GAME PREVIEW CAPSULE
Dixie State University (2-5) at South Dakota School of Mines (5-3), today, O’Hara Stadium, Rapid City, South Dakota 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time
Previous Meeting: November 1, 2014 — Hardrockers 41, Red Storm 40 (A missed PAT in overtime proved to be the difference).
Overall Series Record: Hardrockers lead head-to-head series 1-0
Broadcast: ESPN SportsRadio 97.7 FM; southernutahlive.com; portal.stretchinternet.com/sdsmt
RED STORM
Head coach: Scott Brumfield (6th year, 13-48 overall)
Offense: Spread
Defense: Pro 4-3
Last Game: Lost to Azusa Pacific 61-14 (Oct. 17, 2015)
Players to watch: Tyson Blackner will get the nod at quarterback. DeJon Coleman leads the team in rushing and is always a threat out of the backfield. Wide receiver Nate Stephens has 32 receptions on the year and is probably the best overall playmaker on the team. On defense safety Colton Olson leads the team in tackles. Robert Metz returned from injury last week with a solid performance at linebacker. Defensive linemen Chris Campbell, Benson Laumatia and Donovan Williams lead the team in sacks.
HARDROCKERS
Head Coach: Stacy Collins (4th year at SDSM, 15-26 overall)
Offense: Spread
Defense: 4-3
Last Game: Lost to Azusa Pacific 56-27 (Oct. 24, 2015)
Players to watch: Freshmen running backs Devin Nixon (768 yards) and Anthony Wright (318 yards) both average over four YPC. The ‘Rockers split time at quarterback between Trent McKinney and Jake Sullivan. Both have similar styles. They are dual threats to pass and run the ball. SDSM splits their offense equally between pass and run, averaging just over 200 yards for both. Wide receivers Kevin Mills, Zach Huber and tight end Ben Broeker share the team lead in receptions at 22. The “Rockers struggle defensively allowing 486 yards per game. SDSM is led in tackles by defensive back Wilterson Brutus. Top lineman Kyle Hudson and Christian Chavez from last year. Defensive back Josh Thomas leads the team in interceptions.
GAME OUTLOOK
Despite the disparity in records, these two teams are probably just as even as they played last year. They both run the spread. Both teams have quarterbacks that are dual threats. Both teams have struggled with turnovers. Both are coming off big losses to Azusa Pacific in consecutive weeks. It is certainly a game the Red Storm can win. They do have the disadvantage of a cumbersome, 17-hour bus ride getting there. But they have had almost 24 hours to recover. DSU has had two weeks to prepare for the game. The weather should not be too much of a factor with a forecast of clear skies and 55 degrees. Expect big games from Coleman and Orlando Wallace.
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Twitter: @oldschoolag
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