The Colorado Mesa Mavericks will welcome the Chadron State Eagles to Stocker Stadium on Saturday in week number two of RMAC play.

The Mavericks are 2-1 after a rather convincing 28-20 win over Adams State last week in Alamosa. The score may not look convincing, but consider the fact that the Mavericks led 28-0 entering the fourth quarter and proceeded to play their second team defense for much of the final period. Had the Mavericks been able to pick up one yard at the goal line against Kingsville two weeks ago they would be sitting at 3-0.

Win number three on the season won't come easy if it happens this week. The Mavericks have lost 10 straight to Chadron State, but have had plenty of close games against the perennial RMAC power.Last year against the Eagles, the Mavericks jumped out to a 15-0 lead and were in a 24-24 game in the fourth quarter before the Eagles managed a 30-24 win.Two years ago, the Mavs trailed by 1 entering the 4th quarter before falling 31-20, and three years ago the Mavericks lost 24-17 in overtime.

What will it take for the Mavericks to get over the hump this time and walk away with a victory?

If the Mavericks can avoid turnovers in this ball game they have a great chance to win. Through three games this season, CMU has lost just two fumbles and one interception. Against teams like Chadron you certainly can't afford to squander scoring opportunities with turnovers and give the Eagles offense extra possessions.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Mavericks have forced 10 turnovers this season and a couple of those on Saturday could be the difference in the ball game.

Chadron State lost 39-34  to Idaho State, a Division 1 FCS school, and fell last week at home to fellow RMAC power Colorado Mines 33-18. The Eagles will be hungry for a win --but they have to make the long bus ride from Chadron, Nebraska all the way to western Colorado.

While the Mavericks have been dealing with some key injuries, this team seems to have more depth than past teams, the defense is playing tough, and the offense is showing flashes of explosiveness. This should be a great game on Saturday, kicking off at 1:00 at Stocker Stadium.(Radio coverage on ESPN 1230 AM)

 

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