Despite Rameses Owens 199 rushing yards, the Robert Morris Colonials (0-2) were unable to take advantage of multiple opportunities and were hurt by three turnovers, and three separate blocked kicks in a heartbreaking road loss at the University of North Dakota (1-1) by the final score of 16-13.
The Colonials opened the scoring in Grand Forks with an impressive 14-play, 82-yard drive that was capped off by a 6-yard touchdown pass to Duane Mitchell from Luke Brumbaugh. However, in what would be a theme throughout the contest, UND was able to block the extra point attempt by the Colonials kicker Hunter Khaleghi, making the score 6-0.
Although the Colonials would have success running the ball with Owens, they were unable to score for the remainder of the half. Meanwhile UND kicker Reid Taubenheim was able to hit three field goals in the second quarter, staking UND to a 9-6 halftime lead.
In the second half, RMU came out with another inspired 14-play drive that led to an Owens 2-yard TD run, and a tenuous 13-9 lead. Unfortunately the Colonials could not hold that lead, as UND quarterback Joe Mollberg, who only completed eight passes the entire game, was able to find receiver RJ McGill for a 32-yard touchdown pass, giving UND a 16-13 lead midway through the third quarter.
This would be the last of the scoring on the day, as the Colonials would waste numerous opportunities to tie or take the lead, including UND’s Spencer Cummings blocking his second Khaleghi FG attempt of the game, this one with just over five minutes to play in the contest that would have tied things up.
Brumbaugh and company had one last chance to get the win late in the fourth quarter, but another Colonial miscue, this time a bad snap that deflected off of Brumbaugh’s leg with a minute left in the contest on fourth down, would end the hopes of a comeback.
The win was the first for new UND coach Bubba Schweigert, and the 28th consecutive home opening win for the program, dating back to 1985.
The Colonials will look to get their first win of the season, as they travel to Lafayette this Saturday for a 6 pm kickoff.
Photo Credit: Robert Morris
