GUNNISON, Colo --- The Western Colorado football team looks to build off a dominant 27-7 victory over South Dakota Mines when the Mountaineers hit the road to take on Colorado Mesa 7 p.m. Saturday at Stocker Stadium.

Both teams look to move to 2-0 in RMAC play with both teams defeating South Dakota Mines in their RMAC opener as the Mavericks defeated the Hardrockers 37-33, recovering from a 20-3 early second quarter deficit and fighting off a game-winning drive in the final seconds by Mines.

THE MOUNTAINEERS HEADING INTO THIS WEEK | 2019 SEASON STATS
Western Colorado didn't allow an offensive touchdown, ran twice as many plays (94-46), maintained possession for nearly three quarters of the game (43:05 compared to 16:55) and outgained South Dakota Mines 434-177 in a 27-7 victory over the Hardrockers at home on Saturday. It was Western's first RMAC-opening victory since 2006.

On defense, the Mountaineers were led by RMAC Defensive Player of the Week Robert Garlock as the linebacker had seven tackles - including five solo tackles. Lane Farris had six tackles, Dominick Fletcher had five tackles and two pass breakups while Josh Nelson and Tim Mullin each had an interception in the game.

Offensively, Western racked up 294 yards on the ground on 65 attempts - led by Ty Leyba's 127 yards on 24 carries. Josh Cummings and Deyvon Butler each added 53 yards on the ground with Cummings adding a touchdown while Malcom Wesley had 32 yards on the ground. Through the air, Connor Desch went 15-for-29 for 154 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions. James Bryant had a team-best five receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown while Kai Emmsley and Zach Manchester each had three receptions with Manchester adding a touchdown catch.  

COLORADO MESA HEADING INTO THIS WEEK | 2019 SEASON STATS
The Mavericks are coming off a 44-37 overtime loss to Eastern New Mexico at home - a contest CMU trailed 37-17 with 3:04 remaining in the third quarter before storming back for 20 unanswered points to force overtime. In overtime, ENMU got the ball first and needed five plays to score while the Mavs got behind the chains on a false start penalty couldn't convert a first down and lost the game.

The Mavs allowed 440 yards rushing to the Greyhounds on 74 carries (5.9 yards per attempt) and 567 yards overall while accounting for 381 yards offense of their own. 

Aaron Howard went 21-for-33 for 188 yards, three touchdowns and an interception for the Mavs with Bradley Toussaint leading the team with seven catches for 90 yards. On the ground, Jesse Rodriguez had 93 yards rushing with a touchdown (5.8 yards per carry).

Three Mavs had 10-plus tackles with Nick Ciccio leading the way with 15 tackles (11 solo) while Greyson Matalus and Mason Newton each had 12.

On the season, the Mavs have played three quarterbacks with Howard 26-for-40 for 221 yards, four touchdowns and an interception, Hayden Bollinger is 15-for-34 for 327 yards, a touchdown and an interception while Rope Ruel is 3-for-8 for 48 yards and an interception. Isaac Maestas leads CMU in rushing with 121 yards and two touchdowns while Peter Anderson (10 catches, 244 yards, 3 TDs), KJ Sapp (12 catches, 130 yards, TD) and Toussaint (8 catches, 101 yards) each have 100-plus yards receiving.

MOUNTAINEER ALUMNI TAILGATE SET!
Join Mountaineer alumni at the Western Tailgate set for 5 p.m. Saturday at Ralph Stocker Stadium in Grand Junction. Food and drinks will be available as well as other items at this fun event as the Mountaineer football team looks to move to 2-0 in RMAC play!

SERIES HISTORY
This is the 47th meeting between Western and Colorado Mesa with the Mavericks holding a 27-19 edge. The Mountaineers' last win in the series came in 2013 - a 31-7 victory at home. The last time Western defeated Colorado Mesa in Grand Junction was 2001 - a 26-21 victory for the Mountaineers.

Last season Western lost to the Mavs (who were ranked 19th in the nation at the time) 24-20 at the Mountaineer Bowl.

GARLOCK NAMED RMAC PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Western Colorado linebacker Robert Garlock was named RMAC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday after the sophomore from Reno, Nevada, had a team-high seven tackles in the contest - including five solo tackles - in helping the Mountaineer defense not allow an offensive score (the Hardrockers' only score came on returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown) during a 27-7 win over South Dakota Mines. The Western Colorado defense allowed just 177 yards in helping the Mountaineers win their first RMAC opener since 2006.

AGAINST TEAMS FROM SOUTH DAKOTA
The Mountaineers are now 5-7 against teams from South Dakota - including going 3-3 at home against teams from the Mount Rushmore state.

SEASON OPENERS
Western is now 32-62 all-time in season openers. The last season-opening win for the Mountaineers came in 2014 against Wayland Baptist, 38-21, on the road. Of their 32 season opening wins, the Mountaineers have finished those seasons with a winning record 19 times (59.4 percent) and won the conference title 12 times (37.5 percent).

AGAINST TEAMS FROM IDAHO
Against all teams from Idaho, the Mountaineers now have a 9-23-1 record. Western has played the College of Idaho and Southern Idaho twice, splitting both games against both teams, to go along with the 29 games against Idaho State. In the state of Idaho, the Mountaineers have a 3-17 record.