Central Connecticut State (1-5 / 1-2) @ Robert Morris (1-5 / 0-3) Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012 at Noon Joe Walton Stadium (3,000) - Moon Township, Pa. Radio: WPIT-AM 730 (Chris Shovlin - play-by-play & Brian Cleary - color) Live Video on the internet at: www.rmucolonials.com
Top Story - The Robert Morris University football team returns home for the first time in three weeks this Saturday, Oct. 20, at Noon as the Colonials host Central Connecticut State at Joe Walton Stadium. RMU is coming off of the short end of a 38-35 decision at Bryant last week, the Colonials’ first loss in their past 18 games in which they’ve scored at least 30 points. Nolan Nearhoof provided a bright spot for RMU last weekend as he posted three sacks, which was more than enough to move him into the career lead at Robert Morris in that category. This is Central Connecticut’s first visit to Moon Township since the squads met in 2010 with the NEC title essentially hanging in the balance as RMU claimed a 42-24 victory in that matchup. RMU has rushed for at least 170 yards in each of its past three games. RMU will welcome five individuals into its Athletics Hall of Fame at halftime, including former strong safety Ray Thomas (1997-2000), who tallied 240 career tackles, and longtime radio announcer Chris Shovlin. After facing the Blue Devils, Robert Morris will head right back on the road to take on Wagner Oct. 27. Quick Stat of the Afternoon - Robert Morris senior defensive lineman Nolan Nearhoof had a memorable day this past Saturday at Bryant as he broke RMU’s all-time program record for career sacks. Nearhoof tied his single-game career high with three sacks and, in the process, became the first Colonial ever to surpass 20 sacks as he finished his day with 21.5. Ray Gensler (2003-06) previously held the record with 19. Nearhoof claimed his second-consecutive All-NEC First Team honor in 2011 despite missing the final two games due to injury. In doing so, Nearhoof became just the third player in the league, on offense or defense, to earn an all-conference first team award in both 2010 and 2011. In addition to topping the program in sacks, Nearhoof currently ranks as RMU's active leader in tackles (175) and tackles for loss (27.5). Nearhoof is currently tied for the NEC lead in sacks per game and is tied for 12th nationally. Saturday’s Opponent - Central Connecticut State is one of just three opponents Robert Morris faced in each of the first 18 years the Colonials fielded an intercollegiate program, joining fellow NEC foes Saint Francis and Wagner. All-time the Colonials are 13-5 (.722) against the Blue Devils, and the home team has won each of the past seven games in the series. The last time these two programs met at Joe Walton Stadium (11/6/10) RMU posted a 42-24 victory to clinch its sixth NEC championship. For more information on the all-time series against Central Connecticut State, including the last game recap, please see page four of today’s game notes. On This Date (Oct. 20) in Robert Morris Football History - Robert Morris met CCSU 11 years ago to the day and came away with a 38-18 victory. Although the final score appears one-sided, the game was in doubt for much of the way as the Colonials trailed, 18-12, in the final minute of the third quarter before erupting for 26 points in the game’s final 16 minutes while simultaneously holding CCSU scoreless. The Colonials’ offense was on fire as it racked up 476 yards of total offense, the fourth-highest road total in RMU history, a figure which was almost equally balanced between rushing (235) and passing (241). Sam Dorsett (1999-2003) tallied 208 rushing yards, the second-highest road sum in Colonial history, on 27 attempts, averaging 7.7 yards per carry. Tim Levcik (1998-2001) was 17-of-29 for 241 yards and tossed three touchdown passes while Stephen McNair (2001-02) caught five passes for 106 yards, including a touchdown. Corey Oaks (2001-02) notched an interception and recovered his own forced fumble to aid the win.
2012 Schedule Sept. 1 Sept. 8 Sept. 15 Sept. 29 Oct. 6 Oct. 13 Oct. 20 Oct. 27 Nov. 3 Nov. 10 Nov. 17
@ #2 North Dakota State L, 0-52 ALBANY * L, 10-35 @ Dayton L, 14-20 LAFAYETTE # W, 31-28 @ Saint Francis * L, 3-10 @ Bryant * L, 35-38 CENTRAL CONN. STATE * ^ Noon @ Wagner * 1 p.m. DUQUESNE * 3:30 p.m. @ Sacred Heart * Noon MONMOUTH * $ Noon
* NEC game; # Homecoming; ^ Hall of Fame Day; $ Senior Day
Colonials At A Glance Starters Returning / Lost ............................ 17 / 7 Offensive Starters Returning / Lost ............ 7 / 4 Defensive Starters Returning / Lost ............ 8 / 3 Specialist Starters Returning / Lost ............ 2 / 0 Letterwinners Returning / Lost .............. 39 / 14 Offensive Starters Returning / Lost .......... 7 / 4 LT - A.J. Dalton .................................. 6-4, 300, Jr. LG - Vince Mongelluzzo .................. 6-3, 265, Jr. RT - Nate Hargraves ........................ 6-4, 275, Sr. QB - Jeff Sinclair ............................ 6-3, 210, Sr. FB - Nick Groat ............................ 5-11, 220, Sr. HB - Deontae Howard ...................... 5-8, 185, Jr. SE - Donte Jeter .............................. 6-1, 160, Jr. Defensive Starters Returning / Lost ........... 8 / 3 LE - Nolan Nearhoof ......................... 6-2, 250, Sr. NG - Farren Mason ....................... 5-11, 285, R-Sr. RE - Steve Mitchell ............................ 6-1, 265, Sr. OLB - Brad Banas ............................... 6-2, 235, Sr. ILB - Kyle Cooper ............................... 6-0, 230, Sr. OLB - Andrew Douglass .................... 6-1, 230, Sr. SS - D.J. Myers ............................... 5-11, 185, Jr. WS - Cameron Chadwick .................. 6-1, 205, Sr. Specialist Starters Returning / Lost ........... 2 / 0 PK - Greg Langer ............................ 5-7, 165, Sr. P - Tony LaMancusa ................... 5-10, 190, So.