Game Preview: Youngstown State vs Robert Morris

Robert Morris Outlook

Robert Morris dropped their first contest of the season to P4 West Virginia, losing 45-3 in what was a valiant effort. Although the final stats may suggest the Colonials were dominated, that wasn’t the case. Heading into halftime, RMU trailed 10-3, and showed some flashes on defense, forcing several turnovers and winning at the point of attack on countless occasions.

DT Camdon Wilborn (6-2, 277) and DT Okey Egbuziem (6-2, 295) created solid penetration and impressed – they combined for seven total tackles and often disrupted WVU’s run attack. The linebacking corps also had a good performance, with Patrick McDonnell leading the team in tackles with 12 and Jakari Patterson adding two TFLs and one forced fumble.

The front seven without a doubt looked connected, playing disciplined and executing at a high level. Despite significant turnover on the D-Line and at linebacker in the offseason, the Colonials held up well, and bowed up for the opening 30 minutes of the game.

The Mountaineers would finish with 393 rushing yards, but that doesn’t surprise, as depth and talent often take over in FCS vs FBS matchups. Fatigue caught up to RMU, and that was the big difference in the second half.

From the perspective of the secondary, not much can be taken away from this game. WVU accumulated 232 yards and one touchdown through the air, passing the ball just 23 times compared to 53 rushes. There was a bust in coverage at the 13:52 mark in the fourth quarter and that was the only notable mistake.

On offense, Robert Morris did what was expected under former YSU offensive coordinator Troy Rothenbuhler; control time of possession and emphasize balance. The Colonials succeeded in the TOP battle, holding the ball for 32:30, but the offense didn’t do much outside of that. Combining for 123 total yards, RMU struggled particularly on third down, going 3-of-15 often as a result of being behind the sticks.

Zach Tanner (7-of-21) earned the start at quarterback and managed the game well. Ameer Dudley also saw action, though that was after things were already out of control.

Overall, it was a subpar showing from the offense. The interior of the offensive line couldn’t handle pressure whatsoever, and failed to account for WVU’s blitz packages. Skill position players weren’t involved much, so like the defensive backs and safeties, it’s hard to evaluate the talent in the backfield and at receiver right now.

Game Plan

From a defensive standpoint, this is a game in which Youngstown State should own. The middle of Robert Morris’ O-Line is an area that the ‘Guins should aim to exploit, especially after the Colonials surrendered four sacks and eight TFLs last week.

Pressuring Zach Tanner should be another top priority, as he seems to lack playmaking ability outside of the pocket and prefers to stand in and make throws under duress. If YSU’s front seven gets after Tanner early and often, I can’t see RMU scoring more than ten points in this one.

On the other side of the ball, I’m concerned about this matchup for YSU. RMU is extremely disciplined up front, and West Virginia was unable to pound the rock right at the Colonials in the first half. WVU found its success on the perimeter, getting their skill position athletes involved and thriving on outside zone runs.

If the ‘Guins prioritize rushing Beau Brungard on QB power consistently, I think this has “trap game” written all over it. YSU has to get its wide receivers and tailbacks open in space. Robert Morris wants Youngstown to run into the teeth of their defense: not to stretch them sideline-to-sideline. We’ll have to see if the coaching staff makes the proper adjustments.

This is a game in which I believe YSU will win, but it’s tough to gauge what will happen vs a fundamentally sound defense. I can see the ‘Guins winning by 2+ scores. Final Prediction: 28-10.