GOLDEN, Colo. --- The South Dakota Mines football program heads to Golden, Colorado coming off two straight victories, and a 4-2 record, their best start to a season since 2016. Coming up is a challenge in the fifth-ranked Orediggers from the Colorado School of Mines. A win would give the Hardrockers their first win over a top 25 school during their time in the Division II era and would position them with a chance to make a run at a conference title, all in the first full year in charge for head coach Charlie Flohr.
 
Series History

      vs. Colorado School of Mines 

• Despite meeting just 22 times, these two schools have a history that dates back to their first matchup in 1917.
• Colorado School of Mines has a 21-1 lead in the series.
• The Hardrockers' only win thus far in the series came in 2017, when they beat the Orediggers 37-29.
• In the most recent matchup on 11/2/2019, Colorado School of Mines was victorious by a score of 49-28.

Gold Nuggets

• The Hardrocker offense has been a strength, they average 33.3 points per game, the 4^th best in the RMAC.
• The offense has been great on third downs, converting 45 of 87 for a percentage of 51.7, the best in the RMAC.
• When the offense gets to the Redzone, it usually converts, scoring at a rate of 82.1%, the fourth-best mark in the conference, with 21 of the 28 appearances resulting in 6 points.
• The offensive line has allowed just 9 sacks thus far on the season, tied for the best in the RMAC.
• Defensively, the Hardrockers have recorded 16 sacks, with 8 coming last week.
• Over the last two weeks, Jayden Johannsen has recorded 735 total yards and 9 total touchdowns.
• Johannsen is 8^th in the RMAC in Rushing and first among quarterbacks.
• Kaleb Roth averages 76 rushing yards per game, the 6^th best in the conference.
• The Hardrockers boast three wide receivers in the top 8 in the RMAC in receptions. Jeremiah Bridges, Isaiah Eastman, and Collin Zur have 25, 25, and 22 reception each, tying them for 4^th and 6^th in the conference.  
• Bridges, Eastman, and Zur are 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th in receiving yards in the RMAC.
• Johannsen is 5^th in the RMAC in non-passing touchdowns, followed by Ahmad Lewis in 7^th.
• Kyante Christian and Gavin Chaddock are in the top 10 with 5.5 and 4 sacks on the season.
• Christian is also in the top 10 with 5.5 tackles for loss.
• Kendahl Johnson has two interceptions this season.
• Adrian Eastman and Casey Knutsen have two fumble recoveries each.  

Scouting Report
     
    Colorado School of Mines

• Colorado School of Mines has won 6 in a row to start the season and is currently ranked 5^th in the country.
• They are great on both sides of the ball, scoring 38.5 points per game, and giving up 11.8 per game. Both are the best in the conference.
• The Oredigger defense also leads the RMAC and is 8^th in the nation, allowing 238.7 yards per game.
• John Matocha leads the team as one of the best QB's in the country statistically. He has a 165.4 passing efficiency to put him 12^th in the country.
• Matchoa leads the RMAC in efficiency and passing touchdowns.
• Michael Zeman has 683 total rushing yards on the season, the 2^nd most in the RMAC.
• Tristan Smith is second in the RMAC in receptions and yards with 34 catches for 373 yards.
• Nolan Reeve is their defensive leader, with 35 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 7 tackles for loss.

Looking Ahead
 
Following the game this weekend, the Hardrockers come back to friendly confines at O'Harra Stadium to take on Western Colorado University at noon on October 23^rd.
 
About South Dakota Mines
The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) and NCAA Division II offering 11 men's and women's varsity intercollegiate athletic programs. The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference is a premier NCAA Division II conference with 15 members, as well as four associate members, located in the states of California, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Utah.