GAME PREVIEW CAPSULE
Dixie State University (4-3 in RMAC, 4-4 overall) at Adams State University (1-6 in RMAC, 1-6 overall) today, 1 p.m., Rex Field, Alamosa, Colorado
Previous Meeting: September 1, 2012 –Grizzlies 17 DSU 9 (Dixie State doomed by six turnovers)
Overall Series Record: Grizzlies lead head-to-head series 4-2
Broadcast: (Audio) ESPN SportsRadio 97.7 FM; Southern Utah Live
TRAILBLAZERS
Head coach: Shay McClure (1st year, 4-4)
Offense: Pro Set
Defense: Pro 4-3
Last Game: Lost to Colorado School of Mines at home 62-27 (October 22, 2016)
Players to watch: Quarterback Josh Thompson directs the offense. He has completed 61 percent of his passes and has a 117 QB efficiency rating. His favorite targets are Orlando Wallace out of the slot (31/361/3) and Aubrey Reed on the outside (26/461/2). The two-headed monster of Clifford Simms (115/675 yds.) and DeJon Coleman (83/462 yds) lead a rushing attack that has put up 1691 total yards. The guys up front have fared very well given the injuries that hit them early. Defensively safety Colton Olson (59) and linebacker Peter Brown (45) lead the team in tackles. Linebackers Keanu Foki (5.5), Shiloh Pritchard (3) and lineman Darius Matthews (3) lead the team in sacks.
GRIZZLIES
Head Coach: Timm Rosenbach (2nd year at ASU, 4-14)
Offense: Spread
Defense: Multiple
Last Game: Lost to Colorado Mesa on the road 63-42 (October 22, 2016)
Players to watch: Jorge Hernandez directs the offense for the Grizzlies. ASU likes to pass and Hernandez has a high 116 QB efficiency rating. He has thrown for 1584 yards, 11 TDs and 6 INTs. His favorite targets are receivers Phil Romero (38/438/6) and Chad Hovasse (35/504/6). When they run the ball it is almost exclusively with Corey Brown (104/503 yds). They have a young starting offensive line (three freshman). Defensively the Grizzlies are led in tackles by linebacker John Reed (70) and safety Morris Gilbert (67). The Grizzlies have only four sacks and four interceptions on the year but have forced 14 fumbles. Linebacker Wesley Brandon leads the team in that category with three.
COACH MCCLURE’S PERSPECTIVE
Adams State has had a rough start but two of their losses were by less than one score. They are young up front on offense. Dixie State will take advantage of their experience and size up front on both sides of the ball. Dixie State will run on offense and keep them honest with the deep pass. The offense has had success, especially in the wildcat formation even when opposing defenses load the box. Adams State likes to pass first but also have a decent running attack.
GAME OUTLOOK
The Trailblazers hoped to shock the RMAC for the second consecutive week but ran into locomotive offensive powerhouse Colorado Mines last week and could not stop the avalanche. The secondary will get plenty of action again against pass-first Adams State. The Grizzlies are coached by former NFL quarterback Rosenbach. And his emphasis on the offensive side of the ball is obvious. The ASU defense have given up an average of 350 yards on the ground and over 60 points per game. Look for Coleman and Simms to have big games.
STGNEWS PREDICTION: DSU 49, ASU 28
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