Capsule
The Robert Morris University football team goes back on the road by traveling to Duquesne University for a 7:00 p.m. game at Arthur J. Rooney Field this Saturday, Oct. 15. The Colonials lost their NEC opener to Saint Francis at home last Saturday, 24-10. The Dukes were off last weekend following a 54-35 win at Jacksonville that improved the team's record to 3-2.
 
vs. Duquesne
> The Colonials trails the all-time series, 7-10
> RMU is 2-7 at Rooney Field
> Duquesne has won the last three meetings
> Robert Morris last won on The Bluff in 1996, a 28-26 victory in the ECAC Bowl
 
About the Dukes
> Duquesne enters Saturday's game with a 3-2 record
> They have wins against Bucknell (30-19), Dayton (34-20) and Jacksonville (54-35)
> Dukes losses came vs. YSU and Kennesaw State
> Offensively, average 439.8 yards - 150.6 on the ground and 289.2 in the air
> Defensively, allow 363.2 yards - 166.2 rushing and 197.0 passing
> QB Dillon Buechel is 105-188 for 1446 yards and 11 TDs. He has six INTs
> RB A.J. Hines is the leading rusher at 101.4 yards per game, second in the NEC
> WR Wayne Capers is the leading receiver at 105.2 yards/game and has six TDs
> Kicker Austin Crimmins is 9-11 on FGs
> LB Carter Henderson is leading tackler with 43
> LB Christian Kuntz has 13.0 TFL and 5.5 sacks
 
Musket Shots
> Dante Satcher is the NEC Special Teams Player of the Week after setting team records with a 100-yd kickoff return and 173 KO return yards
> RB Dante Satcher leads the nation in kickoff return average (43.1) and kickoff return TDs (2)
> Satcher's 126.6 all-purpose ypg (45.0 rush, 4.0 rec., 77.6 kick) put him 35th in nation
> WR Warren Robinson is second in the nation in punt return TDs (1) and 21st in punt returns (11.3)
> LB Gee Stanley is seventh nationally with 1.08 sacks/game (6.5 total)
> The Colonials 33.47 yard kickoff return average leads the nation
> RMU is 10th in the nation in red zone defense at 66.7% (allowed 16 scores on 24 trips)
> Defense is 18th nationally with 2.7 sacks/game
> RMU is 29th nationally in punt return def. (4.64)
> Colonials defense is 29th allowing 345.5 ypg
> Satcher and Robinson are the only players in team history with multiple kick return TDs
> DB Andy Smigiera was named a semifinalist for the 2016 NFF William V. Campbell Trophy
> WR Warren Robinson set a school record with 123 punt return yards vs. Malone
> He had an 81-yard punt return for a TD, the second longest in team history
> WR Tim Vecchio had eight receptions, third most in team history, vs. Malone
> RB Sam Woods' 52-yard TD pass to WR Eldin Anu vs. Youngstown State was first passing TD by a non-quarterback in team history
> On offense in week one, nine players, including six freshman, made their first career start
> RMU was picked sixth in the 2016 NEC Football Coaches Preseason Poll
> Seniors Marcelis Branch (DB) and Andy Smigiera (DB) were Preseason All-NEC picks on defense


 
TEAM NOTES
 
Standing in the Hall of Fame
> Three more football players join the RMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2016
   > DB Jason Hempstead (1999-03)
   > WR Tyjuan Massey (2002-05)
   > RB Myles Russ (2007-10)
> The trio brings the total number of football members in the Hall of Fame to 17
> For more information, see the inset on page five
 
Campbell Trophy Semifinalist
> Senior DB Andy Smigiera was named a semifinalist for the National Football Foundation William V. Campbell Trophy
> The award is given to the best football player in the country for academic success, football performance and community service
> He is a Preseason All-NEC Selection
> Smigiera was a CoSIDA Academica All-District pick last season
 
Weather Delay, Part Deux
> Lightning in the Youngstown area forced RMU into a weather delay for the second consecutive game
> The YSU delay lasted 1:06 in the first quarter, from 4:39 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
> The RMU-Dayton tilt was called with 9:37 left in the fourth quarter due to inclement weather
> It was the first time in team history RMU did not play a full 60-minute game
> Play was initially stopped at 3:17 p.m. for lightning
> Delay lasted until 5:06 p.m. when the remainder of the game was called by officials
 
Academic Accolades
> Senior Andy Smigiera and 2016 graduate Nick Faraci were both named to the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) Academica All-District II honorees in 2015
> Faraci was also named to the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team
> It was the sixth time in the last six seasons a Colonial earned Academic All-America honors
 
First Time For Everything
> WR Warren Robinson is the first player in team history with two punt return TDs
> RB Dante Satcher is the first player in team history with two kickoff return TDs
> RB Sam Woods 52-yard TD pass to WR Eldin Anu vs. Youngstown State was the first passing TD by a non-quarterback in team history
> RMU has two first time opponents on its schedule this season - Alderson-Broaddus and Malone
> The Colonials are 24-16-1 when playing an opponent for the first time
> RMU also had a game called - against Dayton - before the full 60 minutes was played for the first time in history
 
NFL Experience for Miller
> Offensive coordinator Mike Miller has spent 12 seasons in the National Football League
> Most recently, he was the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals in 2011 and 2012
> He spent six seasons with the Cardinals
> Miller was also an assistant with the Buffalo Bills (2004-05) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (1999-2003)
> He has also spent time in the press box as a public relations assistant with the Steelers, Indianapolis Colts and the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League
> During his tenure as receivers coach with Arizona, he mentored Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and Steve Breaston
 
Brother Act
> Tyler Lamica joins brother Nic Lamica on the RMU roster in 2016
> The elder Lamica, Nic, is a redshirt-junior who started seven games at tight end last season
> The younger Lamica, Tyler, is a freshman linebacker currently seated in the two deep at outside linebacker
> Nic returns to LB at RMU after spending last season at tight end
> Nic went to Forest Hills Central and Tyler went to Grand Rapids Christian
 
Score 30 or More
> Since the inception of RMU football in 1994, RMU is 72-5 (.935) when scoring 30 or more points
> The Colonials are 29-0 when tallying 40 or more points
 
The Founding Father
> RMU had only one coach in its first 20 seasons of existence, Joe Walton
> Walton was a former NFL tight end and head coach (see sidebar, right)
> He was a four-time NEC Coach of the Year
> Under his guidance, RMU won two NCAA I-AA mid-major national titles
> Walton was inducted into the RMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013
 
DEFENSIVE NOTES
 
National Rankings - Team
> RMU ranks in the top-30 in these categories:
   > 10th in red zone defense (16-24, 66.7%)
   > 18th in sacks (2.67/game; 16 total)
   > 24th in third down defense (32.7%)
   > 29th in total defense (345.5)
 
National Rankings - Individual
> Colonials rank in the top 50 in these categories:
   > LB Gee Stanley is seventh at 1.08 sacks per game
   > LB Adam Wollett is 40th in fumbles recovered
   > Stanley is 42nd in forced fumbles (0.33)
   > Stanley is 46th in tackles for loss (1.3)
 
Dread Naught
> Freshman LB Gee Stanley has 6.5 sacks
> The RMU freshman record for sacks is 7.5 by Matt Grayson (1998)
> He is seventh in the nation in sacks (1.08/game)
> His 8.0 TFL rank 46th nationally
> He had a game-high nine tackles in his RMU debut vs. Alderson Broaddus
> Stanley is fifth on the team with 33 tackles
> He is tied for second with 19 solo stops
 
Pride of Poland ... Ohio
> Sophomore LB Adam Wollet leads RMU with 50 tackles
> He also tops the team with 23 solo stops
> He made a career-high 12 tackles at Dayton
> He is tied for second on the team with three pass break ups
> Also has one fumble recovery
 
Hurricane Watch
> Hurricane, W.Va., native Zach Cooper is tied for second on the team with 39 tackles
> He has 2.5 sacks this season
> His four tackles for loss rank second on the team
> Cooper has two hurries and a pass break up
> He has started 11 consecutive games at OLB
 
Branching Out
> DB Marcelis Branch is fourth on the team with 34 tackles
> He had a career-high 10 tackles against Saint Francis
> He has started 18 consecutive games and is the active RMU leader with 37 career starts
> He also has an interception, returning it 15 yards
> Is second on the team with three pass break ups
> He had 35 solo and 28 assisted stops in 2015
> A Preseason All-NEC pick, he had one interception, three PBU's and four passes defensed last season
 
Get it Back
> RMU has forced a total of seven turnovers, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries
> Robert Morris forced four turnovers in week one vs. Alderson Broaddus
> Three came from interceptions by Marcelis Branch, Travon Stott and Roger Richardson
> Adam Wollet and Eldin Anu each have one fumble recovery
 
Boom Sack-a-Lacka
> RMU ranks 18th nationally with 2.67 sacks per game
> Colonials collected four sacks against Alderson Broaddus and Malone
> The Colonials have two or more sacks in five of six games
> Freshman LB Gee Stanley has accounted for 6.5 of those sacks
> Eight different players have recorded at least a half sack
> LB Zach Cooper has 2.5 sacks, DE Ryan Lewis and DT Derian Smith have two each
> RMU tied the team record with 34 sacks last season (34, 2006)
> Players who contributed for 24.5 of those sacks return to the roster this season
 
Swiss Steve
> In five starts this season, DT Steven Fiadewornu has 15 tackles
> In season opener vs. Alderson Broaddus, he made nine tackles
> He had five career tackles coming into the season
> Added 0.5 tackle for loss and forced a fumble
> Hometown is Zurich, Switzerland
 
Safety Smigiera
> WS Andy Smigiera returned to the lineup against Liberty making 5 tackles
> On the game's first play, he had a pass break up
> He is a Preseason All-NEC selection
> Smigiera had a total of 19 passes defensed last season (8 PBU)
> He tied with Ryan Richards, Jr., for the team lead with three interceptions
> He finished with 62 tackles, 30 solo
 
25-7
> The defense ranked in the FCS top-25 in seven different statistical categories - and the top 15 in five categories in 2015
   > 7th - Sacks by (3.09/G)
   > 11th - Third down conversion pct. (.309)
   > 14th - Fourth down conversion pct. (.333)
   > 14th - Pass yards allowed (172.0/G)
   > 14th - Tackles for loss (7.7/G)
   > 18th - Passing efficiency defense (108.13/G)
   > 21st - Total defense (321.4/G)
> RMU has ranked in top 25 in total in defense in four of last five seasons
> 2015 tied the team record with 34 sacks
 
Sensational Secondary
> Colonials led the NEC in fewest yards allowed per attempt at 5.8 in 2015
> RMU had fewest passing yards allowed in league games last season (138.5)
> RMU had the second most pass break-ups in team history last season with 46
 
Seasoned Secondary
> The entire starting second from 2015 returns intact in 2016
> Redshirt senior Marcelis Branch, a two-time All-NEC player, was named to the preseason all-conference team
> Senior Andy Smigiera was also named to the Preseason All-NEC squad
> Junior Drew Allen started every game at corner back as a sophomore
> Ryan Richards, Jr., played all 11 games at strong safety

OFFENSIVE NOTES
 
Quarterback Carousel
> The Colonials have used five different quarterbacks this season
> Andrew Romanchak, Luke Brumbaugh and Chase Bodeman have all made starts at QB
> Mathew Barr and Joe Carroll have also taken snaps under center
> All but Carroll have missed time due to injury
 
Tim Time
> Freshman WR Tim Vecchio has caught 19 passes in the last three games
> He has caught at least five passes in those games
> He hauled in eight passes for 64 yards against Malone
> Its the third most catches in team history and ranks 11th in the record book (10 - two players; 9 - eight players)
> He leads the team with 22 receptions for 184 yards
 
Romanchak Under Center
> R-Freshman Andrew Romanchak made his quarterbacking debut in week one and his first start at Dayton
> He went 8-of-9 for 68 yards against Malone
> This season, he is 56-119 for 424 yards
> He finished 13-32 for 121 yards and one interception in week one
> Romanchak has tossed eight interceptions
 
Going to the Wells
> Sophomore Malik Wells made his first career start at Liberty
> Wells had 17 carries for 73 yards vs. Flames
> He is averaging 67.0 yards the last two games
> He had just two carries coming into the game
> Wells has a six-yard rushing TD
 
Un-Dante-d
> Sophomore RB Dante Satcher has 63 rushes and seven receptions
> He leads RMU with 225 rushing yards (45.0/gm)
> He set career highs for rushes, 20, and yards, 88, against Malone
> Satcher is averaging 126.6 all-purpose yards
 
Third and Long
> Of the 82 third downs RMU has faced this season, 32 have been third-&-10 yards or more
> RMU is 12-30 (40%) when facing third-and-five yards or shorter
> Colonials are 2-52 (4%) when facing third and five or longer
 
12 Targets
> Twelve different players have caughts passes for RMU this season
> WR Tim Vecchio leads the team with 22 receptions
> WR Warren Robinson added 10 receptions
> RB Dante Satcher and TE Reggie Green have seven receptions each
> Robinson, Blake Skuratowicz and Eldin Anu each had a receiving touchdown
 
Hello Mr. Robinson
> WR Warren Robinson has 10 receptions for 51 yards and one touchdown
> Hauled in a season-best three passes at Dayton
> He had two catches against both Alderson Broaddus and Youngstown State
> Also returns punts for the Colonials
 
Who to Anu?
> RB Sam Woods hit WR Eldin Anu for a 52-yard TD pass against Youngstown State
> It was the first touchdown pass by a non-quarterback in RMU history
> It was also the longest play from scrimmage for the team this season
 
Barr Set
> Sophomore QB Mathew Barr made his 2016 debut against Malone
> He was 5-of-13 for 24 yards and a TD
> In 2015, earned two of the last three NEC Rookie of the Week accolades in 2015
> He went 20-31 for 225 yards and two scores in week nine against East Tennessee State
> In season finale vs. Bryant, Barr completed 13 of 16 for 122 yards
> Barr started nine games last season, going 90-188 for 989 yards

Other Side of the Woods
> Redshirt-Junior Sam Woods has moved to running back after spending two seasons as a defensive back
> Woods is responsible for the only passing TD by a non-quarterback in team history, hitting Eldin Anu for 52 yards at YSU
> Woods had 35 career tackles, 34 of which came in his redshirt freshman campaign of 2014
 
Cole Shortage
> The team's top returning rusher, junior Cole Blake, will miss all of the 2016 season due to injury
> Blake rushed for 722 yards on 170 carries last season
> He averaged 4.2 yards per carry and had two TDs
 
SPECIAL TEAMS NOTES
 
National Rankings - Team
> RMU ranks in the top-30 in these categories:
   > 1st in kickoff return average (33.47)
   > 29th in punt return defense (4.64)
 
National Rankings- Individual
> Colonials rank in the top-50 in these categories
> 1st kickoff return TDs - Dante Satcher (2)
> 1st kickoff return avg - Dante Satcher (43.1)
> 2nd punt return TDs - Warren Robinson (1)
> 21st punt return avg - Warren Robinson (11.3)
 
Check Marks
> Adam Check is averaging 36.5 yards on 48 punts this season
> Check set school records punting 12 times for 455 yards at Youngstown State
> He has planted eight punts inside the 20
> His long is 53 yards
> Had 55 punts in 2015 averaging 36.7 yards
> His career avg. of 36.62 is fourth at RMU
 
Super Satcher
> Sophomore Dante Satcher has the two longest kickoff returns in team history
> He had a 100-yard return for TD against Saint Francis
> Satcher set the school record for return yards in a game with 173 vs. the Red Flash
> He had a 99-yard kickoff return against Alderson-Broaddus
> He is first in the nation averaging 43.1 yards per kick return
> He is averaging 126.6 all-purpose yards per game
> His career kick return average of 29.2 yards is second in team history (35.6, Archie Wannamaker 96-98)
> He is the career leader with three KO returns for TD
> He had a 96-yard return for a score against Sacred Heart (10/10/15) last season
 
Robinson Returns
> Warren Robinson is 21st in the nation averaging 11.3 yards per return
> He is the only player in team history with two punt return TDs
> He had an 81-yard return for a TD vs. Malone
> His 14.72 career punt return avg. is the best in team history
> In 2015, Warren Robinson set the single-season school record for punt return average (18.2 yds.)
> Robinson ranked second nationally in punt return average in 2015
> He has three of the four longest punt returns in team history - 81(T), 66(T) and 58
 
Specialty Scoring
> Special teams has accounted for three of the teams seven touchdowns this season
> Satcher has kickoff returns of 100 and 99 yards
> Warren Robinson has a 81 yard punt return TD
> Satcher is the only player in team history with more than one kickoff return TD
> Robinson is the only player in team history with two punt return TDs
> The RMU special teams accounted for three touchdowns in 2015
> A blocked punt return, punt return and kickoff return accounted for the three specials teams scores
> Three players accounted for returns - Cole Blake (blocked punt), Warren Robinson (punt) and Dante Satcher (kickoff)
 
Shennan-igans
> Kicker Connor Shennan is 1-5 on FG this season
> He made a 42-yard FG against Saint Francis U
> Two kicks from 33 yards were blocked
> He missed a 42-yard attempt
> Eight of his 14 kickoffs have resulted in touchbacks
> Shennan went 5-9 on FGs last season, connecting from 30, 46, 30, 36 and 19 yds.
> His 14 career FGs are fifth in RMU history
> 17 of his 36 kickoffs resuted in touchbacks
> He also punted 28 times with 40.7 average
> Six of 28 punts pinned opponents inside the 20
 
Kick Return Commendations
> The kick coverage unit was second nationally in kickoff return defense - 14.2 yards - in 2015
> In 2015, RMU led the NEC in touchback percentage - 47.2% of Colonials kickoffs
> No other NEC team was above 30%