Duquesne Dukes Vs. RMU Colonials: Steel City Clash
By Larry Snyder
The anticipation on the sidelines of Joe Walton Stadium is building. This Northeast Conference contest also settles bragging rights for another season. The Robert Morris University Colonials faces off Saturday night against the Duquesne University Dukes. The match-up in Moon Township gets underway at 6: 00 p.m.
John Banaszak‘s Colonials (2-4 / 1-1 NEC) are coming off a rough 26-13 loss at home Saturday, Oct. 10 against the Sacred Heart University Pioneers (4-2 / 1-0 NEC).
-= Good Read: Experience, Depth Are Key To Pitt’s 2015-16 Season =-
Coming off the bye week has bode well in the past for the Blue and White. The Colonials are 16-9-1 all-time when playing after an off week, including a 16-8-1 mark in the regular season.
One of the Colonials to watch on offense is sophomore running back Rameses Owens. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound running back has contributed 281 yards and two touchdowns on 76 carries. The Shaker Heights, Ohio native’s longest run this season was a 41 yard touchdown gallop in the first quarter against the Youngstown State University Penguins.
Over the course of four of their first six contests, the RMU defense has been stingy, holding their opponent scoreless in either the first or second half. The Colonials accomplished this shut down in the first half against Dayton and Youngstown State. It was in the second half against Notre Dame (Ohio) and Wagner.
The NEC has picked up on the success of the Robert Morris defensive unit. They chose redshirt senior captain Mike Stojkovic twice as their Defensive Player of the Week this season. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound inside linebacker has put up 29 solo tackles and has assisted on an extra 29 stops in six match-ups. In 2015, the native of Katy, Texas reached double figures in total tackles in five out of six contests.
Special teams are not overlooked at the Joe. Freshman wide receiver Warren Robinson, junior placekicker Connor Shennan (twice), and freshman running back Dante Satcher each claimed Special Teams Player of the Week kudos from the league.
Here is your rundown of Saturday’s showdown:
When: Saturday, Oct. 24
Kick Off: 6:00 p.m.
Venue: Joe Walton Stadium
Playing Surface: Field Turf
Colonials Ticket Information: RMUTickets.com
All-Time Series: 17th Meeting – Duquesne leads 9-7
At Robert Morris: RMU 5-2
Last Meeting At RMU: Saturday, Oct. 19, 2013 – Duquesne wins 21-20
At Duquesne: Duquesne 7-2
Last Meeting At Duquesne: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014 – Duquesne wins 22-0
RMU Radio And Streaming Audio: ESPN 970 AM – WBGG
Announcers: Chris Shovlin and Brian Cleary
Duquesne Radio: 1320 AM WJAS Radio
Announcers: Alex Panormios and Tad Maurey
Duquesne Live Streaming Audio: Red Zone Media
Live Video Stream: NEC Front Row
RMU Live Stats: Sidearm Sports
RMU Social Media – Twitter/Facebook: @RMUAthletics or @RobertMorrisFB1 / Robert Morris University Athletics
Duquesne Social Media – Twitter/Facebook: @DuqFB or @GoDuquesne / GoDuquesne
Live Feed
With the First Pick
Odds: RMU +4.5 according to the 5 Dimes Online Sportsbook with the over/under at 38.5.
Weather Channel Online Forecast: Periods of rain with a low near 56. Chance of rain is 90 percent. Winds out of the southwest at 10 to 15 mph.
Head coach Jerry Schmitt and the Dukes (4-3 / 1-1 NEC) succumbed in their second NEC game of the season with a 38-17 loss on the road against the Bulldogs of Bryant University.
When it comes to the Duquesne offense, you begin with redshirt junior quarterback Dillon Buechel. The 6-foot-4, 196-pound signal caller has completed 130 of 233 pass attempts for 1559 yards, three interceptions, and 12 touchdowns. The McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania native has 28 touchdowns in one and a half seasons leading the Red and Blue.
Buechel’s favorite target has been wide receiver Chris King. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound senior has racked up 629 yards on 48 receptions and five touchdowns.
The Duquesne defense is in the capable hands of senior inside linebacker Sam Martello with 28 solo tackles and 52 total stops. Sophomore outside linebacker Nathan Stone leads the Red and Blue with four sacks.
My Prediction: I forecast the Colonials defense, in spite of the weather report, keeps the Dukes off the scoreboard. RMU collects a 20-17 victory under the lights.
Up Next: The Colonials head to New Britain, Connecticut Saturday, Oct. 31. RMU confronts the Blue Devils of Central Connecticut State University. The Northeast Conference match-up at Arute Field commences at 12 noon ET.
The Dukes are back on the bluff Saturday, Oct. 31 to host the Wagner College Seahawks in NEC action. The contest at Rooney Field begins at 12 noon ET.
Next: Steelers: Week Seven Preview Vs. Chiefs