The ETSU football team is preparing for its fourth away game of the season.
The Bucs will be heading to Pittsburgh to take on the Robert Morris Colonials on Saturday.
ETSU will come into the game ready after winning their first game of the season last Saturday against Warner University. The Bucs defeated the Royals 42-9, creating a feeling at Kermit Tipton Stadium that Buccaneer fans haven’t had in 12 years.
“This was a great win for us,” said coach Carl Torbush. “I think it’s a great starting point. Obviously we have a long way to go, but the team enjoyed the taste of victory a lot better than defeat, like all of us do.”
Two players stood out in the game against Warner University.
Trey Quillin (New Albany, Ohio) was named Defensive Player of the Game. Quillin totaled four tackles and forced a fumble.
“I think it was great for us,” said Quillin. “I think there’s a lot more optimism on the team now. After the first seven losses, we had to keep bouncing back, but now we finally have something to build off of. I think after this win, we’re just going keep building and building.”
Jajuan Stinson (Knoxville, Tenn.) was named Offensive Player of the Game. Stinson rushed for a season-high 115 yards and recorded a season-best 38-yard run in the second quarter.
“I think there were bigger holes, and I was feeling really well,” said Stinson. “[The] offensive line did a great job early in the game giving me holes. Also, receivers helped me out on the edge. They helped me a lot throughout the game to get me going.”
Robert Morris returns 15 players, eight on offense and seven on defense.
“Robert Morris has some age on them, but overall, they’re a fairly young football team,” said Torbush. “They’ll remind you a lot of St. Francis as far as their size. Their defense is sound and solid, ranked No. 2 in their conference.”
Robert Morris has a rushing defense that is ranked in the top 25 nationally, allowing only five rushing touchdowns. Their kickoff return defense is ranked second in FCS football at 15.2 yards. The team has kept their opponents from scoring in a half five times this season.
“Robert Morris is going to be a very physical team,” said Quillin. “I know up front they’re a very big and experienced team. They’re a little younger on the outside, but very athletic. I think they’ll be a great challenge for us.”
Players to watch for on defense are Ryan Richards Jr. (Buffalo, N.Y.), who is tied for conference lead in interceptions with three; Jake Tkach (West Mifflin, Penn.), who is leading with tackles (8.9); and Andy Smigiera (West Senaca, N.Y.), who ranks second in passes defended (10).
“They’ve played excellent defense,” said Torbush. “What we have to do is make sure that we limit our mistakes and make sure that we don’t beat ourselves.”
On offense, the Robert Morris squad includes wide receiver Kyle Buss, who tied a single-game Robert Morris freshman record with eight receptions in the last game with 160 yards. Buss has tied the Robert Morris single-season freshman reception record with 34 catches.
The Robert Morris Colonials are 2-6 overall.
Game time is set for noon this Saturday in Joe Walton Stadium.
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