Game Recap: Youngstown State vs Robert Morris

Offense

YSU showcased what the ceiling of this offense could look like, scoring 56 points and putting up 593 total yards. After a lackluster performance vs Mercyhurst where the 'Guins scored just 24 points and struggled to get into a rhythm, adjustments were made and stark improvement ensued in what was an absolute thrashing of Robert Morris.

Beau Brungard stole the show once again, rushing for 264 yards and four touchdowns on ten carries, which is most rushing yards in a single game by a QB in YSU and MVFC history. He also was efficient when asked to throw the ball, going 12-of-16 for 122 yards and one touchdown.

Beau wasn’t the only player that had a nice outing, several others stepped up and were asked to embrace larger responsibilities in the game plan. The depth at running back was evident, as TC Caffey, Antuan Gardner, and Da’Shaun Whatley all capitalized on their opportunities, and backed high preseason expectations. Jaden Gilbert flashed his shiftiness and quick burst, accumulating 48 yards on the ground and also making two receptions for 16 yards.

OC Mike Yurcich utilized WR Kylon Wilson in a unique manner, moving him around pre-snap and getting him touches on jet sweep calls. Wilson’s explosiveness is clearly something that Yurcich wants to take advantage of, and RMU struggled to handle all of the different formations thrown at them. Max Tomczak and Mike Solomon were impactful on the perimeter; they combined for 117 receiving yards and one touchdown.

Getting skill position athletes involved early and often wore out the Colonial defense, and opened big holes through the middle of their front seven.

Defense

The defensive line and linebacking corps had another fantastic game, holding RMU to 41 rushing yards and 1.5 yards per rush, while also generating seven TFLs and two sacks. For a unit that allowed 198.2 rushing yards per game in 2024, this is a massive step in the right direction regardless of who the opponents have been these first two weeks.

LB Graydon Rollins and Edge/LB Michael Wells both impressed, with Rollins posting six total tackles and Wells pouring on two TFLs and one sacks.

In the secondary, a lot of young players earned valuable reps. DB Brandon Chambers Jr. and S Jussiah Williams-West saw significant action and will likely see their roles increase as the year progresses.

Final Analysis

Complementary football at its finest. YSU controlled this game right from the get-go, and Robert Morris never had a chance to compete. This was a promising team effort that should carry over into a showdown with Michigan State in East Lansing.