The Series

Colorado Mesa defeated Black Hills State 31-29 last season in Spearfish, S.D. The game will be the second between the two schools and the first in Grand Junction, Colo.

RMAC Player of the Week

Redshirt freshman Elijah Williams was named the RMAC Special Teams player of the Week for his performance at Chadron State. The Aurora, Colo., native was a perfect 4-4 on field goals against the Eagles. William's four field goals this season is the second most by an RMAC kicker. 

Kicking Battle

The top-two field goal kicking teams will be on display this Saturday in Grand Junction. BHSU enters the contest a perfect 1-1 on field goals this season while CMU ranks second making 6-of-7 (.857) kicks. 

Record Watch

Junior running back Jake Cimolino rushed for a season-high 146 yards on 34 carries (4.3 ypc) in the loss at Chadron State. The Fort Gragg, Calif., native ranks second in the RMAC in rushing yards per game with 119.3. He currently has 2,697 career rushing yards and needs 139 yards to move past Charles Dukes (2001-04) for third place at Colorado Mesa. Cimolino ranks fourth in the league in total offense averaging 123.3 yards per game. 

Career Rushing

1. Bobby Coy (2005-08) 4,161

1. Mike Vaughn (1987-90) 4,161

3. Charles Dukes (2001-04) 2,835

4. Jake Cimolino (2011-Pres.) 2,697

5. Marlo Johnson (1988-90) 2,268

6. Andy Coryell (1997-00) 1,986

Tackle Machine

Jake Edmiston has led the team in tackles in all three game this season for the Mavericks and currently ranks second in the RMAC averaging 12.7 per contest. The Palisade, Colo., native has also forced two fumbles, tied for second most in the league. 

Shutdown Corner

Junior Jordan Price leads the league in pass defending with five pass breakups and one interception. The Fort Worth, Texas, native has handled the majority of the return duties for CMU this season. He ranks sixth in the RMAC in kick off returns (18.8 ypr) and seventh in punt returns (2.8 ypr).

Pass Defending

The CMU defense picked off a season-high three passes at Chadron State and leads the league with four interceptions this season. Cody Daniels, Travis McRae and Michael Brady all recorded their first interceptions of the season.  

4th Down Defense

Colorado Mesa ranks second in the league in fourth down defense stopping its opponents 83-percent of the time. Black Hills State's defense has struggled stopping teams on fourth down this season. Opponents have converted on first down 66-percent of time, second best in the league. 

Coach to Cure

All of the coaches at this weekend's game will be wearing patches in support of the Coach to Cure MD program to battle Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Fans can donate by going to www.CoachtoCureMD.org or by texting the word CURE to 90999 to donate $5. 

Looking Ahead

Colorado Mesa will play at New Mexico Highlands Oct. 5.