robert Morris By the Numbers
1 - The first Northeast Conference program to claim an auto-matic berth in the NCAA FCS Playoffs in 2010
2 - Number of teams Robert Morris will face from the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2015, widely regarded as the best league at the FCS level
3 - Super Bowl championships won by RMU head coach John Banaszak as a defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers
4 - Number of distinct Colonials who were named NEC Rookie of the Week in 2014, tying a league record
5 - Consecutive seasons in which Robert Morris has faced at least one nationally ranked opponent entering 2015
6 - Northeast Conference championships (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2010) for RMU in the 20-year history of the league
10 - This is the 10th consecutive year RMU will play Dayton, the only non-conference foe on its 2015 slate it has faced previously
15 - All-time Northeast Conference Offensive, Defensive or Rookie of the Year selections by Colonials
23 - Number of CoSIDA Academic All-District selections earned by Colonial football student-athletes in the past 12 seasons
27 - Number of Colonials who earned their first-career start during the 2014 season
129 - Career tackles by Marcelis Branch, the most among active Colonials
135 - All-time All-Northeast Conference First or Second Team selections collected by Colonials
199 - Number of yards Rameses Owens ran for in his first start in 2014, breaking the RMU single-game rookie record
Colonials in the NFLSince Robert Morris played its first season in 1994, three former Colonials have appeared in a game in the National Football League (NFL), the most among current NEC members in this span as of August 2015. Many players have “rewritten” record books at various schools. At Robert Morris, however, Tim Hall wrote the record book. Hall rushed for 2,908 yards on 393 carries in his two seasons in a Colonial uniform and was named an All-American by the Associated Press in 1995. He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the sixth round (183rd player overall) in the 1996 NFL Draft. In 1997, he led the Raiders in yards per carry average with 5.2 and was second in rushing yards to Napolean Kaufman. On Sept. 30, 1998, Hall was shot and killed in Kansas City at age 24. Hank Fraley, who played on the offensive line for Robert Morris from 1996-1999, carved out a niche for himself in the NFL for over a decade. Fraley was a three-time Mid-Major All-American during his years at RMU before he was signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers to a free-agent contract in April 2000. Fraley was later claimed by the Eagles and started at center for Philadelphia for the entire 2001 season, helping the team to the 2002 NFC Championship game. For four straight seasons with Fraley starting at center from 2002-05, the Eagles appeared in the NFC Championship game. In 2005, Fraley became the first RMU alum to appear in the Super Bowl when he started at center against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX. Former RMU defensive back Robb Butler played for the San Diego Chargers during the 2004 season and was featured in special teams situations, including returning kickoffs.
2015 Robert Morris Football Game Notes @ #17 Youngstown State (9/12/15) - Page 11
ROBERT MORRIS OFFENSE (Multiple Spread) YOUNGSTOWN STATE DEFENSE (4-3)LT 77 MAX ROBERTSON 6-4 325 SR DE 11 DEREK RIVERS 6-5 255 JR 64 Gio De Loera 6-3 285 FR 90 Eric Myers 6-3 265 SRLG 76 BLAKE CHAMBLISS 6-5 300 R-SO DT 66 CODY SQUIRIC 6-3 310 R-FR 52 Anthony Lucian 6-4 280 R-JR 93 Emmanuel Kromah 6-2 280 SRC 68 NICK FARACI 6-3 290 R-SR DT 94 STEVE ZABORSKY 6-2 275 SR 52 Anthony Lucian 6-4 280 R-JR 76 Lamont Ragland 6-1 280 FRRG 72 JOSH THIEL 6-3 300 R-JR DE 59 TERRELL WILLIAMS 6-3 240 SR 52 Anthony Lucian 6-4 280 R-JR 9 Avery Moss 6-3 265 JR RT 66 MIKE LAMB 6-6 345 R-FR LB 5 LEE WRIGHT 6-1 215 SO 73 Drew Garbenis 6-5 315 R-SO 22 Dubem Nwadiogbu 6-2 225 SRTE 17 LUKE CENTOFANTI 6-0 195 R-JR LB 40 JAYLIN KELLY 6-1 240 JR 8 Nic Lamica 6-4 220 R-SO 42 Armand Dellovade 6-0 210 FRQB 2 MATHEW BARR 6-4 210 FR LB 6 JAMAR PINNOCK 6-3 215 JR 13 Luke Brumbaugh 6-3 190 R-SO 25 Nathan Pittman 6-2 235 R-FRRB 32 RAMESES OWENS 6-2 230 SO CB 7 KENNETH DURDEN 6-0 180 SR 36 Cole Blake 6-0 210 SO 12 Kenny Bishop 6-0 185 JR WR 4 JAMISON WILLIAMS 6-3 205 SO SS 3 LeROY ALEXANDER 6-0 195 JR 82 Zach Walker 6-0 200 R-FR 2 Tre’ Moore 5-10 210 SRWR 23 KYLE BUSS 5-11 185 R-FR FS 26 JAMEEL SMITH 6-0 190 JR 7 Warren Robinson 5-9 155 FR 19 Deion Hall 6-0 190 JR WR 87 JORDAN BLACKMON 6-0 170 R-SO CB 8 NATE DORTCH 6-0 170 JR 10 Craig Thompson 5-10 175 SO 31 David Rivers 6-2 185 JR
YOUNGSTOWN STATE OFFENSE (Multiple) ROBERT MORRIS DEFENSE (3-4)RT 61 JUSTIN SPENCER 6-5 315 SO DE 92 RYAN LEWIS 6-5 280 JR 78 Jeff Rotheram 6-7 330 R-FR 56 Austin Trgovcich 6-2 260 R-JRRG 67 BROCK EISENHUTH 6-5 365 JR DT 53 ZACK ZAMISKA 6-5 285 R-SO 54 Matt Bell 6-5 300 JR 99 Amir Fenwick 6-0 270 FRC 69 COLE NEWSOME 6-3 295 SO DE 90 FORREST MASON 6-3 280 R-SR 56 Charles Zaborsky 6-1 285 R-FR 51 Grant Lanza 6-4 240 SOLG 77 DYLAN COLUCCI 6-6 330 JR OLB 31 JIMMY MASSON 6-0 200 JR 71 Cameron Fraser 6-4 290 SO 6 Zach Cooper 5-10 190 JR LT 55 TREVOR STRICKLAND 6-7 300 SR ILB 58 JAKE TKACH 6-0 235 R-SR 53 Christian Wilson 6-7 305 JR 49 T-J Waters 6-3 235 R-SOTE 88 JACOB WOOD 6-5 245 JR ILB 11 MIKE STOJKOVIC 6-3 240 R-SR 86 Shane Kuhn 6-4 255 SO 46 Joseph Uhatafe 6-1 230 SOWR 4 ANDRE STUBBS 5-7 160 SR OLB 15 KIMANI SMITH 6-3 220 R-JR 84 Darien Townsend 5-10 170 SO 50 Gerald Ferguson 6-2 210 SO WR 9 I’TAVIOUS HARVIN 6-2 180 SO CB 5 MARCELIS BRANCH 5-11 190 R-JR 17 Isiah Scott 6-3 210 FR 1 Cameron Sutherland 6-1 200 SO WR 80 ANDREW WILLIAMS 6-4 195 SR SS 21 RYAN RICHARDS JR. 6-1 200 SO 82 Kintrell Disher 6-4 215 SR 27 Sam Woods 6-0 190 R-SOQB 6 HUNTER WELLS 6-5 195 SO WS 18 ANDY SMIGIERA 6-1 205 JR 12 Ricky Davis 6-3 220 SO 35 Shane McFarland 5-10 195 SOTB 29 MARTIN RUIZ 5-11 200 JR CB 16 DREW ALLEN 6-1 185 SO 20 Jody Webb 5-9 175 FR 22 Roger Richardson IV 5-10 180 FR
ROBERT MORRIS SPECIAL TEAMS YOUNGSTOWN STATE SPECIAL TEAMSPK 47 CONNOR SHENNAN 6-1 205 JR PK 99 ZAK KENNEDY 6-0 160 FR 89 William Kirch 6-2 160 FR 49 Connor McFadden 5-10 165 SOP 48 ADAM CHECK 6-1 185 FR P 43 NICK SHEELY 6-0 210 R-FR HOLD 27 SAM WOODS 6-0 190 R-SO HOLD 7 TANNER GARRY 6-0 205 JRSNAP 55 TREY HARPER 6-5 225 FR SNAP 57 STEVEN WETHLI 6-0 245 FRKR 26 DANTE SATCHER 6-0 170 FR KR 9 I’TAVIOUS HARVIN 6-2 180 SO 7 Warren Robinson 5-9 155 FR 7 KENNETH DURDEN 6-0 180 SRPR 7 WARREN ROBINSON 5-9 155 FR PR 7 KENNETH DURDEN 6-0 180 SR 18 Andy Smigiera 6-1 205 JR 4 Andre Stubbs 5-7 160 SR
2-Deep Depth Chart - Robert Morris @ No. 17 Youngstown State
2015 Robert Morris Football Game Notes @ #17 Youngstown State (9/12/15) - Page 12
Robert Morris Career Starts ...
RTLamb 1Garbenis 0
TECentofanti * 5Lamica * 11
WRWilliams 3Walker 0
CBAllen 4Richardson IV 0
WRBuss 1Robinson, W. 0
RBOwens 7 Blake 0 5
0
WSSmigiera 13McFarland 0
QBBarr 1Brumbaugh 5
CFaraci 34Lucian * 3
LGChambliss * 9Lucian * 3
LTRobertson * 32De Loera 0
RGThiel 9Lucian * 3
WRBlackmon 2Thompson 0
Notes: Centofanti's career starts include four at wide receiver in 2014 ... Chambliss' career starts include eight at left tackle in 2014 ... Lamica's career starts include four at outside linebacker and seven at wide receiver in 2014 ... Lucian's career starts include three at left tackle in 2014 ... Robertson's career starts include 31 at left guard from 2012-14 ... Stojkovic's career starts include four at outside linebacker in 2013.
2015 Offense Game-by-Game StartersGame WR TE RT RG C LG LT QB RB WR WRDAYTON Blackmon Centofanti Lamb Thiel Faraci Chambliss Robertson Barr Owens Buss Williams@ Youngstown StateNOTRE DAME (OHIO) @ South Dakota State@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ Central Conn. StateEAST TENNESSEE STATE@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
2015 Defense Game-by-Game StartersGame CB SS DE DT DE OLB ILB ILB OLB WS CBDAYTON Branch Richards Jr. Lewis Zamiska Mason Masson Tkach Stojkovic Smith Smigiera Allen@ Youngstown StateNOTRE DAME (OHIO) @ South Dakota State@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ Central Conn. StateEAST TENNESSEE STATE@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
CBBranch 21Sutherland 0
SSRichards Jr. 4Woods 8
ILBStojkovic * 16Uhatafe 0
ILBTkach 9Waters 0
OLBSmith 12Ferguson 4
OLBMasson 9Cooper 0
DTZamiska 7Fenwick 0
DEMason 18Lanza 0
DELewis 9Trgovcich 7
2015 Robert Morris Football Game Notes @ #17 Youngstown State (9/12/15) - Page 13
2015 Individual Game-By-GameQuarterback
#2 - MATHEW BARR (Fr.) Comp-Att-Int Yds TD LongDAYTON 14-34-2 156 1 32@ Youngstown St.NOTRE DAME (OH) @ South Dakota St.@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ C. Conn. StateE. TENNESSEE ST.@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
BARR'S CAREER HIGHSAttempts .................................................... 34 vs. Dayton (9/5/15)Completions ............................................... 14 vs. Dayton (9/5/15)Yards ......................................................... 156 vs. Dayton (9/5/15)Touchdowns ................................................. 1 vs. Dayton (9/5/15)Long ............................................................ 32 vs. Dayton (9/5/15)
BARR'S CAREER HIGHS300+ Yard Games ......................................................................... 0200+ Yard Games ......................................................................... 0Multiple TD Pass Games .............................................................. 0Record as Starter ........................................................... 0-1 (.000)
BARR IN 2015300+ Yard Games ......................................................................... 0200+ Yard Games ......................................................................... 0Multiple TD Pass Games .............................................................. 0Record as Starter ........................................................... 0-1 (.000)
#87 - JORDAN BLACKMON (R-So.) Rec-Yds-TD LongDAYTON 1-15-0 15@ Youngstown St.NOTRE DAME (OH) @ South Dakota St.@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ C. Conn. StateE. TENNESSEE ST.@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
BLACKMON'S CAREER HIGHSReceptions .................... 4 @ Dayton (9/20/14)Yards ............... 18 vs. Saint Francis (11/15/14)Long .............................. 15 vs. Dayton (9/5/15)TD’s .................................................................. 0Career 100-Yard Games ................................ 0
#17 - LUKE CENTOFANTI (R-Jr.) Rec-Yds-TD LongDAYTON 1-11-0 11@ Youngstown St.NOTRE DAME (OH) @ South Dakota St.@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ C. Conn. StateE. TENNESSEE ST.@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
CENTOFANTI'S CAREER HIGHSReceptions ..... 5 vs. C. Conn. State (10/18/14)Yards ............. 62 vs. C. Conn. State (10/18/14)Long .................. 28 @ Sacred Heart (10/11/14)TD’s .................................................................. 0Career 100-Yard Games ................................ 0
#23 - KYLE BUSS (R-Fr.) Rec-Yds-TD LongDAYTON 4-74-0 32@ Youngstown St.NOTRE DAME (OH) @ South Dakota St.@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ C. Conn. StateE. TENNESSEE ST.@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
BUSS' CAREER HIGHSReceptions ..................... 4 vs. Dayton (9/5/15)Yards ............................. 74 vs. Dayton (9/5/15)Long .............................. 32 vs. Dayton (9/5/15)TD’s .................................................................. 0Career 100-Yard Games ................................ 0
#4 - JAMISON WILLIAMS (So.) Rec-Yds-TD LongDAYTON 1-5-0 5@ Youngstown St.NOTRE DAME (OH) @ South Dakota St.@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ C. Conn. StateE. TENNESSEE ST.@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
WILLIAMS' CAREER HIGHSReceptions ........... 7 vs. E. Kentucky (8/28/14)Yards ................... 43 @ North Dakota (9/6/14)Long .................... 28 @ North Dakota (9/6/14)TD’s .................................................................. 0Career 100-Yard Games ................................ 0
Receivers
#47 - CONNOR SHENNAN (Jr.) FG-FGA PAT Pts LongDAYTON 1-1 3-3 6 30@ Youngstown St.NOTRE DAME (OH) @ South Dakota St.@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ C. Conn. StateE. TENNESSEE ST.@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
Career-Long Field Goal ............................................. 41 vs. Sacred Heart (11/16/13)Career-High Field Goals ............................................................. 2 on two occasions
Kicker#48 - ADAM CHECK (Fr.) No. Yards Avg. Long I20DAYTON 9 356 39.6 57 2@ Youngstown St.NOTRE DAME (OH) @ South Dakota St.@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ C. Conn. StateE. TENNESSEE ST.@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
Career-Long Punt ................................................................... 57 vs. Dayton (9/5/15)Career-High Game Average (min. 3 attempts) ................ 39.6 vs. Dayton (9/5/15)
Punter
2015 Robert Morris Football Game Notes @ #17 Youngstown State (9/12/15) - Page 14
2015 Individual Game-By-GameRunning Backs
#36 - COLE BLAKE (So.) RUSHING RECEIVING Att-Yds-TD Long Rec-Yds-TD Long DAYTON 1-3-0 3 1-7-0 7@ Youngstown St.NOTRE DAME (OH) @ South Dakota St.@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ C. Conn. StateE. TENNESSEE ST.@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
#32 - RAMESES OWENS (So.) RUSHING RECEIVING Att-Yds-TD Long Rec-Yds-TD Long DAYTON 25-72-0 15 2-14-0 10@ Youngstown St.NOTRE DAME (OH) @ South Dakota St.@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ C. Conn. StateE. TENNESSEE ST.@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
OWENS' CAREER HIGHSRush / Receptions ... 39* @ North Dakota (9/6/14) .............. 2 on two occasionsYards .................... 199 @ North Dakota (9/6/14) ... 38 @ North Dakota (9/6/14)Long ..................... 39 vs. Monmouth (10/4/14) ...... 38 @ North Dakota (9/6/14)TD’s ............................. 1 on two occasions ............................................................ 0Career 100-Yard Games ......... 2 ............................................................................. 0
#42 - BEN LINE (So.) RUSHING RECEIVING Att-Yds-TD Long Rec-Yds-TD Long DAYTON -- DNP --@ Youngstown St.NOTRE DAME (OH) @ South Dakota St.@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ C. Conn. StateE. TENNESSEE ST.@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
LINE'S CAREER HIGHSRush / Receptions ... 3 vs. Central Connecticut State (10/18/14) ..................... 0Yards ......................... 1 vs. Central Connecticut State (10/18/14) ...................... 0Long .......................... 1 vs. Central Connecticut State (10/18/14) ...................... 0TD’s ............................ 1 vs. Monmouth (10/4/14) ................................................. 0Career 100-Yard Games ......... 0 ............................................................................ 0
#26 - DANTE SATCHER (Fr.) RUSHING RECEIVING Att-Yds-TD Long Rec-Yds-TD Long DAYTON 0-0-0 -- 0-0-0 --@ Youngstown St.NOTRE DAME (OH) @ South Dakota St.@ WagnerSACRED HEARTDUQUESNE@ C. Conn. StateE. TENNESSEE ST.@ Saint FrancisBRYANT
Tackles (Season)Name # Solo Year1. Mike Cook 117 34 20132. Alex DiMichele 116 45 20083. James Noel 115 51 20044. Chad Wengert 112 43 20075. Alex DiMichele 109 50 2009
Interceptions (Career)Name # 1. Brian Dunn (1994-97) 192. Mike Niklos (2003-07) 163. Nick Downs (1997-2000) 144. Michael Landers (2006-10) 125. Nate List (1994-97) 11
Tackles (Career)Name # Solo1. James Noel (2002-05) 437 1792. Alex DiMichele (2006-10) 330 1403. Nate List (1994-97) 309 1304. Reggie Chambers (1998-2001) 299 1515. Michael Landers (2006-10) 277 1336. John O’Connell (1995-98) 272 1357. Brian Dunn (1994-97) 267 1498. Chad Wengert (2004-07) 260 969. Jonathan LeDonne (2001-04) 256 11810. Ray Thomas (1996-2000) 240 128
Note: Players bold in school records active for 2015 season
Robert Morris 2015 Football
Robert Morris Combined Team Statistics (as of Sep 09, 2015)
All games
Date Opponent Score Att.
09/05/15 DAYTON L 24-27 1329
Rushing gp att gain loss net avg td lg avg/g
OWENS, Rameses 1 25 75 3 72 2.9 0 15 72.0
BUSS, Kyle 1 5 17 3 14 2.8 0 7 14.0
BLAKE, Cole 1 1 3 0 3 3.0 0 3 3.0
BARR, Mathew 1 13 29 27 2 0.2 1 14 2.0
UHATAFE, Joseph 1 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0
Total 1 45 124 33 91 2.0 1 15 91.0
Opponents 1 50 166 50 116 2.3 1 18 116.0
Passing gp effic comp-att-int pct yds td lg avg/g
BARR, Mathew 1 77.66 14-34-2 41.2 156 1 32 156.0
TEAM 1 0.00 0-1-0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0
Total 1 75.44 14-35-2 40.0 156 1 32 156.0
Opponents 1 112.67 14-25-2 56.0 177 1 30 177.0
Receiving gp no. yds avg td lg avg/g
BUSS, Kyle 1 4 74 18.5 0 32 74.0
WALKER, Zach 1 2 23 11.5 0 18 23.0
OWENS, Rameses 1 2 14 7.0 0 10 14.0
LAMICA, Nic 1 2 7 3.5 1 6 7.0
BLACKMON,Jordan 1 1 15 15.0 0 15 15.0
CENTOFANTI,Luke 1 1 11 11.0 0 11 11.0
BLAKE, Cole 1 1 7 7.0 0 7 7.0
WILLIAMS, Jamison 1 1 5 5.0 0 5 5.0
Total 1 14 156 11.1 1 32 156.0
Opponents 1 14 177 12.6 1 30 177.0
Field Goals fg pct. 01-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-99 lg blk
