What Is 2015 Robert Morris Colonials football

Overview

The 2015 Robert Morris Colonials football team represented Robert Morris University during the 2015 NCAA Division I FCS football season. Competing in the Northeast Conference (NEC), the team was led by head coach Bernard Clark, who was in his second year at the helm.

The Colonials played their home games at Joe Walton Stadium, a 3,500-seat facility in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. Despite a challenging schedule, the team showed improvement in several offensive categories compared to the previous season.

• Record: The Colonials finished the 2015 season with a 4–7 overall record and a 3–5 mark in NEC play, placing them in the middle of the conference standings.
• Head Coach: Bernard Clark, in his second season, guided the team with a focus on rebuilding the program’s defensive intensity and quarterback development.
• Home Field: Joe Walton Stadium, named after the founding football coach, served as the team’s home and hosted three victories during the 2015 campaign.
• Quarterback: Michael Dobbs started most games, completing 149 of 262 passes for 1,637 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions.
• Key Game: A 28–21 victory over Duquesne on September 12 was a highlight, showcasing the team’s ability to win non-conference matchups.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2015 season featured a mix of competitive losses and hard-fought wins, reflecting the team’s transitional phase under new leadership. Several games were decided by one possession, indicating progress despite the losing record.

• Season Opener: The Colonials opened with a 34–26 loss to Duquesne, despite a strong 283-yard passing performance by Dobbs.
• NEC Play: Robert Morris went 3–5 in conference games, defeating Saint Francis (PA), Central Connecticut, and Wagner during league play.
• Defensive Struggles: The team allowed an average of 31.5 points per game, ranking near the bottom of the FCS in points allowed.
• Offensive Output: The Colonials averaged 24.1 points and 352.3 yards per game, showing modest improvement from 2014.
• Running Game: Senior running back Josue Matos rushed for 587 yards and four touchdowns on 143 carries, leading the ground attack.
• Special Teams: Kicker Nick Shestak converted 10 of 13 field goal attempts, with a long of 46 yards, providing reliable scoring.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2015 Robert Morris Colonials' key statistics to the previous season and conference average:

The data shows improvement in both scoring and offensive production compared to 2014, though defensive performance remained a challenge. The Colonials outperformed the previous year’s win total and showed growth under Clark’s leadership, particularly in conference matchups.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was a step forward for Robert Morris football during a rebuilding phase, setting the foundation for future competitiveness in the NEC. While not a championship-caliber year, it demonstrated progress in player development and coaching consistency.

• Program Growth: The 4–7 record marked an improvement from 2014’s 3–9, signaling positive momentum under Bernard Clark.
• Quarterback Development: Michael Dobbs gained valuable experience, setting the stage for a stronger 2016 season.
• Recruiting Impact: Competitive performances helped attract talent, especially within the Pennsylvania region.
• Conference Relevance: Winning three NEC games kept the team relevant in the league race late into the season.
• Facility Utilization: Games at Joe Walton Stadium maintained local fan engagement and student support.
• Future Outlook: The 2015 season laid groundwork for a more competitive 2016 campaign, with returning starters on both sides of the ball.