Horrid Start Results in Robert Morris Blowout Loss to Central Connecticut State

Robert Morris (4-5, 2-2 NEC) has not faired well against Central Connecticut State (5-3, 4-0 NEC) over recent years, but looked to reverse its fortune and stay on track in the Northeast Conference title race on Saturday behind its high-powered offense.

The Colonials’ optimism quickly vanished though as they found themselves down 35-0 after just a quarter and some change before eventually raising the white flag to their boogeyman as they were blown out, 49-14.

Central Connecticut State got things going in a hurry as quarterback Brett Griffis capped off the Blue Devils’ opening drive with a one-yard touchdown.

Robert Morris looked to respond behind the high-flying offense commanded by quarterback Carson Haggard and his duo of star wide receivers Galen Combs and Jaqai Carter. On the Colonials’ first play from scrimmage, Haggard hit Carter for a 12-yard gain but that was the first and last positive play that they had for quite some time.

After failing to pick up another first down, the Colonials were forced to punt and to make matters worse, the Blue Devils rushed the punt and managed to block it which set them up at the plus-41. It took just four plays for the Blue Devils to extend their lead to 14-0.

Then, things went from bad to worse for Haggard and the Colonials. On the second play of the ensuing drive, Haggard’s pass was intercepted and returned 27 yards for a pick six.

Before Robert Morris even knew it, Central Connecticut State held a 35-0 lead with over nine minutes left in the second quarter.

The Colonials eventually put together a sustained drive midway through the second quarter and got onto the scoreboard on a 10-yard touchdown connection between Haggard and wide receiver Noah Schaerli, but that did not hinder the Blue Devils as the Colonials trailed 42-7 at halftime.

Central Connecticut State used a long, time-consuming drive to open the third quarter to add on their fifth rushing touchdown of the game. The Blue Devils rushed for a total of 341 yards and five of their six offensive touchdowns in the blowout win.

The Colonials esssentially raised the white flag early into the fourth quarter when head coach Bernard Clark opted to sit the starters down and get some of the backups some game action. Backup quarterback Cooper Panteck tossed a 68-yard touchdown to Schaerli late in the fourth but the game was long decided by that point.

Robert Morris will close out the season’s road schedule next weekend against crosstown rival Duquesne before returning home for the final two games of the season against Stonehill followed by Long Island.