The Mavericks are used to winning big games. In years past, the Colorado Mesa University football team has been able to cap off enormous wins to make them one of the most formidable teams in all of NCAA Division II.
However, this year has been a different tale. All you have to do is look at the most recent loss to Colorado School of Mines. The 72-31 loss to the Orediggers is the second most points the Mavericks have given up in school history. The defense surrendered 797 yards of total offense and was handed their second loss in two weeks.
With the next big game coming up this weekend against RMAC rival CSU-Pueblo, CMU needs to avoid another loss and finally achieve that first big win of the season. Last year the Thunderwolves were the ones to give the Mavericks their first loss of the season in a heartbreaking 30-24 defeat.
The last time the two teams faced off at Stocker Stadium, the Mavericks won a nail-biter in what was one of the biggest upsets of the season. This year CMU has the home field advantage once again and will look to gain some much-needed momentum in the RMAC.
Last Saturday against the Skyhawks, all four quarterbacks got snaps under center and threw for a combined 321 yards and two touchdowns. Salum was only one to throw for any scores but also threw for the only interception.
Salum was taken out during halftime due to a rib injury suffered in the first half of the game.
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The running game was highlighted in the second half. Jonathon Beverly, who has not seem many consecutive touches all season, ran the ball 33 times for 128 yards and one touchdown. Beverly may continue to take the primary reps in the backfield due to Lake Makakona not getting a single touch last Saturday.
It is amazing what a big win can do for a team. When the Mavericks got the last second 38-36 win against Colorado Mines last season, it lit a fire under the backside of CMU and elevated them to eventually win the RMAC. But since there are already two losses in their record, with one of them being a 41-point blowout, it stops a team like CMU dead in the tracks and will take a big tow truck to pull them out.
Last Saturday’s win was definitely an unorthodox game due to the variety at the quarterback position, and Salum has been the only quarterback taking the snaps for CMU in the last season and a half. But, after the loss the Orediggers, it is understandable for Russ Martin to try different methods to see what will result in W’s, especially since it is uncertain when Salum will return from his rib injury.x
Looking ahead to this weekend’s matchup, that will be nationally broadcasted on ESPN 3, CSU-Pueblo’s offense is driven by the rushing attack.
The Thunderwolves average 276.5 yards per game on the ground and have scored 22 touchdowns by punching it in via the rush. Running back Marche Dennard is third in the RMAC with 588 yards and eight touchdowns.
CSU-P’s rush defense is the best in the RMAC. Averaging only 108.7 yards per game and four touchdowns through six games.
The Mavericks will have to play their best game of the season and then some against the Thunderwolves. A loss would kill CMU’s momentum for the rest of the year and put a dagger in the coffin where any postseason hopes lay.
The game will take place on Oct. 13 and will be broadcasted nationally on ESPN 3. It will be the second consecutive year the battle between the two teams will be shown to a national audience, except this time only CSU-P is ranked.