Nice start, but now the real fun begins.

The Colonials got off to a great start by dominating the Savannah State Tigers in the second half of Saturday's opener leading to a 86-66 victory. Here is Chris' game review, I encourage you to give it a read.

RMU 86, Savannah State 66

While that game was a perfect start to the season, RMU played one of the worst teams they will play all season, on the back end of a back to back (The Tigers got mashed by Pitt Friday night). A loss would have been devastating.

The Colonials now have their hands full. Eight of the next 10 games are on the road, including three challenging road games this week, the last of which takes place at Rupp Arena, where the Colonials will take on the number one ranked team in the country, with arguably the best player in the country (Julius Randle is GOOD).

It's go time now for Andy Toole's
Colonials.

The first game of the road trip will take place at Lafayette, where the Colonials will take on one of the best teams on the Patriot League (I'll be there with full coverage here on CTC, and on cityofbasketballlove.com).

That game will be no walk in the park, and will be a great test for a Andy Toole and his team. Lafayette is the type of team that RMU will use to prepare for the top of the NEC competition. On top of that, the leopards are re-opening their newly renovated arena, and should have a great crowed on hand.

The rest of the road trip outside of the Kentucky game, will provide similar challenges. Eastern Michigan out of the MAC is a game RMU *should* win, but will they be looking ahead to UK?

Cleveland State beat Iona at home in their opener, and may be better than most expect. Buffalo should contend to win the MAC, Delaware is a top 3-4 team in the CAA, and Youngstown State has always gave the Colonials fits over the years.

RMU will end this stretch against the rival Duquesne Dukes, who they have beaten three straight times, so you know the Dukes will want to put a halt to that run.

The two home games, Texas Arlington, and Toledo will provided challenges as well, especially that game against Toledo, who along with Buffalo is a contender in the MAC.

This will be a key 10 game stretch before they finish off conference play with two of four games against BCS level teams, Alabama and Oklahoma State (ranked in the top 10).

Awesome win to start the season guys, but now the real fun begins.

--Lee Kunkel
--@Kunkel5