Setting the Stage: Black Hills State is coming off a record setting year. The Yellow Jackets finished 7-4 overall, and 6-4 in the conference, which were the best record and league finish since BHSU joined the RMAC. Head coach John Reiners, now in his sixth year at the helm, was named Coach of the Year in the RMAC for 2016. BHSU returns 15 starters, including conference Defensive Player of the Year Drew Hebel, who led the nation in interceptions; and quarterback Ryan Hommel, who threw for 2,277 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.

Last Meeting: The Black Hills State University football team defeated Adams State, 34-33, in the 2016 season opener to snap a 12-game losing streak dating back to the 2014 season. The victory didn't come easy however, as the Green and Gold had to make a stop on a two-point conversion attempt with five seconds remaining for the win.

About Adams State: Adams State finished the 2016 season with a 2-8 record. Wide receiver Chad Hovasse was named to the RMAC Preseason All-Conference team. The redshirt junior led last year's squad with 91 receiving yards per game. Defensively, Adams returns Morris Gilbert and Tim Brown Jr., who combined for 150 tackles a year ago.

Series History: Black Hills State defeated ASU for the first time in their six meetings last season. Four of the six matchups have been decided by 10 points or less, including last season, in which one point proved the difference.

Coverage: Yellow Jacket fans can catch Steve Ammerman and Jim Kallas on the call on The Eagle, 95.9 and 96.3 FM. A free webcast can be found via Stretch Internet, the official video provider for RMAC Sports.

Temperature: The five-day forecast shows Saturday's high temperature of 90 degrees and sunny. There is a zero percent chance of precipitation and a wind at nine mph.

Starting Strong: The Yellow Jackets will be looking to win their season-opener for the second consecutive year. BHSU defeated Adams State, 34-33, in Alamosa, Colorado, last year for their first season-opening win since the 2008 season when the Green and Gold, then an NAIA school, upset NCAA Division II Southwest Minnesota State 21-14 on September 6, 2008.

RMAC Honors: The 2016 season led to several Yellow Jackets being honored by the conference. Head coach John Reiners was named the Coach of the Year, while Drew Hebel was named the Defensive Player of the Year. Joining Hebel on the All-RMAC First Team were Shandon Jones and Phydell Paris. Earning Second Team honors were offensive lineman Andrew Blaylock and defensive tackle Cody Benne. On the Honorable Mention team were Isaiah Birkel, Travis Groves, Ryan Hommel, and Thayer Sauter. All but Benne and Groves return to BHSU in 2017.

Depth Charge: Last year's initial depth chart shows that experience has been growing with 18 juniors and nine seniors listed on the depth chart. This season, the depth chart shows 15 juniors and 16 seniors. Those players, who experienced the success of last year, will look for more this year. There are 10 sophomores and nine freshman, eight of which are redshirt freshman, on the depth chart.

Rushing King: Senior Phydell Paris owns every major rushing record at Black Hills State. He ranked second last year in the conference with 1,314 yards rushing and 13 touchdowns. He finished the season ranked number eight in the NCAA Division II level in rushing yards per game (131.4).

Captains: The Yellow Jacket captains, as chosen by their teammates, are Phydell Paris, Shandon Jones, JJ Kilgore, and Thayer Sauter. Paris earned the Captain nod for the third-straight year, while Kilgore is a Captain for the second-consecutive season.