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DAYTON — Rick Chamberlin didn't like watching his offense spew exhaust fumes like a beat-up old jalopy in the season opener, but the University of Dayton football coach plans to remain patient, remembering even last year's powerhouse team needed a few weeks to evolve.

The Flyers went to the spread offense in 2007, and quarterback Kevin Hoyng and his mates began the year with a bumpy 23-12 win over Robert Morris.

UD ended up setting school records for total points (466) and yards per game (481.0) while going 11-1. With nine new offensive starters this year, the Flyers racked up a modest 290 yards in a 31-12 victory over Central State on Sunday.

"Our first game last year wasn't a blockbuster by any means," Chamberlin said. "We got a score there early, but the rest of the day was a struggle. I would compare Central State's defense very close to Robert Morris' defense.

"It's something that will grow. I'm just hoping people don't think the offense they saw against Albany (in a 42-21 Gridiron Classic win) will be the offense they're going to see these first couple games. It just takes, with new people, time to get it going."

The Flyers' defense is as salty as ever, though. Senior Scott Vossler was named the Pioneer League defensive player of the week after notching three sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown against CSU.

"He was better than the guy across from him, and he took advantage of it," Chamberlin said.

Hoops schedule changed

Because of the presidential inauguration, the Atlantic 10 has moved the UD men's basketball game at George Washington to Thursday, Jan. 22, pushing a Flyer home game with St. Bonaventure back a day to Sunday, Jan. 25.

A home matchup with Saint Joseph's also was moved a day to Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 1, and will be a CSTV regional broadcast. The tipoff time hasn't been set, but an early-afternoon start is expected to avoid a conflict with the NFL's big bash.

Three make all-tourney

The UD women's soccer team put three players on the Illini Challenge Cup all-tournament team last weekend: sophomores Kelly Blumenschein and Jerica DeWolfe, and freshman Kelsey Miller.

The Flyers (2-1), who lost in overtime to No. 18 Illinois in the title game, are currently receiving votes in the national NSCAA/adidas Top 25.

"We're really deep and we're way more athletic than we've been in awhile," said coach Mike Tucker, in his 14th season leading UD.

The Flyers, who face Michigan on the road Friday, will have a difficult grind to reach their annual goal of an NCAA tourney appearance, but that's the way Tucker likes it.

"We want to challenge ourselves," he said. "We've targeted the Big Ten because they're close to us and we go against them for regional rankings. There's nothing like head-to-head matchups to show where you belong."

Schroeder honored

Volleyball player Erin Schroeder was named to the all-tourney team at the Arizona State Sheraton Classic last weekend. UD went 1-2 in the season-opening event.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2125 or dharris@DaytonDailyNews.com.