CMU Homecoming Game Presents Huge Challenge for Mavericks

Homecoming is always a special time for fans and students, but for the football team the focus is on one thing - playing good football on Saturday. Colorado School of Mines presents a huge challenge for the CMU Mavericks, and the question to be answered is will the Mavericks be up to the task.

The Mavericks are 5-2 overall and 4-1 in the RMAC. They haven't won five games in a season since 2009 when they finished 5-6. The Mavericks are still in contention for the conference championship, and that's the goal these players have set for themselves. To keep that dream alive, the Mavericks must win a tough game against the Orediggers.

Colorado Mines used to be the doormat of the RMAC. Things have changed dramatically since head coach Bob Stitt took over the program. The Mavs are 28-9 against Mines since 1975. But, the Orediggers have won the last four meetings by an average score of 33-13.

The Orediggers themselves were expecting and expected to contend for the RMAC title, but stumbled on the road  to Western New Mexico, and then dropped  a 48-28 decision to 3rd ranked CSU-Pueblo. CMU head coach Russ Martin says he expects the Orediggers to be on top of their game on Saturday.

"They are a very well coached football team. They've had a couple of setbacks, and they're disappointed, but they are going to play with a great amount of pride, and they are still gonna have high expectations."

Colorado Mines is clearly the best team the Mavericks have faced since week #3 when the lost to Chadron State 30-24. They are solid on both sides of the ball. But, Coach Martin says his team's focus is on themselves.

"We can't control Colorado Mines. We control Colorado Mesa.We will emphasize to our guys what we can do, and what we can do better.The exciting part about these guys is every single week when we go to practice they're bustin' their tails, working to get better and have taken so much pride. I love 'em, and they're just playing their tails off."

Kickoff at Stocker Stadium  for Saturday's homecoming game is at 1:00, and you can hear the game on the radio on  AM 1230 KEXO and kexo1230.com.