TERRE HAUTE —
Rose-Hulman isn’t in a hurry for its 2012 college football season to be over. Its offense is just in a hurry all the time.
The quick-striking Engineers had Saturday’s Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference game against visiting Anderson virtually decided before the first quarter was over at Phil Brown Field, eventually settling for a 42-8 win in which probably every healthy Engineer — unfortunately, that’s not as long a list as it should be — got at least some playing time.
Freshman Aaron Abbott, a little more of an offensive focus than usual because of a scarcity at his position, put his name in the Rose-Hulman record book with four touchdown receptions, tying a school record held by Hall of Fame Ed Huonder, and he did so in less than three quarters.
The Engineers never did need much time to score, however. They had a 14-3 lead early in the first quarter after their offense had been on the field only 45 seconds, and two more of their touchdown drives were quicker than that.
“That’s always what we try to do,” Rose-Hulman coach Jeff Sokol said afterward when asked about his team’s Oregon-like pace. “We wanted to try to tire [Anderson’s] defense out … try to get an advantage by that.”
“We have a lot of quick plays,” Abbott agreed. “We try to catch [the other team] off-guard. We get the passes out quick and there are a lot of lead blockers … I had a lot of open air out there today.”
The Rose defense actually scored first. Anderson’s first three offensive plays were two incomplete passes and a sack — quarterback Colton Priser in serious jeopardy on all three — followed by a punt from the 11-yard line that was blocked by Shane Boschert and recovered in the end zone by Greg Lee.
The visiting Ravens connected on a desperation pass that enabled them to manage a field goal on their second possession, but Lee’s 35-yard kickoff return and a halfback pass by Kyle Kovach set up Abbott’s first touchdown — a 14-yarder from Mitch Snyder — 45 seconds later.
When the Ravens fumbled the ensuing kickoff, the Engineers were in position again, although it took them a whopping 2:47 to get the 28 yards to the end zone. Two penalties (of Rose’s 15 for the day) delayed the score — one of them wiping out a touchdown run by Abbott — but Abbott got himself wide-open for a 27-yard strike from Snyder on a fourth-down play. After nine minutes the score was 21-3.
Rose bogged down for awhile after that, but did manage a 57-yard, 38-second drive in the final minute of the first half, scoring on a 1-yard run by Kovach, then a 58-yard, 44-second drive after the second-half kickoff.
Abbott got that touchdown, eluding a couple of tacklers along the way, and tied Huonder’s record with a 19-yard catch and run later in the quarter.
“That’s awesome,” Abbott said when informed he’d tied a school record. “This is an experience … I’ve never had anything like this [in college].”
Abbott was probably targeted more than usual because his classmate Jacob Dye — are there two more promising freshman wideouts in all of NCAA Division III? — was one of the sidelined Engineers. In addition to the touchdowns he had 10 receptions for 166 yards, ran three times for 21 yards and had a 51-yard kickoff return. Eluding tacklers is something he’s used to, Sokol indicated.
“He’s one of our really good young players,” the coach said. “We challenged him [in Dye’s absence], asked him to step up and make plays, and he responded.
“He was a running back in high school, and he might still be one here,” Sokol added, “but he’s doing such a good job at receiver, it’ll be tough to move him.”
The Rose-Hulman defense was playing fast on Saturday too, by the way. With sophomore linebacker Grant DePalma a constant presence in the Anderson backfield, the visitors never got time for a consistent passing attack and got most of their rushing yards in the fourth quarter, with many new Engineers on the field.
“We had a good game plan,” said DePalma, who finished with eight tackles, two sacks, three other tackles for loss and a quarterback hurry that caused Priser to leave the game. “I was just being opportunistic at times, and finding the quarterback.
“No touchdowns, so it was a great game [for the defense],” he added. “I wish those field goals weren’t up there, but I’m absolutely happy.”
The Engineers as a whole are happy about the way their season is ending, but no doubt wish there were a couple of earlier games they could play over.
“We feel we’re the second-best team in the conference. We had a one-point loss, two overtime losses, one game where we blew a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter,” Sokol said ruefully. “But from where we were at, if we finish with three wins [the Engineers will be favored in their season finale next week with Earlham] it would be huge, and leave us feeling good about where we’re at.”
“We’re on the uprise,” said DePalma. “We only have a couple of seniors on defense, and we obviously did well today.”
“We can’t be complacent,” added Abbott, “but we need to keep rising, and that starts again [today].”
• Vikings in the house — West Vigo graduate John Burt had three tackles and broke up a pass in his usual spot as a starting cornerback for Rose-Hulman, but saw a former teammate in the other uniform.
Freshman Harley Elkins saw some late action as a defensive lineman for Anderson, and helped set up the last two points of the game. He made the stop on an Engineer shovel pass for a 4-yard loss at the 2-yard line, and the Ravens got a safety on the next play.
College
Related Photos
-
Return run: Rose-Hulman wide receiver Greg Lee (32) sprints to the sideline for big yardage on a punt return against Anderson University Saturday afternoon at Cook Stadium.
-
Recovery reaction: Rose-Hulman defensive lineman Thomas Morris (96) leaps into the air to celebrate a forced fumble recovery as teammate Jacob Sexton (23) shows the ball.
-
Sack: Anderson quarterback Colton Priser is sacked by Rose -Hulman linebacker #2 Cody Rivers during first quarter action Saturday afternoon at Cook Stadium.
-
Touchdown run: Rose-Hulman freshman Aaron Abbott (24) carries the ball for a touchdown during first quarter action against Anderson University.
Discussion
Engineers' quick-strike offense on display in 42-8 win over Anderson
- College
-
-
Indiana State baseball now one win from MVC Championship
Indiana State’s Wednesday morning wish list probably read something like this: a dominant complete game effort from starting pitcher Devin Moore, near-immaculate defense to support him, and a steady diet of clutch situational hitting from lineup spots one to nine.
-
Terre Haute's Mascari running 10,000 meters for chance to get to Hayward Field
Indiana State freshman and Terre Haute North graduate John Mascari is among the enormous group of Sycamores competing this weekend at the NCAA East Preliminary. The top 48 NCAA track and field competitors in each event on this half of the United States are narrowed down to 12 who will compete at the NCAA meet at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore.
-
Manaea's shoulder causing him latest pain
Indiana State pitcher Sean Manaea has battled through so many aches and pains during the 2013 season that it can be hard to discern the serious pain from the pain he pitches through.
-
ISU's Negele answers call in big way in wake of Manaea injury
When Indiana State starting pitcher Sean Manaea slumped on the mound in obvious pain after he took his warm-up pitches, red flags raised for ISU’s Missouri Valley Conference tournament hopes.
-
ISU baseball hoping Manaea can get its MVC Tournament moving in right direction
Indiana State’s baseball team has been waiting all season for its stars to align.
But this is the 2013 Sycamores, after all, and after a season in which seemingly little has gone right, it appears its stars will remain crossed at the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. -
ISU track sending record 22 to postseason
On the heels of their thrilling double victory at the 2013 Missouri Valley Conference Outdoor Track & Field Championships both the Indiana State men and women moved up in the national rankings which were released Tuesday by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).
-
ISU's athletic treasure trove
Think of every championship that Indiana State has won in each of its sports, past and present. Think of every tournament — postseason or regular season — which the Sycamores have claimed as their own.
-
Ort sets ISU RBI record in 16-7 win
Robby Ort celebrated his Indiana State baseball Senior Day on Saturday by becoming the Sycamores’ all-time leader in RBIs as ISU ended its regular season with a 16-7 win over Bradley at Bob Warn Field.
-
Bradley ends 16-game MVC losing streak against ISU
Momentum was the only thing riding on Indiana State’s baseball game against Bradley on Friday. With a five-game winning streak going, ISU wanted to keep the good vibes going into next week’s Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.
ISU couldn’t do it. -
Behind 16 hits and Manaea's pitching, ISU beats Bradley
Indiana State’s baseball team rode a wild ride of emotion on Thursday.
First came the public announcement that Bob Warn Field would host the 2014 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Later, Sean Manaea’s availability to pitch ISU’s series opener against Bradley was in doubt. -
Indiana State women add five transfers, including experienced D-I point guard
Indiana State coach Teri Moren believes the addition of five more newcomers to the program — in addition to the five who had already joined the program earlier this calendar year — will provide her coaching staff the athleticism and depth it needs to play a successful, up-tempo brand of basketball next season.
-
Metro roundup: Woods softball takes seventh in national tournament
The St. Mary-of-the-Woods softball team finished seventh in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association softball tournament on Tuesday at Firestone Stadium.
-
Metro Roundup: Indiana State’s Shakir Bell on Performance Awards watch list
College Football Performance Awards has announced its watch list for the 2013 CFPA FCS Running Back Award, and Indiana State’s Shakir Bell earned a spot on the list.
-
ISU baseball team builds on success with 14-2 rout
Indiana State’s baseball victory over Alcorn State on Friday would take on more meaning Saturday if the Sycamores could build momentum and pick up on the good work they did in Friday’s ninth-inning rally.
Mission accomplished.
The Sycamores were aggressive from the opening inning at the plate and starting pitcher Devin Moore gave them eight valuable and effective innings on the mound as ISU defeated Alcorn State 14-2 at Bob Warn Field.
“It was a really good experience for everybody. It felt great to finally come out here and put some things together. It’s also really nice when your offense puts a lot of runs on the board,” Moore said.
Moore’s eight innings of work were as valuable as gold to an ISU team that is short on quality arms due to injury and ineffectiveness. He didn’t allow a hit until the fourth inning and one of the two runs he conceded was unearned. -
Johnson, Lyke win MVC titles for ISU
Indiana State’s Felisha Johnson and Maurice Lyke were both crowned Missouri Valley Conference champions on Saturday during the MVC Track and Field Championships at Drake University.
-
ISU earns badly-needed win
Alcorn State’s baseball team might be ranked in the bottom 10 in RPI and Indiana State might have never lost to a Southwestern Athletic Conference team. So it wouldn’t appear that a quality win was in the offing when Alcorn State visited Bob Warn Field on Friday.
-
Metro roundup: RHIT’s Evans sets Div. III record in high jump
For the third time this season, Rose-Hulman senior Liz Evans topped the NCAA Division III all-time national record in the outdoor high jump Friday night.
-
ISU’s Mascari and Hope win MVC track & field titles
Indiana State produced two champions during the opening day of action in the Missouri Valley Conference track and field championships Friday at Drake. Freshman John Mascari, a Terre Haute native, won the men’s 10,000-meter race and Nicole Hope won the women’s pole vault for the second time in three seasons.
-
ISU pole vault tradition continues with help from its author
Pole vault is track and field for the adrenaline junkie, Indiana State senior Nicole Hope proclaimed during a recent practice at Marks Field.
To catapult oneself about 14 feet into the air with a large $500 fiberglass pole on a daily basis is a risky endeavor.
“We have to be fearless. You can’t be afraid at all,” said Hope, who has also catapulted herself into the NCAA’s elite in the event, ranking 15th in the NCAA with her leap of 13-feet, 9 1/4. -
Sycamores searching for answers after seventh loss in eight games
These are the bad times for the Indiana State baseball team.
The will is there for the Sycamores to pull out of their worst slump of the season, but the results are not. The suffering continued on Wednesday at Bob Warn Field as Eastern Illinois defeated ISU 5-3. -
METRO ROUNDUP: ISU men's track picked first in MVC Championships, women second
The Indiana State men’s track team has won the last two Missouri Valley Conference outdoor championships, but the women have not stood on the top podium since 1999.
That may change this year, but the Sycamores will face some stiff competition in their quest for the championships. -
North grad Welker helps Whitson earn first NCAA bid as coach
Eastern Kentucky girls golf coach Mike Whitson, an alumnus of his employer, enjoyed his stay in Terre Haute as coach of Indiana State, where he started the women’s golf program.
-
METRO ROUNDUP: Rose-Hulman wins HCAC all-sports trophy
Rose-Hulman has won the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference men’s all-sports trophy for the fifth time in the past six year, the league announced Monday.
Rose tallied 66.5 points for its finishes in 11 men’s sports, just ahead of Franklin with 66. Hanover was third with 53 points. -
METRO ROUNDUP: Rose-Hulman tennis falls in HCAC semifinal
Rose-Hulman’s hot streak in men’s tennis came to an end Saturday in the semifinal round of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference tournament at the West Indy Racquet Club.
-
Manaea fights off bad hip, wet weather to toss four innings
Mother Nature has been the bane of the Indiana State baseball team’s existence all season. Eight games wiped due to weather are a testament to that. So it was no surprise, though no less disappointing, when she didn’t deal Indiana State pitcher Sean Manaea the greatest hand on Saturday as he tries to recover from a hip injury.
-
ISU track enjoys big night at IU's Billy Hayes Invitational
The Indiana State Sycamores either won or finished as the top collegian in 12 events, led by the record-breaking performance of senior Brandon Pounds at the 2013 Billy Hayes Invitational Friday at Indiana University.
Pounds broke his own school record to win the men’s hammer throw. -
Lansing looking for more home games for next fall
Indiana State’s men’s basketball team is looking for a few good games.
Home games that is.
The Sycamores have filled in most of the blanks in their nonconference schedule, but as ever, ISU coach Greg Lansing would like to visit the friendly confines of Hulman Center a bit more often. -
Secret weapon: Kelsey Rosselli finishing Woods career with a bang
At Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, reporting game results to the Tribune-Star after a win or a loss is not always a high priority.
So when one of its athletes enjoys an outstanding season, like senior Kelsey Rosselli is doing for the Pomeroys’ softball team in 2013, media publicity doesn’t always follow.
In fact, her efforts almost seem like a government secret.
Rosselli’s name might sound familiar to longtime Terre Haute softball followers because she was a standout for North High School, from where she graduated in 2009.
Since then, she’s helped The Woods finish runner-up in three straight U.S. Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) national tournaments in 2010, 2011 and 2012. -
ISU baseball gets back into rhythm with victory
Baseball is a rhythm game. With contests every day or five times a week in the case of many college programs, you have the chance to build on success or wallow in a slump.
Mother Nature took that rhythm away from Indiana State’s team last week. After a 7-1 loss to Indiana on April 24, ISU was supposed to play a three-game series at Tennessee-Martin, but it was wiped out by rain.
So the rhythm was disturbed, but perhaps that wasn’t a bad thing.
ISU was in a five-game losing streak before its unintended vacation and the Sycamores made a move in the right direction Wednesday with a 7-0 win over DePauw at Bob Warn Field.
“It was a disappointing weekend. We went all the way down to Tennessee and didn’t get to play. We sat around in the hotel room. We came here and it was still raining. It was nice to get out and see some live pitching,” ISU center fielder Landon Curry said. -
Metro roundup: ISU hands out spring awards
The Indiana State University athletic community, along with family, friends and fans, paused Tuesday night to honor the spring sports teams at the Terre Haute Savings Bank Spring Sports Banquet.
Most of the ISU teams are still in competition with the baseball team having 13 games left of its regular-season schedule before beginning the Missouri Valley Conference tournament May 21, the softball team with just three games left of the docket this coming weekend against Southern Illinois and the track and field program with just one more meet before beginning its postseason events.
The ISU women’s golf team is the team that has ended at this time, with the group recording a sixth-place finish at the MVC championships one week ago. - More College Headlines
-
Indiana State baseball now one win from MVC Championship
Johnson: Don't Blame Islam or UK Policy
Raw: Scuffles in London After Hacking Death
Chain-Reaction School Bus Crash Injures About 50
Raw: Aftermath of Deadly Attack in London
Okla. Teens Get Video of Deadly Tornado Overhead
Texas Students Coach Teachers on Fitness
Raw: 80-Year-Old Climbs Mount Everest
Britain Attack Believed Linked to Radical Islam
Wash. State Man Arrested Following Ricin Scare
Meet MJ, the Bike Riding Tabby Cat
New Forecasting Tool Eyed for Hurricane Season
Obama Offers Drone Strike Defense
Raw: Heckler Interrupts Obama on Guantanamo
Man Shot While Questioned in Boston Probe
Oklahoma Family Reflects on Lost Son
Today in History May 23
A Slice of Apple History Up for Grabs
Weiner Launches Bid to Become NYC Mayor
Raw: Kevin Durant Tours Moore After $1M Pledge
School Storm Protection Spotty in Tornado Zones
AK-47-wielding thug may be the most bumbling crook ever
Oklahoma Survivors, Heroes Survey Damage
Trout's cycle a boost for Angels
Raw: New Video of Deadly Oklahoma Tornado
Kim Kardashian Flaunts Pregnant Bikini Body in Greece
NBA star pledges $1M to help tornado recovery
Shakira's Shocking Talent
Morgan Freeman falls asleep on air
GRAPHIC: Blood-Soaked Machete Killer Caught on Tape
Elin Nordegren Furious With Lindsey Vonn For Parading Kids in Public
Camera Captures Climber As He Loses Grip And Falls
Helen Mirren Meets with Dying Boy in Queen Elizabeth's Place
Crowd Chants '¡Si, Se Puede!' After Passage of Immigration Bill
DWTS Crowns a Winner
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Demi Moore a Rocks Bikini at Harry Morton's Family House
Anthony Weiner: I'm running for New York City mayor
Kate Middleton's Dress Flies Up
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
