ELON, NC. — The Robert Morris kicker sent a 49-yard field goal straight through the uprights to secure a 36-33 victory over Elon during the last week of out-of-conference play. The Colonials had trailed for most of the fourth quarter before a late touchdown brought them even with the Phoenix.

Elon started strong, scoring twice in the first quarter and taking a two point lead into halftime. Coach Sir spoke about how well his team adjusted to a new coach this late in the season.

“I tried to bring the squad into a new power running system, so the defense probably wasn’t expecting it.”

The teams traded touchdowns in the third as Elon maintained their lead before going up by a touchdown late in the fourth with a 25 yard rushing touchdown by the halfback. Robert Morris responded with a 70 yard rushing touchdown with 0:57 left in the game. The teams were tied at 33 and Elon had the ball, first and ten on their 25 as Coach Sir was looking to put the game away.

“I was going to win the game. I didn’t think we stood a chance in overtime. I was taking over a 1-6 program and I needed a win in my first game to keep the team morale up.”

The Colonial defense showed up, forcing a sack on the first play from scrimmage before allowing the Phoenix to gain a first down. Robert Morris finally flexed their defensive muscles as the cornerback jumped the route and intercepted the pass with 10 ticks left on the clock. Elon’s coach was not deterred by the close loss.

“Losing always sucks. Losing in your first game as a coach sucks even more. But, the team ran the ball very well, keeping the ball away from the opponent and maintaining possession throughout the game. That one [turnover] at the end was a killer, but without that, that game would have been won. It’s not a step forward, but we’re not going backwards either.”

Elon drops to 1-7 on the year and looks to bounce back in Carolina Conference Play next week against a strong Gardner-Webb squad. Robert Morris improves to 5-3 on the year and Coach Sam Crosa is not looking past next week against Towson.

“There is a definite possibility of [winning out], sure. But, we’re not thinking about it. One game at a time.”

His team was not discouraged at halftime despite trailing by 2 and he had positive words for the squad in the locker room.

“I just told them that there is another half of football to be played and for them to leave everything out on the field. Win or lose, I was still going to be proud of them.”

Even though they lost the Time of Possession battle 21:18 to 6:42, his defensive unit forced two turnovers to go +2 in the TO margin and that proved to be the difference maker on the day. In fact Coach Crosa was so confident in his defense that he didn’t see the need to coach them up before the final stand.

“I trusted them. There was nothing to be said.”

Robert Morris improves to 2-0 on the road and have their work cut out for them the rest of the season in the Colonial Athletic Conference.