RAPID CITY, S.D. --- Another game, another win for the South Dakota School of Mines football team.
 
As the clock wound down on a cool September evening, the Hardrockers executed a brilliant second half game plan that shutout the visiting Dixie State Trailblazers.
 
Leading the charge for the Hardrockers were QB Jake Sullivan with 223 passing yards, RB Kevin Thompson with 151 rushing yards, WR Isaiah Manley with 93 receiving yards, and DB Triston Brown with eight tackles. Another bright spot for the 'Rockers was RB Dorian Cowart who gave the home team a fantastic addition to the run game adding 142 all-purpose yards on 15 touches.
 
Next up this week, is Rocky Mountain Athletic Conferernce and national powerhouse -- the No. 18 ranked CSU-Pueblo ThunderWolves.
 
This will be the two programs' second ever meeting, with the edge going to the ThunderWolves after Last season's matchup in Pueblo, where the ThunderWolves won, 37-10. After opening a 16-0 halftime lead, the Pack led, 23-3, after the third quarter before adding two scores in the fourth. The Hardrockers will be looking to put the clamp down on CSU-Pueblo's offense this time out.
 
With the Hardrockers preparation will also come discipline. The ThunderWolves are coming off an upsetting loss to West Texas A&M to drop them to 1-1 on the season. That is not what long time CSUP head coach John Wristen had in mind and they will definitely be ready for 'Rocker Nation Saturday. Ball security will be of high importance for SD Mines as they had two crucial turnovers against the ThunderWolves last season during the 37-10 defeat.
 
Key highlights for the Hardrockers:
 
• The Hardrockers are 2-0 overall and 1-0 in RMAC play after a decisive 35-14 home win against Dixie State last week.
 
• The offense is averaging 38.5 points and 470.5 yards per game. SD Mines has averaged 259.5 yards passing and 211 yards rushing per game this early season.
 
• QB Jake Sullivan has thrown for 519 yards and four touchdowns with a 58.5 completion percentage. RB Kevin Thompson has averaged 116 yards per game and totals three rushing scores.
 
• SD Mines had two 100-yard rushers last week in Thompson (151) and Cowart (103)
 
• QB Jake Sullivan has thrown for 519 yards and four touchdowns with a 58.5 completion percentage. RB Kevin Thompson has averaged 116 yards per game and totals three rushing scores.
 
• The Hardrocker defense has four takeaways (two INT, two fumble recoveries) and is holding their opponents to 20.5 points per game.
 
• Junior Placekicker Robbie Jo Gerarden continues to add to his career extra point total. The Black Diamond, Wash., native is now 11-11 on the season and has Hardrocker total of 93.  
 
• The defense has five players with 10 or more tackles in the first two games.
 
 
• SD Mines was sixth in the RMAC preseason poll.
 
Key Highlights for CSU-Pueblo
• The ThunderWolves are coming off a loss to West Texas A&M, as WT upset the Pack with a 28-yard field goal with four seconds remaining to win 24-21.
• CSU-Pueblo has lost a Week 2 game against WT in each of the past three seasons. 

• RB Austin Micci totaled three rushing touchdowns against WT and now owns four rushing scores this season to rank T-5th in Division II for rushing touchdowns. He added a receiving touchdown against Colorado Mines and with 30 points on the year, ranks tied for second in both total points scored and touchdowns.

• After allowing 267.0 points per game in the first two weeks, the ThunderWolves rank 19th in Division II in total defense.   

• The ThunderWolves are 8-for-8 in the red zone with seven touchdowns and a 26-yard field goal from the new kicker, R-Fr. Mitchell Carter. The Pack are tied with 31 other teams for the lead in NCAA Division II. Last season CSU-Pueblo finished 18th nationally in the category. 
 
Saturday's game is set for a 6 p.m. (MST) start. Come support Rocker Nation at Dunham Field or watch the game and follow along with the livestats by logging onto: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/sdsmt/