Robert Morris opens season with 45-0 loss at Central Michigan

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — Jacob Sirmon threw for three touchdowns, Dallas Dixon had two receiving scores and Central Michigan dominated Robert Morris, 45-0, on Saturday.

Robert Morris (0-1) was outgained 515-109, and Central Michigan held the ball for more than 35 minutes.

The Colonials, facing a Mid-American Conference opponent for the second time in school history, were limited to 13 yards passing.

Redshirt sophomore linebacker Jamar Shegog recorded a career-best 18 tackles for RMU, including his first career sack.

Jaylon Brown ran three times for 37 yards in the loss, and Quamir Jenkins carried 13 times for 31 yards.

It was Central Michigan’s first shutout since Nov. 23, 2013, a 37-0 win over UMass.

Sirmon connected with Hunter Buczkowski for a 3-yard score and with JaCorey Sullivan for 24 yards to extend the Chippewas lead to 19-0 with 4:49 left before halftime. A little more than three minutes later, Daniel Richardson threw a 16-yard pass to Dallas Dixon for a 28-0 advantage.

The Chippewas (1-1) took the second-half kick and marched 68 yards in eight plays that ended with Sirmon throwing a 6-yard scoring pass to Dixon for a five-touchdown lead.

Robert Morris has a bye next week before its home opener at noon Sept. 25 against Howard.