Colorado Mesa University will open the 2016 season the same way it ended the 2015 season with a game at Western State Colorado University. The Mavericks defeated the Mountaineers 31-28 at Mountaineer Stadium last season. 

Series History
Head coach Russ Martin returns for his fifth season at Colorado Mesa. Last year he led the Mavericks to nine wins, the most during his tenure, and a runner-up finish in the RMAC. He has a record of 24-20 at CMU. 

Season Openers
Colorado Mesa has won its last three season-openers and has outscored its opponents 121-40 in those three wins. The last season-opening loss for Colorado Mesa was a 38-19 loss at Humboldt State in 2012.  

Special Teams
Colorado Mesa blocked seven kicks last season, 12th most in NCAA Div. II, and three punts, 15th most in the nation. 

Quarterback
Senior Sean Rubalcaba returns at quarterback for Colorado Mesa. The local Grand Junction product started the first 10 games of the season before suffering a season-ending injury. Rubalcaba completed 95-174 passes for 1,479 yards and 15 touchdowns and three interceptions. He ran for 411 yards and three touchdowns. Rubalcaba ranked ninth in NCAA Div. II in passing yards per completion (15.57) and 21st in yards per pass attempt (8.55). 

Schedule
Colorado Mesa's first 10 games this season will all be league games. Dixie State and South Dakota Mines will be RMAC members in football for the 2016 season. Colorado Mesa will close the regular season with a non-conference home game against Azusa Pacific. CMU will play six home games and five road games. 

Throw it to the Moon
Junior wide receiver Virnel Moon was the favorite target for CMU. The El Cajon, Calif., native led the team in receptions (35), yards (682) and receiving touchdowns (seven). He ranked 20th in NCAA Div. II in yards per reception (19.49). 

Kicking Game
Junior kicker Ryan Sheehan averaged 1.45 field goals per game last season, ninth-best in NCAA Div. II. Junior punter Austin Pitchford averaged 41.2 yards per punt a year-ago, 19th-best in NCAA Div. II. 

Turnovers
CMU ranked third in NCAA Div. II in turnover margin (1.45). 

All-American Returns
Junior All-American defensive back and kick returner Dustin Rivas returns. The Thorton, Colo., native tied for the team-lead in interceptions with five and ranked 22nd in interceptions per game (0.5). He ranked fifth on the team with 53 tackles and blocked three kicks, seventh best in the nation. Rivas ranked second in the nation in yards per punt return (17.0) and 11th in punt return touchdowns (one). 

Defense
The defense has been a strong point for the Mavericks under Russ Martin. Last season the defense ranked in the top-20 in NCAA Div. II in six categories: third in fourth-down conversion defense (.250), seventh in defensive touchdowns (five), 11th in red zone defense (.650), 13th in passes intercepted (19) and 13th in team passing efficiency defense (101.76). 

Ground Game
Colorado Mesa lost its leading rusher from last year, DJ Hubbard (849 yards), to graduation, but returns its next three highest rushers. Junior running back Jonathon Beverly rushed for 707 yards on 115 carries (6.1 ypc) in 2015. Senior quarterback Sean Rubalcaba rushed for 411 yards on 110 carries (3.7 ypc), and senior running back David Tann rushed for 374 yards on 62 carries (6.0 ypc) a year ago. 

Looking Ahead
Colorado Mesa will make its home debut Sept. 10 against Chadron State.