It dawned on me early this morning that I might not have the most reliable internet connection at Colorado School of Mines in Golden, so the pre-game thoughts might be a bit early. As I write this, I am looking at a nice hazy mountain view out in Colorado. I can’t stress this fact enough. That is the ONLY miss-able factor about the Tigers competing in the RMAC.
The extensively long trips in Fort Hays’ former conference were highlighted by some nice scenery, but making a couple trips through mountain passes during basketball season was not a fun chore.
Now, on to today’s game. It’s been said that last week, Colorado Mines didn’t feel they played well early against Washburn in the Orediggers’ 27-3 loss in Topeka. The game was shortened by lightning in the area, but I don’t think it would have mattered. I think Washburn is just that good. They made the ticker on ESPN on THursday for defeating Missouri State University, something not normally seen for the MIAA until Pitt State plays Northwest at Arrowhead Stadium.
Granted the Orediggers offer up a different game when playing in Golden. The grass turf could give the Tigers some problems. It will be the only game the Tigers will play on grass all season. The elevation could create an interesting obstacle as well, as Colorado Mines is used to the conditions in Golden. Still, I like the Tigers in this matchup. Judging by what happened last week, the Tigers aren’t going to go lightly to anyone this season. Their ability to adjust was the most impressive and I think they’ll do well with the conditions here in Golden.
The forecast is calling for the lower 70s, but just like every day in the Denver area, you never know what the mid-afternoon is going to bring.
i think you see a big game this week from junior running back Anthony Dickson. Provided better play early on Fort Hays’ offensive line, Dickson should have an opportunity against Mines’ defensive scheme to break some good yardage early and sail his way to a good game. We also see junior quarterback Mike Garrison take the air out of the ball a little bit today. As a good buddy (a non-Broncos fan) said about playing at Mile High. “The ball flies farther in Denver”. Fort Hays wins 35-15.
Here’s a look at today’s other games in the MIAA.
Pittsburg State at Chadron State
I mentioned Pittsburg State earlier, and the Gorillas today, have the marquee matchup for MIAA teams, traveling to Chadron, Neb. to take on No. 8 ranked Chadron State. Without Danny Woodhead, are the Eagles really that good. And, the fact that the 14th-ranked Gorillas had a little trouble on the road last week going — is it going to be a problem? Probably not. Pitt State has the toughest non-conference schedule of any team in the MIAA, playing both games on the road against solid opponents. I still think the Gorillas overcome — and claim a 24-17 win in Chadron.
Augustana at Emporia
Emporia State showed last week they are a defensive team to be reckoned with in a shellacking of Western State (Colo.) College. This doesn’t mean the Hornets are going to hold everyone back, but it could mean they will be in tight ball games this year and be able to make some plays. Still, Emporia might struggle with Augustana. The Vikings are riding some momentum coming off an overtime win over St. Cloud in Week 1, and will likely keep it going at Emporia. Pick — Augustana 13, Emporia State 10
Minnesota-Duluth at Missouri Western
This should be an interesting matchup. UMD is the preseason favorite to win the Northern Sun Conference, and Missouri Western ranks near the middle of the MIAA in terms of preseason. This game, provided a Missouri Western win, should provide everyone with a little more proof that the MIAA is dominant when it comes to Div. II football — top to bottom. It will be a close in in St. Joe — Western 30, Duluth 27
Nebraska-Kearney at Nebraska-Omaha
What will the Lopers muster after a loss to Wayne State last week? Probably not much. The Mavericks have to be itching to go and will likely pull out a blowout win at home. Kearney has traditionally played UNO close, but they will likely be down after the debacle last week. Pick — UNO 40, Kearney 10
Southern Arkansas at Truman State (not in Kirksville)
The Bulldogs are still waiting to break in their new turf — and the 2008 season. Truman State not only couldn’t play their season opener last week at their own stadium, but they flat out couldn’t play it because of the weather. The Bulldogs are raring to get out of the gate, and it will show with some big offensive numbers in a 35-21 win.
Southwest Baptist at Northwest Missouri
SBU got out of the MIAA because it couldn’t play with teams like Northwest Missouri. Sorry, not much has changed. Now, throw in the fact that Northwest Missouri is coming off its first home loss in three years in Maryville, and it makes for one angry Bearcat team — and not SBU’s. Baptist, though, should put up some points as they always have, but still get pounded — NWMS 63, SBU 14