Valentino passes for 2 2nd-quarter touchdowns to lead Dayton over Robert Morris 28-14

Valentino leads Dayton over Robert Morris 28-14

DAYTON, Ohio. — Steve Valentino passed for two second-quarter touchdowns and had 317 total yards to lead Dayton over Robert Morris 28-14 in both teams’ opener on Saturday.

Valentino hit Justin Watkins for a 24-yard touchdown on a fourth-and-10, giving the Flyers of the Pioneer League a 14-0 lead with 8:26 left in the first half. The play, which followed a timeout, capped a 94-yard, 13-play drive.

After holding the Colonials of the Northeast Conference to a three-and-out, Dayton scored again as Valentino connected with Nick Collins for a 4-yard TD.

Valentino rushed for 106 yards and was 19-for-37 passing for 211 yards and two interceptions for the Flyers, who held possession for 37 minutes.

Watkins made eight catches for 95 yards.

Robert Morris quarterback Jeff Sinclair was 14-for-29 for 146 yards, including a 33-yard third-quarter score to Anthony Coleman.