Despite 237 all-purpose yards from freshman Rameses Owens, the Robert Morris football team was unable to earn its first win of the season, falling to North Dakota 16-13 inside the Alerus Center Saturday night.

Owens’ big night broke multiple school records, with his 199 yards rushing on 39 attempts the most by any freshman in program history and highest yard total in a non-conference game since 1995. He averaged five yards per carry, and scored once to pace the Colonials offense.

Duane Mitchell caught six passes to lead all receivers, and continued to rise in the RMU record books. The senior’s now fifth in career receiving yards (1,427), a tie for fourth in receptions (94), and a tie for fifth in touchdown receptions (14).

The RMU defense was solid once again, with the addition of redshirt senior OLB Luke Mueller really bolstering the front-seven. He was all over the place after missing Week 1, and compiled eight tackles, two of which were for a loss.

In the fourth quarter, the defense forced two consecutive three-and-outs on North Dakota’s final two possessions. However, the offense was unable to capitalize both times and the game was over.

Special teams played a role in the Colonials defeat as well. North Dakota had good field positon throughout the game, with the punting team having issues controlling the snap. Antwan Eddie muffed a punt in the second quarter. An extra-point was blocked after the first RMU TD, and kicker Hunter Khaleghi missed a 37-yard try. If it wasn’t good field position, the momentum shifted every time something went wrong for RMU on special teams.

The loss setbacks Robert Morris to 0-2 on the year. They are in the midst of a three-game road swing, and travel to Lafayette next weekend for a 6 p.m. affair.