Complete Notes in PDFThe Colorado Mesa University football team will seek its fifth straight RMAC win this Saturday (Oct. 17) when it hosts Western New Mexico for Homecoming.
Series
Colorado Mesa has dominated the series with Western New Mexico leading the all-time series 25-9.
Polls
Colorado Mesa was the first team receiving votes in the latest American Football Coaches Association Div. II Coaches' Poll Oct. 12.
Score 14
Colorado Mesa is 5-0 this season when it scores 14 or more points and 0-1 when it scores less than 13. The last time the Mavs were nationally ranked was the final poll of the 2007 season.
Receiving Game
Virnel Moon is averaging 20.8 yards per reception this season, best in the RMAC and 18th in NCAA Div. II. The El Cajon, Calif., native has caught 15 passes for 312 yards. He is also the team's top threat on kickoffs averaging 21.8 yards per return.
Quarterback Play
Sean Rubalcaba ranks in the top-25 in three different categories; eighth in passing yards per competition (15.39), 17th in yards per pass attempt (8.73) and 22nd in pass efficiency (152.9). The Grand Junction, Colo., native ranks first or second in all three categories.
Fourth Down
Colorado Mesa leads the RMAC and ranks 10th in the nation in fourth down defense at .200 percent (3-15). Western New Mexico is tied for seventh in the RMAC in fourth-down conversion at .333 percent (5-15).
Punt Returns
Dustin Rivas is averaging 20.8 yards per punt return, best in the RMAC and fifth in Div. II. His punt return touchdown is tied for first in the league and fourth best in Div. II.
Punting
Austin Pitchford has moved up to third in the league and 22nd in the nation in punting averaging 40.8 yards per punt. The Castle Rock, Colo., native has seven punts inside the 20 and two punts over 50 yards.
Defensive Domination
Blake Nelson turned in another strong performance on defense at New Mexico Highlands. The Centennial, Colo., native recorded a season-high 13 tackles, four solo, against the Cowboys. Nelson ranks second on the team with 60 tackles this season. He leads the team in tackles for loss (nine) and sacks (4.5). His two fumble recoveries tank second in the league and 12th best is NCAA Div. II.
Interceptions
Jackson Burrell took over the team lead in interceptions with four after intercepting a pair of passes at Highlands last week. The Mavericks have 12 interceptions this season, most in the RMAC and eighth in Div. II.
Penalties
Colorado Mesa set season-lows for penalties (five) and penalty yards (44) last week at New Mexico Highlands.
Scoring Defense
CMU is allowing 10.2 points per game, third-best in the nation. The Mavs rank eighth in red zone defense (.588). Mesa's opponents have made 17 trips inside the red zone this season, scoring 10 times, only three of which were touchdowns.
Turnover Margin
Colorado Mesa has a turnover margin of +12 this season, third best in Div. II. The Mavs rank eighth in the nation and lead the RMAC with 12 interceptions this season.
Looking Ahead
Colorado Mesa will travel to Durango to face Fort Lewis on Oct. 24th.
