Moon Township, Pa. – The RMU football team opened its 2021 fall season Saturday with a 45-0 loss to Central Michigan in Mount Pleasant, Mich., at Kelly/Shorts Stadium. It marked just the second time in program history the Colonials faced a member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC).
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Quarterback Jacob Sirman tossed two touchdown passes in the second quarter and three overall in the contest as Central Michigan (1-1) finished with 515 yards of total offense. Sirman connected with Hunter Buczkowski for his first touchdown pass of the game, a three-yard strike that gave the Chippewas a 14-0 edge with 8:06 left before halftime. At the 4:49 mark of the same quarter, Sirmon hit JaCorey Sullivan for a 24-yard scoring strike to cap a five-play, 42-yard drive. Sirmon finished the afternoon 12-for-16 passing for 110 yards. His top target was Dallas Dixon, who caught five balls for 73 yards and two touchdowns.
IN THE MIDDLE
Redshirt sophomore linebacker Jamar Shegog, who finished second in takedowns for the Colonials during the spring season, paced the defense against Central Michigan by recording his second consecutive double-digit effort. He established a career-high with 18 tackles, including seven solo takedowns. Shegog also notched his first career sack, taking down Shirmon in the first half for a four-yard loss.
FRESH FACES
Freshman William Barber was one of 10 Colonials to earn their first start Saturday at Central Michigan, and the product of West Chester, Ohio, finished with 10 tackles out of the secondary including five solo takedowns. On offense, sophomore Quamir Jenkins got the nod at running back, compiling 31 yards on 13 carries.
THE FIRST GO ROUND
Barber was one of a trio of true freshmen to receive their first collegiate start in their first collegiate game Saturday against the Chippewas. Rookie Ryan Iiams garnered the start on the offensive line at right guard, while joining him on offense was wide receiver Jaylon Brown. Brown posted a 24-yard rush on a jet sweep in the third quarter and finished with 37 yards on the ground.
UP NEXT
A bye next week, the Colonials open the home portion of their 2021 schedule Saturday, Sept. 25, with a Noon kickoff against Howard at Joe Walton Stadium. It marks the first home game for RMU since 2019, and tickets are available by calling the RMU Ticket Office at (412) 397-4949.
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