BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.– Following a close loss coming at the hands of North Alabama and their homecoming game, the Colonials headed east to take on Gardner-Webb and try to play spoiler at a homecoming game for the second time in as many weeks.

Mental Mistakes

Robert Morris was arguably as effective against themselves as the Bulldogs were in shutting them down. It started on the first play from scrimmage, which resulted in a large pass-interference play against the Colonials and led to the opening score by Gardner-Webb.

A decent start for the Colonial offense was nullified by an interception in the red zone that went off a Robert Morris receiver’s hands.

On their next drive, it ended on the first play when a Gardner-Webb sack-fumble was recovered in the end zone for a touchdown, putting the Bulldogs up 14-0.

The next Colonial drive also resulted in a fumble and led to a Gardner-Webb touchdown two plays later, putting them up 21-0 in the first quarter and essentially out of reach.

Even after getting one back and making it 21-7, Robert Morris just could not get out of their own way, as they proceeded to be sacked on back-to-back plays and get knocked out of field goal range after recovering a fumble just outside the red zone. On the fourth down play, the Colonials threw an interception. It’s plays like these that should be ironed out for this team to succeed.

No Ground Game

It was a theme coming into today’s game, and it continued in this one. The Robert Morris offense had a net total of five rushing yards. Even with over 200 yards passing and a couple of scoring drives in the second half to bring the final score to 28-17, the run game held back the Colonials once again.

On a side note, it was another big day for redshirt freshman receiver James Westry, who picked up another touchdown and 73 receiving yards.

Losing the Turnover Battle

The Colonials gave up five turnovers and only recovered two, giving them a negative ratio on the day. Those turnovers helped put Gardner-Webb up early and force Robert Morris to play catch-up for the rest of the game.

The team will be returning to Joe Walton Stadium to take on the Hampton Pirates next Saturday at noon.