Complete Game Notes in PDF

Colorado Mesa will hit the road this weekend playing at Black Hills State Oct. 4 at 1 pm. 

Coaching Connection
CMU head coach Russ Martin got his first head coaching job at Black Hills State in 1996. He served as the head coach for four seasons before making the jump to Div. I in 2000 to Southeast Missouri State. 

Interceptions
Colorado Mesa currently ranks 22nd in the nation and third in the RMAC with six passes intercepted. Last season the Mavericks intercepted an RMAC record seven passes against the Yellow Jackets. Dustin Rivas picked off his fourth pass of the season against Chadron. He ranks fifth in the nation averaging 1.0 interceptions per game. 

Blocked Kicks
CMU is tied for the national lead with three blocked punts after blocking a punt against Chadron State last week. The Mavericks have also done an outstanding jump blocking field goals tallying five this year, second most in the nation. Pace leads Div. II with six.

Kick Returns
The Mavericks have enjoyed strong field position this season thanks to a league leading 29.29 kick return average which ranks third in Div. II. DJ Hubbard has been the Mavericks most potent return man averaging a league-high 33.3 yards. 

Defense
CMU has 10.5 tackles for loss this year, third most in Div. II and tops in the RMAC. 

Turnovers
Both CMU and BHSU enter Saturday's game +6 in turnovers. Black Hills has gained 13 turnovers (four interceptions, nine fumbles forced), and CMU has 11 turnovers (six interceptions, five fumbles forced). 

Punting
Austin Pitchford had another strong game punting the football. He averaged 45.8 yards on six punts, including two inside the 20 and a long of 54 yards. He is averaging 44.4 yards per punt this season, fifth-best in the nation and third in the RMAC. 

Score 20+
CMU is 2-0 this season when it scores more than 20 points. 

Lead Early
The Mavericks are 2-0 this season when it leads after the first quarter. 

Second Quarter Success
The second quarter has been the most successful for the Mavericks this season. CMU has scored a season-high 31 points in the second while giving up a season-low nine. 

First Start
Freshman Alex Cota will make his first career start at quarterback for the Mavericks at Black Hills. He has completed 12-of-31 passes for 172 yards with one touchdown and one interception. 

Looking Ahead
Colorado Mesa will host New Mexico Highlands Oct. 11 at 1 pm.