Robert Morris Football Receives Votes in Latest FCS Top-25 Poll

Robert Morris is already off to one of its best starts in recent memory as the Colonials sit with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2004. Due to the early success fueled by consistent quarterback play and a fierce defense, coaches around the FCS are starting to take notice of the Colonials.

While Robert Morris occasionally receives votes in the AFCA FCS Coaches’ Poll, the Colonials have not been ranked inside of the top-25 since 2010.

In fact, the 2010 season happened to be the only time that the Colonials have ever appeared inside of the FCS top-25.

That could all change this season if Robert Morris can continue its strong start as it was one of a handful of teams just outside of the top-25 in the most recent AFCA Coaches’ Poll which was released early this week.

Based on the voting system, Robert Morris is tied for 34th in the FCS as it received 13 votes, alongside programs like Alabama State, Jackson State and UWI.

When peaking at the numbers, it is no surprise that people are starting to notice the Colonials. Through two games, Robert Morris is currently tied atop the Northeast Conference, though only four teams have played a conference game so far.

The Colonials have the highest scoring offense (28.5 PPG) and the toughest defense (8.0 PPG). They also have the second-highest yards per game (356.0) and give up the fewest yards per game (203.5) through the first two weeks of the season.

Quarterback Carson Haggard currently leads the NEC in touchdowns throw (6) and is second in the conference in passing yards per game (215.0), quarterback efficiency (147.2).

Sophomore wide receiver Galen Combs currently paces the conference in total touchdowns (5), receiving touchdowns (4) and yards per game (94.0). Fellow sophomore wide out Jaqai Carter is fifth in the conference in yards per game (45.5).

Defensively, Robert Morris has three of the conference’s top four sack leaders in Khalil Hunter (2.0), David Johnson (1.5) and Asher Wilson (1.5).

While it will be difficult for the Colonials to stay undefeated with back-to-back road games against FBS opponents on the schedule, with competitive showings against Akron and Buffalo, their position in the poll should not change much given how other FCS team’s rankings stayed relatively the same after losing to FBS opponents throughout the first two weeks of the season.

Complete AFCA FCS Coaches Poll:

1. Montana St. (25)
2. Montana
3. South Dakota St. (1)
4. Illinois St.
5. Tarleton St.
6. UC Davis
7. North Dakota
8. Lehigh
9. Stephen F. Austin
10. Youngstown St.
11. Tennessee Tech
12. South Dakota
13. Rhode Island
14. Mercer
15. Austin Peay
16. William & Mary
17. Lamar
18. Villanova
19. Yale
20. South Carolina St.
21. Richmond
22. West Florida
23. Northern Arizona
24. Idaho St.
25. ACU

Receiving Votes: Wofford, 53; Cal Poly, 44; Southern Illinois, 41; Prairie View A&M, 32; Elon, 31; Colgate, 25; Campbell, 23; UT-Rio Grande Valley, 15; Alabama St., 13; Jackson St., 13; Robert Morris, 13; UIW, 13; Harvard, 12; Furman, 10; Southern Utah, 10; UT Martin, 10; Southeast Missouri St., 8; Central Arkansas, 6; Chattanooga, 6; Portland St., 5; Western Carolina, 5; Dartmouth, 4; Monmouth, 4; East Tennessee St., 1; Eastern Washington, 1; San Diego, 1; The Citadel, 1.