FULL GAME NOTES
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The No. 25 Bryant University football team returns home on Saturday to host Robert Morris on Parents and Family Weekend at Bulldog Stadium.
GAME INFORMATION:
Date: Saturday, Oct. 25
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Listen: WOON 1240 (onworldwide.com)
Watch: NECFrontRow
LAST TIME OUT: BULLDOGS DOWN SFU IN NEC OPENER
Bryant opened Northeast Conference play last weekend with 42-27 victory over Saint Francis U. in Loretto, Pa. The Bulldogs built a 28-13 lead at halftime and then put the game away with two late scores in the second half. Dalton Easton threw for 283 yards and a program-record five touchdowns against the Red Flash. John Lavin caught two of the touchdowns and Chad Ward had 121 yards and a score as well. Paul Canevari picked up his first 100-yard rushing game of the season, while Ricardo McCray put up 126 all-purpose yards. Marquise Watson led the defense with 10 tackles and Maduka Nwanekezi added a pair of sacks.
SCOUTING THE COLONIALS
Robert Morris opened the season with six-straight losses but used a the largest comeback in program history to earn its first win last weekend against Central Connecticut. The Colonials rallied from 18 points down to defeat the Blue Devils, scoring 18 points in the fourth quarter alone.
The Colonials offense has seen its share of ups and downs this season. RMU started the year with two new QBs after their starter from last season was ruled ineligible prior to the season. Derik Abbott has taken over as the starter and completed 18-of-28 passes for 215 yards and two scores last weekend. Rameses Owens has emerged as the starter at RB as a true freshman. He rushed for 199 yards in the second game of his career against North Dakota and is averaging just over 80 yards per game. Duane Mitchell is the top receiving threat with 35 catches for 351 yards and three scores.
RMU's defense has been shaky this season and comes into the game allowing opponents 36.1 points per game and 451 yards of total offense. The Colonials have given up 50 or more points three times this season, including a season-high 52 against Sacred Heart two weeks ago. The Colonials have allowed 234 rushing yards per game and have sacked the QB just eight times in seven games. Mike Stojkovic leads the team with 53 tkls.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Bryant and Robert Morris will be meeting for the seventh time in program history today at Bulldog Stadium. They have met each season since the Bulldogs jumped to Division I in 2008. The Black and Gold have owned the series with a 5-1 record. They won each of the first five meetings before the Colonials were able to pick up a 24-3 victory last season in Moon Township. Bryant is 3-0 against the Colonials at Bulldog Stadium including a 27-21 victory over then-ranked No. 25 RMU in 2010.
BULLDOGS BACK IN NATIONAL RANKINGS
Off to their best start in program history, the Bulldogs returned to the national rankings for the second time this season. The Black and Gold are ranked No. 25 in the FCS Coach's poll released on Oct. 20. Bryant was also ranked on Sept. 15 after its victory over Maine. The Bulldogs are No. 26 in the Sports Network Poll.
EASTON SETS PROGRAM RECORD
Dalton Easton enjoyed one of the greatest days for a quarterback in school history last Saturday at Saint Francis. In a program steeped in tradition at the QB position, Easton etched his name into the record book by throwing five touchdown passes in the Bulldogs' big victory over the Red Flash. The previous record was four and it was accomplished five times, most recently by Mike Westerhaus on Oct. 13, 2012 against Robert Morris.
