Football | 9/18/2017 2:37:00 PM
Moon Township, Pa. – The
Robert Morris University football team's 23-0 shutout victory over Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Saturday has helped a pair of Colonials earn weekly honors from the Northeast Conference. Senior linebacker
Gerald Ferguson was named the NEC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season while junior wide receiver
Warren Robinson was named the NEC Special Teams Player of the Week.
Ferguson was a driving force behind Robert Morris' first shutout since 2010. The versatile veteran made five solo stops, including 3.0 TFL, in the 23-0 triumph over Virginia Military Institute at Joe Walton Stadium. He also had a hand in two key takeaways. Ferguson's first noteworthy moment came midway through the first quarter when he pounced on a fumble at the VMI 48-yard line, setting the scene for a RMU touchdown drive. With the visitors looking to cut into a 14-0 deficit and facing a 3rd-and-1 near midfield, Ferguson laid a hit on the ball carrier and forced a fumble that gave the Colonials possession of the ball at VMI 48 two plays into the second quarter. On VMI's second possession of the second quarter, Ferguson dropped the quarterback for a five-yard loss on a second down play in RMU territory. He derailed a third-quarter possession with a solo sack on first down.
Robinson's contributions to Robert Morris' 23-0 victory over VMI extend beyond his five pass receptions. The third-year Colonial, who scored punt return touchdowns in each of his first two seasons, used his runback ability to put the offense in favorable starting position on three occasions. Robinson averaged 24.3 yards per punt return, gaining no fewer than 13 yards on any of his three attempts. The Colonials earned scoring opportunities (2 FGA, 1 TD) on all three possessions following a Robinson return. He returned the game's first punt 22 yards, giving RMU a drive start at midfield. In the second quarter, his 13-yard runback gave the Colonials a 1st-and-10 at their own 39. With VMI punting following a three-and-out on the opening possession of the second half, Robinson produced his longest return of the day – 38 yards – to give RMU a short field en-route to a touchdown.
The Colonials travel to Fargo, N.D., to take on #2 North Dakota State this Saturday, Sept. 23. Kickoff is slated for 3:30 p.m. Eastern at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome.
