NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – The Robert Morris football team fell to Central Connecticut State, 49-14, in Northeast Conference action Saturday afternoon at Arute Field.
With the setback, the Colonials move to 4-5 overall and 2-2 in conference play, while the Blue Devils improve to 5-3 overall and remain unbeaten in the NEC at 4-0.
HOW IT HAPPENED
Central Connecticut State jumped out to an early advantage, scoring three times in the opening quarter to take a 21-0 lead.
Brett Griffis opened the scoring with a one-yard touchdown run before connecting with Davon Smith Jr. for a three-yard touchdown pass. The Blue Devils' defense added to the lead shortly after when Christopher Jean returned an interception 27 yards for a touchdown.
CCSU continued to build its advantage in the second quarter. Smith Jr. found the end zone on a one-yard run before John Manning added a two-yard rushing touchdown to extend the Blue Devils' lead to 35-0.
The Colonials answered with their first scoring drive of the afternoon, putting together a 10-play, 80-yard possession. Carson Haggard capped the drive by connecting with Noah Schaerli for a 10-yard touchdown with 4:34 remaining in the first half.
Central Connecticut State responded before the break, as Griffis scored on an eight-yard run with 34 seconds remaining to send CCSU into halftime with a 42-7 advantage.
The Blue Devils added their final score late in the third quarter when Smith Jr. found the end zone on a two-yard run.
RMU struck again midway through the fourth quarter. Cooper Panteck connected with Schaerli for a 68-yard touchdown to complete a four-play, 87-yard drive. The score marked Schaerli's second touchdown reception of the afternoon and RMU's longest play of the game.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
RMU finished with 319 yards of total offense, including 328 yards through the air, while the Colonials were held to -9 yards rushing.
Haggard completed 20-of-33 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown, while Panteck finished 5-of-9 for 101 yards and a score.
Schaerli led the RMU receiving corps with 88 yards and two touchdowns on four receptions, highlighted by his 68-yard score in the fourth quarter.
Galen Combs hauled in a team-high eight receptions for 74 yards, while Eyasu Palmore added three catches for 41 yards. Keino Fitzpatrick II recorded 38 receiving yards and Tyler Evans finished with 36.
Defensively, Noel Roach and Jake Lopinto paced the Colonials with seven tackles apiece. Amanuel Dickson, Tahseen Howard and John Gayer each recorded six stops, while Gayer also registered two quarterback hurries.
Central Connecticut State finished with 469 yards of total offense, including 341 yards on the ground. Griffis led the Blue Devils' rushing attack with 117 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries, while Smith Jr. added 96 yards and two rushing scores.
UP NEXT
The Colonials remain on the road for another Northeast Conference matchup, traveling to Pittsburgh to take on Duquesne on Saturday, Nov. 7. Kickoff is scheduled for noon.
