The college football season is closing in on opening kickoff and we’re continuing our look forward at the RMAC teams on Chadron State’s schedule.  Today we’re checking in with Colorado Mines, which has a new head coach and plenty of promise heading into the fall. In our 2-minute drill series we’ll have quick facts about the match-up, last year’s game with CSC, and hear thoughts from coaches and players.

Opponent: Colorado Mines
Game Day: Week 3– Saturday, September 19
Location: Golden, CO
Kickoff: Noon

Last Year’s Record: 10-2, Lost in Regional Playoffs 34-23 to Ohio Dominican

Last Year vs. CSC: Colorado Mines 33, Chadron State 18

Chadron State gave Mines all it wanted but a 20-point third quarter sealed a win for the Orediggers at Elliott Field.  Quarterback Justin Dvorak had a hand in all four Mines touchdowns – throwing two and rushing for two – the final TD being a seven-yard carry for a 33-18 lead.  Michael Madkins gave Chadron State an 11-7 lead near the end of the first quarter with a 69-yard touchdown run, but Mines took a 13-11 lead into the halftime locker room on Avery Llewellyn’s second field goal.  Jonn McLain hit Danny O’Boyle with a 75-yard throw to get CSC within 20-18 early in the second half, but the Eagles couldn’t get any closer and dropped to 1-2 on the year.

 

2015 Oredigger Outlook Sound Cuts

 

Gregg Brandon begins his first year as Head Coach and is inheriting a talented team for 2015.

 

Quarterback Justin Dvorak will get most of the attention with fans and media as one of the best in Division II, but Coach Brandon notes his defense will also be good and critical to the team’s success.

 

Emmanuel Graves will be on the defensive line and the RMAC All-Conference 2nd team member from a year ago thinks Mines has a chance to compete for a National Championship this fall.

 

Dvorak threw for the most yards in the country in Division II last season, 4,287.  Playing under a new coach shouldn’t be much of an adjustment and he says the transition is going well.

 

Dvorak expects a tough, physical game when Chadron State visits in Week 3.