GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – Western State Colorado University learned a lot Thursday night in the season opener. The Mountaineers fell behind early, but showed character and heart in a 49-23 loss to No. 23 Colorado Mesa University on the road.
 
Western (0-1, 0-1 RMAC) started slow. The Mavericks (1-0, 1-0 RMAC) took advantage, winning the first quarter 21-3, scoring on their first three possessions.
 
With many new faces on the roster, the Mountaineers knew some first-game jitters might be involved as they took on their Western Slope rivals. Despite the early setbacks, the young Mountaineers showed poise and continued to fight throughout the game.
 
In fact, the Mountaineers would win the fourth quarter. Western shutout the Mavericks in the final 15 minutes, winning the quarter 20-0.
 
Despite giving 49 points to CMU, Western's defense showed signs of greatness, forcing three turnovers. The Mountaineers' defense recorded two interceptions in the first half, followed by a fumble recovery by Kacin Nowlin. Nowlin returned a fumble nearly 30 yards down to the three yard line.
 
Western's true freshman quarterback, Dylan Jacob, made an impressive debut. Jacob threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Elijah Gilbert on a 75-yard pass and catch. Gilbert led the game in receiving yards with 92.
 
CMU's Eystin Salum gave the Mavericks a cushion in the first half, throwing for four touchdowns and 177 yards. However, the Mountaineer defense made sure he wouldn't go unblemished into halftime, intercepting the CMU quarterback twice. Mitchell Jones made the first in the first quarter, followed by teammate Jake Brown's pick in the second quarter.
 
Salum threw for a game-high 290 yards and five touchdowns.
 
Western quarterback Jacob had 30 yards rushing and one touchdown, while Justice Macneal-Young led the Mountaineers with 37 yards on the ground.
 
The Mountaineers will be on the road next week as they travel to Adams State University for the Colorado Classic.