Mesa State's (3-3, 3-1) three game win streak was snapped Saturday night falling to Colorado School of Mines (4-2, 4-0) 23-17. Colorado Mines and Mesa State entered the homecoming game undefeated in league play and tied with University of Neb.-Kearney for first place. The Orediggers held off a second half rally by the Mavericks for their fourth consecutive victory.
Mines held a 10-0 halftime lead on a 39-yard field goal and a 4-yard shovel pass with 24-seconds remaining in the first half. The touchdown was the result of a 5-play, 51-yard drive in 31 seconds.
The Orediggers extended the lead to 17-0 mid-way through the third quarter, capitalizing on an interception. Mines took advantage of the turnover and drove 56-yards in four plays, scoring on a 41-yard touchdown reception.
MSC's first score of the game came late in the third quarter on a Mike Mankoff to Justin Murray 18-yard pass reception to pull to within 7-17. The touchdown drive was a result of a fumble recovery by Zay Lopez on a punt return. MSC recovered the ball on the Mines' 22-yard line.
MSC opened the fourth quarter with an Aaron Silverthorn 33-yard interception return to the Orediggers 47-yard line. The turnover set up a 31-yard field goal (10-17) by Michael Sweeney after the Mavericks drive stalled at the Mines' 14-yard line.
The Orediggers answered back on the ensuing possession on a 32-yard touchdown reception with 7:19 remaining in regulation for a 23-10 lead. The point after attempt failed.
MSC drove 66-yards in nine plays to pull to within six points (17-23) of the Orediggers with 2:38 remaining in the game. Mankoff's 7-yard strike to Justin Murray was the duos second hookup on the night.
Colorado Mines recovered the onside kick but failed to gain a yard (-8 yards) and were forced to punt. Mines' punt to the end zone for a touchback gave the Mavericks the ball on their own 20-yard line with 1:32 left in regulation. Will Halboth rushed for two first downs and 30 yards in two plays advancing the ball to midfield. MSC was flagged for a false start and pushed back to the MSC 45-yard line. The Mavericks were unable to covert on four pass plays, turning the ball over on downs.
CSM racked up 385 total yards (343 passing) to MSC's 247 (112 passing). MSC converted on just 1 of 13 third down conversions. Mines were 7 of 17 on third down conversions. Each team was perfect in the red zone (MSC 3-3, CSM 2-2).
Will Halboth led all rushers with 102 yards on 20 carries. Justin Murray had five catches for 42 yards and two touchdowns. Michael Mankoff was 9 for 18 (one interception) for 80 yards and two touchdown passes. Robert Felberg was 3 for 8 for 32 yards.
MSC will travel to CSU-Pueblo next Saturday night. The ThunderWolves (3-3, 2-2) fell to University Neb.-Kearney 44-12.
