The Robert Morris Colonials looked to open the John Banaszak era on the right foot Thursday night at Joe Walton Stadium.
Unfortunately, the Eastern Kentucky Colonels had different ideas as the Colonels dominated the game and handed the Colonials a lopsided 29-10 loss.
In spite of committing five turnovers, the visiting Colonels dominated the game, paced by a running attack that amassed an astounding 407 yards rushing, including 143 from Dy’Shawn Mobley. Jared McClain and JJ Jude added 90 and 88 rushing yards respectively. The Colonels offensive attack controlled the pace of the game, and nearly ran 100 total plays, falling just short with 97.
For the Colonials, WR Sean Gavin lead the team with eight catches for 102 yards, and quarterback Luke Brumbaugh went 28 for 52 for 222 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Sophomore linebacker Nic Lamica had an outstanding individual performance, ending the game with 14 total tackles, an interception and two passes broken up.
EKU opened up the scoring with a 42 yard pass from Bennie Coney to Channing Fugate to make it 7-0 Colonels. They would continue the scoring on two of their next three possessions, adding an 18 yard rushing TD by Jared McClain, and then a 34 yard field goal by Andrew Lloyd.
The only scoring in the first half for the Colonials was a 39 yard field goal by Hunter Khaleghi, leaving the home team with 17-3 halftime deficit.
It was more of the same in the second half, as the Colonials defense forced three second half turnovers, but struggled on offense to take advantage of the EKU miscues. After two more Lloyd field goals extended the lead to 23-3, the Colonials finally scored the first TD of the Banaszak regime with a 17 yard Rameses Owens touchdown run.
EKU finished the scoring late in the fourth quarter, as Barton Mann finished off a 69 yard drive with a three yard touchdown run. The Colonels attempted and failed on a two point conversion, making the final score once again, 29-10.
The Colonials will head west to play the University of North Dakota next Saturday. This will be the first of three consecutive road contests, until the Colonials return home to play Monmouth on October 4th.
Photo Credit: EKU Athletics
