Moon Township, Pa. – The
Robert Morris University football team closed out a two-game homestand at Joe Walton Stadium Saturday with a 34-31 loss to Dayton as part of the University's Homecoming festivities. The Colonials slipped to 0-3 on the 2019 campaign with the setback.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Redshirt senior
Mason Gray forced a fumble by Sean Prophit of the Flyers with 5:16 to play. Defensive back
Tavin Harville pounced on the loose ball for RMU, giving the Colonials possession at the UD 35-yard line. Robert Morris couldn't capitalize, as sophomore quarterback
George Martin was intercepted by Tim Simon on 4th-and-23 at the UD 15-yard line.
QUOTABLE
"We just have to work harder," Martin said. "There are a few simple things that could've put us up and won the game for us. You have to give Dayton credit. That's a good team. We'll go back to practice and keep making adjustments until we get the result we want."
SOLID STARTS
Both Robert Morris and Dayton opened the game with drives that resulted in touchdowns. The Colonials took the opening kickoff and marched 85 yards on 13 plays, with Martin scoring from three yards out to give RMU an early 7-0 lead. Martin finished 5-for-6 passing for 45 yards on the first drive of the contest and also rushed three times for 24 yards. The Flyers answered the opening score by Robert Morris with one of their own, marching 75 yards on nine plays, with Ryan Skibinski scoring from two yards out to tie it, 7-7.
SPRINGBOARD
Sophomore running back
Alijah Jackson eclipsed the 100-yard barrier for the first time in 2019 and fourth time in his career. He finished with 24 carries for 136 yards against the Flyers, including a 20-yard touchdown run with a minute to go in the third quarter that pulled Robert Morris to within 27-24. Martin also had his most complete afternoon of his young career in the pocket, finishing 25-for-42 passing for 282 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed eight times for 30 yards.
SEVEN STRAIGHT
Senior tight end
Matthew Gonzalez, who missed RMU's home opener against Kentucky State due to injury, helped the Colonials tie the game, 17-17, by catching a two-yard scoring strike from Martin with 4:13 to go before halftime. It marked the seventh consecutive home game that Gonzalez has played and caught a touchdown dating back to the 2017 season. During that span, Gonzalez has hauled in 10 touchdowns.
SPRINGBOARD PART DEUX
Gonzalez eclipsed the 100-yard plateau for the third time on his career with eight receptions for a career-high 124 yards and a touchdown. It marks the first time that both Jackson and Gonzalez eclipsed 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving, respectively, in the same game.
IN CHARGE
Associate head coach
Rod Holder served as head coach for the Colonials Saturday, as head coach
Bernard Clark, Jr., missed the game due to the passing of his father, Bernard Clark, Sr. It marks the second time an assistant took the reign for a game in program history. In 2007, former associate head coach Dan Radakovich led RMU to a 20-17 victory @ Monmouth (9/8/07) when head coach Joe Walton missed the game due to the passing of his wife, Ginger.
QUOTABLE
"Guys played hard," Holder said. "Proud of their effort, no question. Dayton's a good team. You can't leave opportunities out there and beat a team like that. There's a lot to learn, but I'm extremely proud of the effort."
UP NEXT
RMU will take to the road for its next four games. The Colonials visit VMI Saturday, Sept. 21, for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff and will close out their non-conference schedule Saturday, Sept. 28, at Youngstown State. Robert Morris follows with a bye week after taking on the Penguins and will open Northeast Conference play Saturday, Oct. 12, at Saint Francis.
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