Robert Morris Scouting Report/Analysis/Prediction

Robert Morris is 1-2 after beating Morehead State (Phil Simms' alma mater for those Giants fans) and losing to Bucknell and Dayton. The Colonials are coached by the legendary Joe Walton, who like Monmouth’s Kevin Callahan, started the Robert Morris football program from scratch 14 years ago. Walton, the former head man of the New York Jets from 1983-89, has compiled an 87-57-1 in his time in Moon Township. Walton’s teams have won five Northeast Conference championships since the inception of the league in 1996. Walton led the Colonials to back-to-back I-AA Mid-Major National Championships in 1999 and 2000, including going 10-0 in 2000. The 1957 Pittsburgh graduate also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington Redskins and New York Giants in his time in the National Football League.

Offense: Robert Morris runs a pro-style offense and is a very balanced team, sporting almost an exact 50-50 run-pass ratio. The Colonials rank seventh in the eight-team Northeast Conference in scoring, averaging 18.3 points per game. Their seven touchdowns are tied for second to last in the conference along with Albany. They average 381.7 yards of total offense per game, good enough for third in the league. RMU ranks second in the NEC in passing, averaging 262.7 yards through the air per game, but ranks sixth in rushing, averaging 119.0 yards per contest on the ground. The Colonials are led offensively by quarterback Erik Cwalinski, who has completed 48.9% of his passes for 713 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions. RMU has a very dangerous duo of wide receivers in Sherrod Evers and James O’Quinn, who have combined for 28 catches for 527 yards and three touchdowns. Their leading rusher is Myles Russ, who has gained 293 yards (6.2 ypc) and a touchdown. RMU’s offense has converted 40% of their third down chances this season, but has only converted 4-of-10 chances in the red zone (two TD’s).

Defense: RMU ranks third in the conference in scoring defense, giving up 20.3 points per game and they have allowed the second fewest touchdowns (eight) in the NEC. The Colonials have been stout against the run, allowing 112.7 ypg and only 2.8 yards per attempt. Robert Morris also ranks third in the league in pass defense, surrendering 182.3 yards through the air per contest. The RMU defense is led by sophomore linebacker Alex DiMichele, who leads the NEC with 40 tackles. Adam Lawrence ranks second on the squad with 26 stops. Junior defensive end Mark Szymanski leads the team, and the NEC, with six tackles for loss and is tied with Lawrence for the team lead with 1.5 sacks. Junior strong safety Michael Landers leads the team with two interceptions and also has 1.5 tackles for loss on the season. The Colonials are limiting the opposition to only 34% third down conversions, but have allowed scores on 67% of their opponents red zone trips, including touchdowns on 67% of those scores.

Special Teams: Garrett Clawson is RMU’s kicker, and so far he has converted 2-of-5 field goals and all seven of his extra points. Chris Kozak is their main return specialist, leading the squad with four punt returns for 37 yards (9.2 avg.) and nine kickoff returns for 182 yards (20.2 avg.). Robert Morris does allow 22.7 yards per kick return and 13.9 yards per punt return on the season thus far.

My take on Robert Morris and my prediction:

The Colonials run a lot of NFL-type formations on offense, which is a direct of influence of Walton's extensive time in the league. On defense, RMU is solid and possess a solid D-line and linebacking corps. Their QB Cwalinski is big and not mobile in the sense that he will break big runs, but he is mobile within the pocket and always is looking downfield. RB Russ is a game-breaker, but hasn't had a game where he firmly establishes himself as the game's best runner.

The Hawks and Colonials have had some epic contests, most notably MU's 29-27 win in Moon Township on a last second tipped pass in the end zone three years ago. The Colonials represent the "old guard" of the NEC, even though the league is still fairly young. They have won the conference five times and along with the Hawks and Albany represent the NEC's traditional powers.

I believe weather will be an issue as rain is expected in the Pittsburgh area on Saturday. If that is the case, I believe that it falls in MU's favor because they possess the superior running game and run defense, while Robert Morris would prefer ideal conditions for their passing game. I do think David Sinisi will run for 100 yards again and that Burke will manage the offense well. I would look for TE John Nalbone to have a big afternoon as well. Defensively, I think MU will get after Cwalinksi, even though the QB will put up numbers if the weather allows. After all is said and done, I think the game will be very competitive and come down to special teams and the kicking game, where the Hawks hold the advantage with Fred Weingart. The Hawks control the tempo of the game and I think they outlast Robert Morris in a defensive contest, prevailing 20-17 in another close call with the Colonials.