PUEBLO, Colo. (Nov. 7, 2018) - The No. 10 Colorado State University-Pueblo football team will close the regular season at Western State Colorado University Saturday, Nov. 10 at 12 p.m. in Gunnison, Colorado. A win in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference game would give the ThunderWolves at least a share of the 2018 title, the program's eighth overall and seventh in the last eight seasons.
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THE GAME
• CSU-Pueblo has a chance to #BeGr8 Saturday, as a win would claim at least a share of the RMAC Championship, which would secure the Pack's eighth title in program history and seventh in the last eight years.
• A victory would also give the Pack their sixth 10-win season in program history, all of which have occurred in the last eight years.
• The ThunderWolves are No. 10 in the AFCA poll and No. 9 in the D2Football.com national rankings with a 9-1 overall and 8-1 RMAC record. CSU-Pueblo sits No. 5 in the final edition of the NCAA Super Region Four rankings before Selection Sunday.
• The Pack have won seven straight games, which includes a 4-0 record on the road in that span.
• CSU-Pueblo closes the season playing four of its final five games away from the ThunderBowl.
• Western owns a 2-8 overall and 2-7 RMAC record. After winning two straight games (at Fort Lewis, 40-20 and vs Black Hills State, 28-6), the Mountaineers suffered a 20-16 road loss at New Mexico Highlands last week.
• CSU-Pueblo has won all 10 meetings against Western since the restart in 2008 and own a 16-9 all-time record.
• Last season the Pack closed their home schedule with a 40-7 rout of WSCU. CSU-Pueblo led 20-0 at the half, thanks to a 2nd quarter 25-yard pix six by Emery Taylor. The Mountaineers scored on a fumble recovery early in the third, but the home team would put up 20 unanswered for the big win. The ThunderWolves totaled 370 yards to Western's 84 (14 passing), while the defense totaled three interceptions.
• The Pack have won five straight on the road, which includes a 10-7 nail-bitter in 2016. The ThunderWolves held one of the most prolific running games in the country to just 58 yards, and the game actually turned into a passing contest (235 passing yards for CSU-Pueblo, 170 for Western). WSCU scored a touchdown in the first, then the Pack answered with a touchdown in the second. A late third quarter field goal by the ThunderWolves proved to be the game-winner.
SCOUTING THE PACK
• For the second time in the four-year era (1963) the Pack posted back-to-back shutouts with the only other time coming in 1965 (W, 10-0 and T, 0-0), when they defeated Black Hills State 59-0.
• The offense racked up 659 total yards, which established a new program record. 485 yards came on the ground to mark the second time this season the team has produced 485 or more yards rushing (496 against Dixie State).
• The defense allowed just 108 total yards, which included pushing the Yellow Jackets backwards in the rushing game -11 yards, which broke the program record for rushing yards allowed. The previous record was -4 yards against New Mexico Highlands in 2013.
• The defense also pulled down six interceptions to tie a program record, established in 2015 against Adams State.
• The Pack totaled 33 first downs, while allowing just eight. CSU-Pueblo was 6-for-12 (50%) on third downs, while allowing the Yellow Jackets to convert on just one of 14 attempts (7%).
• RB Austin Micci totaled 120 yards and a touchdown, while RB Marcus Lindsay (Aurora, Colo.) gathered 103 yards with a score. Micci led the team in receiving yards, as his one catch went for 55 yards.
• It was Micci's fourth 100-plus yard rushing game this season, while it marked the first of Lindsay's career. It was the second time this season two players eclipsed the 100-yard mark in the same game.
• CB Emery Taylor had two interceptions and a breakup. He has 17 passes defended (11 PBU, 6 INT) this season to rank T-7th nationally. With 16 career interceptions he moved into a tie for second all-time.
• K Mitchell Carter totaled 11 points after going 8-for-8 on extra points and hitting a 31-yard field goal. His 15 field goals this season is tied for 3rd in Division II.
• P Tanner Cuda totaled five punts for 208 yards (41.6 ypp) with a long of 56 yards and three inside the 20. He ranks 5th nationally with 43.9 yards per punt.
SCOUTING WESTERN
• The Mountaineers are 2-8 overall and 2-7 in RMAC play, but are 2-1 in their last three games.
• Western has a top three defense in the RMAC, as it ranks 3rd in scoring defense (30.9 ppg), total defense (416.1 ypg) and rushing defense (135.3 ypg) and 4th in turnovers gained (19).
• The offense ranks 2nd in the league and 19th nationally in time of possession (32:42), but sits in the bottom third in scoring offense (9th, 23.5 ppg) and total offense (10th, 310.4 ypg).
• The Mountaineers rank 3rd in the RMAC in fewest penalties yards per game (56.9 ypg) and 5th in fewest penalties (65).
• Western sits 2nd in the league and 21st nationally in net punting (37.14) and 5th in kick return defense (21.38).
• LB Lane Farris leads the team with 86 tackles (41 solo) to rank 6th in the RMAC. DL Mark Zavala is 3rd in tackles for loss (15.0, -64 yards) and DB David Velazquez is 4th in passes defended (15).
• With 109.1 yards per game, RB Isaac Fuqua ranks 3rd in the RMAC in rushing.
• K Chandler Davis is 7-for-13 (53.8%) on field goals to rank 5th in the RMAC in FG made.
THE POLLS
• CSU-Pueblo entered 2018 ranked No. 14 in the AFCA and No. 13 D2Football.com polls. The Pack were as high as No. 9 in both polls and currently are at No. 10 in the AFCA and No. 9 in D2Football.com rankings.
• The third and final edition of the NCAA Division II Super Region Four rankings were released Monday and placed the ThunderWolves No. 5 for the second week.
• The Pack ranked in the AFCA top 25 for 66 consecutive polls ranging from Sept. 5, 2011 (21st) to Sept. 5, 2016 (19th).
• The ThunderWolves ranked in the top 10 nationally for a NCAA Division II-best 37 straight weeks from Oct. 17, 2011 (eighth) to Oct. 6, 2014 (second).
TEAM NOTES
• The CSU-Pueblo football program and Head Coach John Wristen recorded their 100th victory since the restart of the program in 2008 when they defeated New Mexico Highlands 48-3, Oct. 6. Wristen owns a 104-24 all-time record. The .813 percentage ranks 2nd among active NCAA Division II coaches (min 5 years).
• Since 2008, CSU-Pueblo is undefeated when scoring 35 or more points (57-0) and when allowing 10 points or less (42-0).
• Since 2008, the ThunderWolves are 56-11 (.836) at the ThunderBowl.
• CSU-Pueblo posted a perfect regular season home record (5-0) for the seventh time in the last eight seasons.
• The ThunderWolves have eight scoring plays of 65-yards or more and own 12 scoring drives of 75 yards or more. CSU-Pueblo capped a 99-yard drive with a 49-yard Austin Micci rushing touchdown at Black Hills State (7-plays, 99-yards, 2:30).
• The defense hadn't allowed a fourth quarter score in the previous seven regular season games until giving up a touchdown at Mines (Sept. 15). In the last 19 regular season games the team has allowed just 27 points in the final frame, dating back to Sept. 16, 2017.
• The offense totaled nine turnovers in the first three games of the year, but since have coughed up the ball on six occasions. The defense has created 34 turnovers this season and with a +1.90 turnover margin the Pack lead all NCAA Division II.
CSU-PUEBLO POSITION NOTABLES
OFFENSE
• Against Dixie State, the ThunderWolves established a program record with 496 yards on the ground. Then at Black Hills State the Pack put up 485 yards rushing. To round out the top five all-time performances: 481 against Westminster in 1977, 435 yards against Western New Mexico, Oct. 31, 2009 and last season's 405 rushing yards against New Mexico Highlands. Both games rank top 10 in Division II for 2018, with the 496 yards sitting T-6th.
• With 274.4 yards rushing per game, the ThunderWolves rank No. 10 in NCAA Division II.
• The Pack are racking up the yards by committee. Austin Micci leads the team with 809 yards (80.9 ypg) and eight touchdowns on a team-high 110 carries. Marché Dennard owns 693 yards on 86 carries with eight touchdowns. R-Fr. Marcus Lindsay adds 393 yards and four scores on 73 attempts. In six games, Bernard McDondle has 308 yards rushing with four touchdowns and 74 yards receiving with a score.
• Dennard's 8.06 yards per carry ranks 2nd in NCAA Division II, while Micci is 11th nationally with 7.35 yards per carry.
• RECORD WATCH: The ThunderWolves currently have three players with more than 2,000 career yards rushing. Bernard McDondle has 2,715 career rushing yards to rank 4th all-time at CSU-Pueblo. Dennard's 2,308 career rushing yards ranks 7th in program history. Micci eclipsed the 2,000 career yards mark against Fort Lewis to become the 9th player in program history to reach the milestone. He owns 2,165 yards to rank 8th all-time.
• With 38.6 points per game, the ThunderWolves are 5th in the conference and 20th nationally in scoring.
• Starting QB Brandon Edwards established a career high with 315 yards passing against Mines. He recorded one touchdown in the loss.
• He has produced an efficiency rating of 134.1, has thrown 94-for-169 (55.6%) for 1,289 yards and eighth touchdowns. He also has a rushing touchdown. Two of his touchdown strikes went for 68 yards, while he also has 51-yard and 48-yard scores. His one interception in 169 attempts was a desperation throw at the end of the Mines loss.
• Edwards' 13.7 passing yards per completion is 2nd in the RMAC.
• The Pack have thrown just four interceptions this season and rank 1st in the league and 9th nationally in least passes intercepted.
• WR Cole Forsgren had a career game at Mines with eight receptions for 130 yards. He leads the team with 283 yards and a score. His 19 receptions is second to WR Kevin Ribarich's team-high 20. Ribarich owns 243 yards and touchdown. WR John Todd adds 15 receptions for 210 yards and a touchdown. WR Nick Williams scored a touchdown in back-to-back games (Oct. 13 and Oct. 20) to lead the team in the category. He owns 14 receptions for 124 yards.
• All five starting offensive linemen last season were seniors, but the new front didn't hesitate to step up and guided the rushing attack to a record 496 yards in game one. CSU-Pueblo has used four different starting linemen combinations this season and are guiding the 10th best rushing attack in the nation. CSU-Pueblo is 4th in the league in sacks allowed (1.90).
DEFENSE
• The Pack have been one of the most stingiest and unforgiving defenses in the nation the past eight seasons. Since 2011, the ThunderWolves have finished the season in the top 22 nationally in scoring defense, which includes leading the country in 2011 and 2014. CSU-Pueblo has also ranked in the top 21 in turnover ratio (or turnovers gained) in all but one season in that span with the nation's best mark in 2014.
• By allowing 244.2 yards per game the Pack lead the RMAC and rank 4th nationally in total defense.
• The ThunderWolves allowed just 72 total yards to Fort Lewis, which ranks as the 8th best defensive effort this season in Division II. FLC only totaled 17 yards passing, which is the 8th best defensive performance in 2018.
• The next week at Black Hills State CSU-Pueblo allowed 108 yards and -11 rushing to establish a program record and rank 12th in NCAA Division II this season for least rushing yards allowed.
• With 12.8 points per game allowed the ThunderWolves are 1st in the league and 6th in DII.
• CSU-Pueblo owns 21 interceptions (6 at Black Hills State to tie a program record) and 13 fumbles recovered (4 at Texas A&M-Commerce) to lead the nation in turnovers gained (34). The interception total sits 1st nationally, while the fumbles recovered number is 6th in Division II.
• Since 2008, the Pack have totaled 35 interception returns for a touchdown. The most in a season is five by the 2010, 2014 and 2017 squads. ILB Kyle Rosenbrock recorded a pick six on the second play at Mines. He went 26 yards to the house. S Jadon Garcia went 29 yards for a score at BHSU.
• Rosenbrock totaled two fumbles recoveries against Adams State and has four on the season to tie for the lead in Division II. He also has four forced fumbles to lead the RMAC and rank T-6th nationally. Fellow ILB Brandon Payer also owns four fumble recoveries to help lead the nation, while he also has two forced fumbles.
• CB Darius Williams doesn't have a pick this season, but has at least one pick six in each of his three seasons with the Pack and four in his career. His eight interceptions last season established a new program record, was a RMAC best and ranked T-2nd in NCAA Division II.
• Fellow starting CB Emery Taylor recorded six interceptions last season. In 2018, leads the team with six interceptions and a team-high 11 pass break-ups. With 17 passes defended (1.7 per game), Tayor is 2nd in the RMAC and ranks 7th nationally.
• RECORD WATCH: Taylor has 16 career interceptions to sit T-2nd all-time at CSU-Pueblo. Williams owns 14 picks to rank 4th all-time at CSU-Pueblo. Stephan Dickens (2010-14) has the record with 19.
• S Jadon Garcia has five interceptions this season (all in the span of four games) to rank 2nd on the team and T-3rd in the league.
• CSU-Pueblo's rushing defense was established on game one of the program re-boot in 2008. The Pack allowed 13 yards rushing against Oklahoma Panhandle State (Sept. 8, 2008) and since have held their opponent to less than 50 yards rushing on 21 more occasions.
• Seven times since 2008 the ThunderWolves have allowed 10 or less rushing yards, with the record standing at -11 yards this season at Black Hills State (previous record was -4 rushing yards at New Mexico Highlands Nov. 9, 2013).
• CSU-Pueblo is 1st in the RMAC and 8th nationally with 90.1 rushing yards per game allowed.
• The Pack recorded seven sacks against DSU and compiled 15 tackles for loss. Against Adams State, the ThunderWolves totaled eight sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
• CSU-Pueblo has totaled at least eight TFL in each game this season and with 105 total (-364 yards) ranks 2nd in NCAA Division II in tackles for loss (10.5 TFLpg). CSU-Pueblo is 1st in the RMAC and 10th nationally in sacks with 3.40 per game.
• The eight sacks in a game ranks T-11th most in NCAA Division II this season. In that game, DE Jackson Wibbels recorded 3.5 tackles to loss.
• ILB Brandon Payer finished last season with 110 tackles with 71 solo. His 71 solo efforts established a new program record and ranked 22nd nationally.
• This season, Payer is 8th in the RMAC with 82 tackles (39 solo) and adds 17.0 tackles for loss (-31 yards) that ranks 2nd in the RMAC. The 1.7 tackles for loss per game is good for 12th in Division II.
• RECORD BREAKER: Payer became the modern era (since 2008) career tackles leader against Fort Lewis when he surpassed Lee Meisner's (2008-11) 349 career tackles. With 359 career tackles, he ranks 3rd in all the program's history. Dan DeRose is the program's all-time leader with 415 from 1981-83. With 50.0 career tackles for loss, the senior ranks 2nd all-time behind Darius Allen's (2011-14) 59.0. He surpassed Morgan Fox's (2012-15) 49.5 tackles for loss in the win at Black Hills State.
• DE Michael Wristen finished with 2.5 sacks (-16 yards) against Dixie State and leads the RMAC in the category with 8.0 (-42 yards), which is also good for 30th nationally. He totaled 3.5 sacks in all of 2017.
• CSU-Pueblo is 1st in the league and 8th in DII in red zone defense. The ThunderWolves have allowed 10 scores (7 TDs, 3 FGs) in the red zone in 16 opponent attempts (62.5%).
• The Pack are 1st in the RMAC and 5th in the nation in 3rd down conversion defense, as they allow their opponents to convert 26.7 percent of the time.
• The ThunderWolves also lead the nation in passing efficiency defense (88.20). With 154.1 passing yards allowed, the squad leads the RMAC and ranks 10th in DII.
SPECIAL TEAMS
• The Pack had four blocked kicks last year and this season have got their hands on two punts, an extra point attempt and a FG attempt, as Tanner Draper blocked a 27-yard FG attempt by Dixie State, which was recovered by James Maxie and returned by Darius Williams 68 yards for a touchdown. The four blocked kicks ties the Pack for 3rd in the RMAC. On the flip side, CSU-Pueblo has allowed two blocked kick (two field goal attempts).
• K Mitchell Carter was 55-for-56 on extra points in his first season with the Pack and is 47-for-47 this season. He is 15-for-23 on field goal attempts. Carter leads the RMAC in field goals made, while his 1.50 FG per game is 3rd nationally. He is 5-for-5 from 29 yards and in and 13-for-16 from 39 yards and closer. Carter connected on a career-long 50-yard field goal at Colorado Mesa. It ranks as the longest in the RMAC this season and T-13th in NCAA Division II in 2018. It was the first made 50-plus yard field goal for the Pack since 2013.
• With 92 points, Carter is 1st among RMAC kickers and is 6th overall in the conference (24th nationally) in scoring.
• The ThunderWolves lead Division II in net punting (40.13 yards), while P Tanner Cuda's 43.9 yards per punt ranks 5th nationally and 3rd in the league.
• In 60 attempts, Cuda has booted 15 punts more than 50 yards with his long settling at 70 yards (twice). He has landed 27 punts inside the 20 and recorded five touchbacks.
• The ThunderWolves lead the RMAC and sit 5th nationally in kickoff returns with 27.06 yards per return.
• CSU-Pueblo ranks 2nd in the league in kickoff return defense, as it allows 18.36 yards per return.
• The Pack are 3rd in the RMAC in punt returns with 10.59 yards per return.
• WR Kevin Ribarich leads the RMAC with 10.1 yards per punt return.
#PACKPROS: CSU-Pueblo has three former players in the NFL right now. Ryan Jensen (2009-12) is in his sixth season and first with Tampa Bay after five with the Baltimore Ravens. After a breakout season where he started all 16 games at center for the Ravens, Jensen inked the largest contract for a center in NFL history. Mike Pennel (2013) is in his fifth overall season and second with the New York Jets. Morgan Fox (2012-15) moved from the practice squad to active roster in 2016 and was on the active roster all of the 2017 season with the Los Angeles Rams. Unfortunately, Fox suffered a knee injury during OTAs and will miss the 2018 season. Darius Allen (2011-14) is currently with the Canadian Football league's Edmonton Eskimos. Pennel, Fox and Allen all play on the defensive line.
VS. RANKED SQUADS: CSU-Pueblo owns a 18-7 (11-4 at home) record versus ranked opponents (Division II) since 2011. The ThunderWolves went 6-0 versus the nation's top 25 in 2014 and also added a 47-21 win against Sam Houston State (No. 15) to record the team's first-ever victory against a ranked FCS team. The Pack went 4-1 against ranked opponents in 2015 and had won 10 straight against the nation's best before the loss to Grand Valley State. The Pack recorded the program's second win against a team ranked No. 1 in the AFCA poll when it posted a 23-13 road win at Texas A&M-Commerce Sept. 22, 2018. The first time came when CSU-Pueblo won the 2014 NCAA Division II National Championship by the score of 13-0 against Minnesota State.
STREAKS: CSU-Pueblo posted three straight 11-0 seasons entering 2014 and was just one of two teams in NCAA Division II history to accomplish the feat. After starting 5-0 in 2014, the Pack owned 42 straight regular season victories, which was the second-longest in NCAA Division II history, behind only Grand Valley State, which posted 48 straight wins from 2004-09. The streak ended Oct. 11 in a 23-22 road loss at Fort Lewis.
The Pack recorded 28 consecutive regular season home victories from a 66-0 win against New Mexico Highlands Oct. 30, 2010 to a 51-20 win against Colorado Mesa Nov. 7, 2015.
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As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Colorado State University – Pueblo competes in 22 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.
