Road test awaits in Alamosa……..

ALAMOSA, Colo. --- A cold wet Saturday saw the Hardrockers fall to Black Hills State and relinquish the Homestake Trophy after winning it the past two seasons. It was a difficult loss for the team, but one that surely will prepare them for the rest of the season.
 
The Hardrockers saw a 24-6 halftime lead disappear as the Yellow Jackets put on the pressure. SD Mines has been a team to beat in the second half this season, but gave up 19 points in the third quarter and saw the trophy slip away for the first time in three years.

Up next for the Hardrockers is Adams State University of Alamosa, CO. This will only be the second-ever meeting between the two programs. Last year they faced each other for the first time as Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference opponents in Rapid City where SD Mines team handed the Grizzlies a 62-35 defeat.   This game saw over 1,000 yards of total offense, 615 coming from the Hardrockers. QB Jake Sullivan threw for six touchdowns and 376 yards, while Dorian Cowart amassed 70 yards on 13 carries. Sullivan found 10 different receivers in this game.

The Grizzlies (2-2, 2-2 RMAC) continue to boast one of the top passing attacks in the country this year, averaging nearly 400 yards per game through the air. ASU is led by Nick Rooney, a transfer quarterback that is second in the nation in yards per game, third in the nation in completions per game, and third in total offense. He is also tied for third in points-responsible-for per game (24).

The Hardrockers are the top-ranked team in the conference in PATs and punting, and second in the conference in third-down conversions. The team is also third in rushing defense in the RMAC, and second in first downs behind the Grizzlies. They are going to have to do plenty to slow down the potent aerial attack of the Grizzlies.

The Hardrockers (2-2, 1-2 RMAC) will be up for the challenge. Coach Tinker will have them prepared and ready to get back in the win column.
 
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. (MST) and will be streamed online at: https://portal.stretchinternet.com/sdsmt/ .