For the second year in a row, the Colorado School of Mines and Mesa State College football teams have undefeated RMAC records when they meet.

Mesa State (3-2, 3-0 RMAC) stole a 27-24 victory last year in Golden to spoil the Orediggers homecoming.

This year, Mines (3-2, 3-0 RMAC), which received three first-place votes in the RMAC preseason poll, would like to return the favor. Kickoff is at 7 tonight at Stocker Stadium.

With the NCAA Division II regional rankings expected to be released next week, there could be more on the line than keeping an undefeated RMAC record in tact.

This year, both teams are looking for a victory not only to keep pace with Nebraska-Kearney, but remain in the hunt for a NCAA playoff berth.

Here are five things to watch in today’s game:

1) Mesa pass rush: Can Mesa’s defensive line disrupt Mines QB David Pesek, who is among the nation’s leading passers with 1,511 yards, 13 touchdowns and three interceptions?

2) Jahre Cheeseman: The Orediggers’ tailback is a Division I transfer from Virginia Tech and played in 29 games for the Hokies and had 25 carries for 154 yards.

3) Adam Saur vs. Mesa DBs: The preseason All-RMAC receiver is fifth in the nation in receiving yards (558) and seventh in yards per game (111.6).

4) Time management: Mesa can keep Pesek and the Mines offense off the field with a strong running attack to use clock.

5) Pass protection: Led by Mines’ all-time career sacks leader, Marc Schiechl, the Orediggers will likely pressure Mesa’s redshirt freshman QB Robert Felberg.

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