Complete Notes in PDF

The Colorado Mesa University football team will look to remain undefeated in conference play this Saturday when it plays at Chadron State. Mesa posted a dominating 55-16 win over Adams State last week. Chadron State won its first season opener at Missouri S&T and followed up with losses to Missouri State and Colorado Mines. 

Series
Chadron State has dominated the series with Colorado Mesa winning the last 11 meetings. The last time CMU won was a 21-14 victory in Chadron on Oct. 11, 2003. 

Player of the Week
For the third straight week Colorado Mesa had a player earn Player of the Week honors from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference. Dustin Rivas was named the special teams player of the week after returning three punts for 149 yards (49.6 ypr), including an 85-yard return for a touchdown. Rivas ranks second in Div. II in punt returns averaging 31.0 yards per return. 

Protect the End Zone
Adams State's touchdown at 1:25 of the third period snapped Mesa's streak of not allowing a touchdown at 173:53 plus one overtime period.  CMU is allowing 11.7 points per game, fewest in the RMAC and 12th best in Div. II. 

Run Game
Jonathon Beverly has established himself as one of the top running backs in Div. II. The Littleton, Colo., native leads the league and ranks 10th in rushing yards per carry at 7.92. He ranks third in the league and 12th nationally in rushing yards (404) and third in the league and 13th nationally in rushing yards per game (134.7). 

Passing Game
Sean Rubalcaba completed 13-of-19 passes for 270 yards and three touchdown passes. The Grand Junction, Colo., native has a passing efficiency of 177.86 this season with 367 passing yards and completing 61-percent (22-36) of his passes with one interception. He is the team's third leading rusher with 70 yards this season and averaging 3.9 yards per carry. 

Making Stops
Colorado Mesa leads the league and ranks 15th in Div. II in fourth down defense holding opponents to .111 (1-9). The Mavs rank second, behind Chadron State, in the league and 15th nationally in third down defense at .250 (11-44). 

Passing Defense
Colorado Mesa leads the RMAC in passing defense allowing a league-low 178.7 yards per game. The Mavs are ranked first in the league and ninth in Div. II in pass efficiency defense at 84.78. 

Turnovers
Colorado Mesa is a league-best +4 in turnover margin this season. The Mavs also lead the league in turnovers gained with eight. 

High Score
The 55 points that Colorado Mesa scored last week against Adams State was the most the Mavs scored since Sept. 10, 2011 when they scored 52 points at Dixie State. 

Field Goal Success
Ryan Sheehan leads the league in field goal percentage at 88-percent. He has made seven-of-eight field goals with a long of 44-yards. He leads Div. II with 2.33 field goals per game and ranks 23rd in scoring with 11.0 points per game. 

Interceptions
Colorado Mesa has intercepted an RMAC-best seven passes this season. The team's seven interceptions ranks fifth in Div. II. 

Second Quarter
The Mavericks have scored 44 points in the second quarter, more than any other quarter. 

Looking Ahead
Colorado Mesa will host Black Hills State for Parents Weekend Oct. 3rd.