New Britain, Conn. – The
Robert Morris University football team stayed step for step with Central Connecticut State during the first half, but the Blue Devils pulled away late to post a 34-0 victory in Northeast Conference (NEC) action on a crisp Saturday afternoon at Arute Field.
Redshirt freshman
Kyle Buss had a record-breaking effort in the setback as he caught eight passes for a season-best 160 yards. The 160 receiving yards represents a new RMU freshman record while his eight grabs ties the best single-game mark by a rookie in program history entering 2015. With his performance Saturday, Buss tied the single-season freshman reception record at RMU, as he now has 34 grabs on the campaign.
After shutting out first-place Central Connecticut in the first half, the RMU defense did yield three scores in the second half, but only one of the scoring drives was longer than 40 yards. It is the fifth time in eight games this season that the Colonials have shut out an opponent for an entire half.
Redshirt senior linebacker
Jake Tkach led all players with 14 tackles while also posting a tackle for loss. It was the third double-figure tackle effort for Tkach in the last four games and the fifth of his career.
Junior weak safety
Andy Smigiera contributed an interception, a pass breakup and six tackles on the afternoon. The pick was his second of the season, and fifth of his career, as it was only the fourth interception of the season thrown by the Blue Devil starting quarterback.
RMU received the opening kickoff, picked up two first downs and pushed into Blue Devil territory to start the game. However, a pass intended for Buss was controversially ruled an interception when the defender and receiver appeared to each have some level of possession.
CCSU drove into the red zone after the takeaway, but junior defensive end
Ryan Lewis stopped a third down rush short of the sticks to force a field goal attempt that was missed.
After a punt, Central Connecticut reached the red zone with a 31-yard drive, but the Colonials again kept the hosts off the scoreboard by forcing a second failed field goal try.
RMU then moved the ball 70 yards on 11 plays, spanning the quarter break, but an interception on third-and-goal ended the chance.
The teams combined for just one yard on the game's next four drives with three ending in punts and one concluding with a fumble.
Central Connecticut then drove into the red zone with time ticking down in the first half, but RMU refused to give in. It stopped CCSU in a goal-to-go situation, twice stuffing rushes inside the 5-yard line. The game reached halftime before the Blue Devils could get a fourth down play off.
Each team went three-and-out to begin the second half, but Robert Morris, who had its starting punter injured last week, had its punt blocked. The Blue Devils picked up the loose pigskin and returned it to the end zone for the game's first score.
Robert Morris picked up a first down before punting on its next drive. Smigiera then intercepted the Blue Devils at his own 1-yard line on a deep pass down the middle of the field.
The Colonials were unable to move the ball away from their own end zone, creating a tough punting situation. As a result, the Blue Devils started their next drive at the RMU 31-yard line.
The hosts took advantage with a seven-play scoring drive that was finished with a quarterback keeper.
RMU drove 47 yards on its next possession, moving well into Blue Devil territory, but the hosts snagged an interception at their own 5-yard line.
Robert Morris looked to have stopped CCSU near midfield on the ensuing drive, but a personal foul was called on fourth down. That penalty moved the Blue Devils into Colonial territory, and the hosts took advantage of their second chance by capping the drive with an 11-yard rush.
Central Connecticut would tack on two more scores in the last eight minutes to set the final margin.
Sophomore cornerback
Drew Allen and redshirt junior cornerback
Marcelis Branch each notched nine tackles in defeat while Lewis added seven.
Junior
Zach Cooper contributed six tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, while making his first career start Saturday.
Buss' 160 yards is the sixth-highest receiving total by any Colonial in a contest and the best such figure in eight years.
Robert Morris had more completions, passing yards and gained more yards per passing attempt than did CCSU.
Sophomores
Ben Line and
Craig Thompson each posted his first collegiate reception Saturday.
RMU falls to 16-6 all-time against the Blue Devils with the setback.
With four league games completed, RMU will play its non-conference finale next Saturday, Nov. 7, as it welcomes East Tennessee State to Joe Walton Stadium.
