What Is 2012 Robert Morris Colonials football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 Robert Morris Colonials football team represented Robert Morris University in the NCAA Division I FCS football season, finishing with a 5–6 overall record under head coach Andrew Breiner. They competed in the Northeast Conference (NEC), going 3–4 in conference play, and played home games at Joe Walton Stadium in Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

Key Facts

2012 Robert Morris Colonials finished with a 5–6 overall record
The team was led by head coach Andrew Breiner in his first season
They played in the Northeast Conference (NEC), posting a 3–4 conference record
Home games were held at Joe Walton Stadium in Moon Township, PA
Quarterback Robby Dorn earned NEC Offensive Player of the Week honors in October 2012

Overview

The 2012 Robert Morris Colonials football team represented Robert Morris University in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). Competing as a member of the Northeast Conference (NEC), the team was led by first-year head coach Andrew Breiner, who took over after the departure of previous coach Joe Walton.

The Colonials played their home games at Joe Walton Stadium in Moon Township, Pennsylvania, a facility named after the program’s founding coach. Despite a losing overall record, the team showed moments of competitiveness in conference matchups and developed several key players for future seasons.

Record: The Colonials finished the 2012 season with a 5–6 overall record, marking a modest improvement from the previous year’s 3–8 campaign.
Conference Play: In the Northeast Conference, they went 3–4, narrowly missing qualification for the NEC championship due to tiebreaker rules.
Head Coach: Andrew Breiner assumed leadership in 2012, becoming the third head coach in program history, following Joe Walton’s retirement.
Stadium: Joe Walton Stadium, with a capacity of approximately 3,000, served as the home field and is located on the university’s campus.
Key Game: A 31–28 victory over Duquesne on September 15 was a highlight, showcasing the team’s offensive resilience in a non-conference matchup.

Season Performance

The 2012 campaign featured a mix of close losses and hard-fought wins, reflecting the team’s transitional phase under new leadership. The Colonials opened the season with a tough 41–10 loss to FBS opponent Akron but responded with competitive performances in subsequent weeks.

Non-Conference Challenges: The schedule included games against FBS opponents, such as Akron, testing the team against higher-division competition early in the season.
Offensive Leadership: Quarterback Robby Dorn emerged as a key playmaker, throwing for over 1,700 yards and 11 touchdowns during the season.
Defensive Standouts: Linebacker Mike McLaughlin recorded 87 tackles, leading the team and earning multiple NEC weekly honors.
Special Teams: Kicker Alex Yankovich converted 8 of 11 field goal attempts, providing reliable scoring in tight games.
Injuries: A mid-season rash of injuries to key defensive backs disrupted continuity and contributed to late-season losses.
Final Game: The season concluded with a 38–21 loss to Saint Francis (PA), ending any hopes of a winning record or postseason berth.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2012 Robert Morris Colonials with the previous and following seasons to highlight trends in performance and coaching impact.

Season	Overall Record	NEC Record	Head Coach	Key Statistic
2011	3–8	2–5	Joe Walton	18.4 PPG scored
2012	5–6	3–4	Andrew Breiner	22.1 PPG scored
2013	6–5	5–2	Andrew Breiner	27.8 PPG scored
2010	6–5	4–3	Joe Walton	23.6 PPG scored
2009	6–5	4–3	Joe Walton	24.1 PPG scored

The data shows a gradual improvement from 2011 to 2013, with the 2012 season acting as a transitional year under new coaching leadership. While the team did not achieve a winning record, the increase in points per game and conference wins signaled progress. The 2012 season laid the foundation for a stronger 2013 campaign, where Robert Morris nearly captured the NEC title.

Why It Matters

The 2012 season was pivotal in shaping the future trajectory of Robert Morris football, marking the beginning of a new coaching era and player development cycle. Though not a championship-caliber year, it provided valuable experience and insight for future success.

Coaching Transition: Andrew Breiner’s first season set the tone for modernized offensive schemes and increased player accountability.
Player Development: Several underclassmen gained significant playing time, contributing to deeper rosters in subsequent years.
Recruiting Momentum: Competitive performances helped attract higher-caliber recruits to the program by 2013.
Conference Relevance: The 3–4 NEC record kept Robert Morris in the middle tier of the conference, maintaining its competitive standing.
Facility Use: Continued use of Joe Walton Stadium reinforced community ties and provided a stable home environment.
Program Identity: The season helped define a new identity post-Joe Walton, emphasizing resilience and incremental growth.

Ultimately, the 2012 Robert Morris Colonials season was a bridge between eras. While it didn’t yield a postseason appearance, it established groundwork that led to more successful campaigns in the years immediately following.