DiMichele took the ball away from VMI on three different occasions during the Colonials’ heartbreaking one-point setback on opening day. The junior linebacker made 15 tackles (6 solo) and recovered a program-record three fumbles, one of which he forced. DiMichele’s prime performance was a major factor in limiting Big South Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Tim Maprey and the nation’s top rushing attack (357.5 ypg) from last year to only 14 points at home. The veteran Colonial twice denied VMI inside Robert Morris’ 25-yard line. He recovered a second-quarter fumble at the RMU 23 before thwarting a first-and-goal situation from the four by forcing Howard Abegash to cough up the ball and then pouncing on it.