The South Dakota Mines Football team Takes on CSU-Pueblo on M-Day
 
RAPID CITY, S.D. --- Coming off of its' first loss of the season, the Hardrockers have a chance to right the ship on M-Day. This Saturday the South Dakota Mines football team is at home, taking on a Colorado State University-Pueblo football team that received votes in the most recent AFCA Division II poll.
 
Series History

      vs. CSU-Pueblo 

• This is a relatively new matchup, that began once South Dakota Mines became an official member of the RMAC.
• The two teams have met just four times in the past.
• Thus far, the Thunderwolves have defeated the Hardrockers in each matchup.  
• In the most recent matchup on 10/5/19, CSU-Pueblo escaped Rapid City with a 21-13 victory.

Gold Nuggets

• The Hardrockers have been able to score in bunches thus far on the season, averaging 35.3 points per game, third-best in the RMAC.
• This scoring has been due to the run game, defense, and special teams.
• South Dakota Mines has relied heavily on the run game, gaining 581 yards on the ground through its' 3 games, for an average of 193.7 ground yards per game, which is again, 3^rd best in the conference.
• Defensively, the Hardrockers are second in the conference in sacks, with 12, and lead the RMAC in turnovers forced with 9.
• The special teams have blocked 3 kicks, leading the conference.
• The offensive line, led by Grant Smith has been great in paving the way for the run game, but also in keeping the quarterbacks upright, having allowed just 2 sacks on the season.
• Jayden Johannsen is the top rushing quarterback in the conference and is 7^th overall, averaging 72.7 yards on the ground per game, and a total of 218 yards.
• Ahmad Lewis has 4 rushing touchdowns, which is tied for 2^nd best in the conference.
• Isaiah Eastman is in the top 10 in the conference in receptions and yards, sitting at 10^th in catches, 6^th in receiving yards, and 8^th in all-purpose yards per game.
• Kyante Christian and Gavin Chaddock have wreaked havoc on opposing quarterbacks, as each has 3 sacks to tie for the conference lead. 
• Kendahl Johnson and his 2 interceptions are the second-most in the RMAC.

Scouting Report
     
    CSU-Pueblo 

• CSU-Pueblo has started its' season 1-2, with losses to solid programs in Texas A&M Commerce, and Grand Valley State, while most recently knocking off Black Hills State at home, 19-16.
• The Thunderwolves defense has made it tough on opposing offenses, as they have given up a total of 62 points, just 18.5 per game, which is third-best in the RMAC.
• They do a great job of defending the pass and the run, with the 3^rd best run d, and best pass d in the RMAC.
• Offensively, their leaders are Michael Roots with 178 rushing yards, and Max Fine with 138 receiving yards on 15 catches. That reception total puts him in the top 5 in the conference.
• Max Gonzales and Patrick Howell lead them defensively, with 29 tackles to tie for the fourth-most in the RMAC.
• Their secondary is tough to throw against, as they have 3 players in the top 9 in passes defended.  

Looking Ahead
 
Following the CSU-Pueblo game on Saturday, the Hardrockers head to Adams State to take on the Grizzlies in Alamosa for a 1:00 kick-off.

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.