INSIDE THE SERIES
Colorado Mesa has won the past four matchups against the Mountaineers including 12 of the past 13 matcups as well. The Mavericks claimed a 49-23 season opening win over Western State a year ago at Stocker Stadium.

The Mountaineers have gotten off to a slow start this season falling to Division I FCS opponent Idaho State 45-10 in week one followed by a 38-21 loss to South Dakota Mines in their RMAC opener last weekend.

Special teams returner Rodray Perkins may be the biggest threat for the Mountaineers. He is the all-time record holder for kick return yards in Western State history. 

ALL-TIME SERIES: Colorado Mesa 26-19
AT COLORADO MESA: Colorado Mesa 12-6
AT WESTERN STATE: Colorado Mesa 13-6

QUICK RECAP
Colorado Mesa moved its record to 2-0 on the season after picking up a win over the Lone Star Conference's Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds 34-21. This is the third straight season the Mavericks have started the season out 2-0 in the Russ Martin era. 

RARE WIN
The win on Saturday was a rare one for Colorado Mesa. The Mavericks win over the Lone Star Conference opponent was the first since 2000 when Colorado Mesa defeated Northeastern State, 40-21 in a NCAA Playoff matchup. Since then, the Mavericks were 0-6 in matchups against the Lone Star Conference.

Since 2000 vs. the Lone Star Conference
2016: Lost 34-23 at Texas A&M-Commerce (NCAA Playoff Game)
2015: Lost 16-13 vs. Midwestern State
2014: Lost 17-14 at Texas A&M-Kingsville
2008: Lost 23-20 vs. West Texas A&M
2007: Lost 56-12 at Abilene Christian (NCAA Playoff Game)
2006: Lost 44-14 at West Texas A&M

DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference features three teams in the top ten in scoring offense in the country currently yet only four schools are in the top 85 in scoring defense. New Mexico Highlands is the top scoring team, averaging 55 points per game while allowing 34 points a contest, 118th in NCAA Division II. Colorado Mesa is currently 63rd in scoring offense and 82nd in scoring defense.

MONEY DOWN
The Mavericks have been very efficient on third down this season and it has shown in two different categories. One is time of possession (see next note) and two in third down conversion rate. Colorado Mesa leads the RMAC and is third nationally on third down, converting 57 percent of the time. They were 10-of-16 on third down in the win over Eastern New Mexico.

IT TAKES TIME
Generally, Colorado Mesa doesn't win the time of possession battle due to their quick strike offense. This year, they have won that battle in both games and own over a nine and a half minute advantage in the time of possession category. Against Eastern New Mexico, the Mavericks final drive of the game milked over seven minutes off the clock in which they were able to run the clock out for the win.

CATCHING ON
Senior wide receiver Marcus Hines is on the doorstep of another impressive feat. In game one, Hines became the ninth player in Colorado Mesa history to eclipse 1,000 yards in a career. The Las Vegas native is now just five catches away from becoming just the fifth player in Maverick history to haul in 100 passes for his career. Currently, he has 95 receptions for 1,043 yards in his career.