Setting the Stage: The Black Hills State University football team fell in its first home game of 2018. Colorado School of Mines defeated the Yellow Jackets, 42-20. Ryan Hommel threw for 172 yards and two touchdowns, while also running for 84 yards. Payten Gilmore rushed for 43 yards and a score, while catching one touchdown, as well. Isaac Jefferson caught four passes and one touchdown. Defensively, Josh Gurnaby had 10 tackles, while Kolten Johnson and Austin Goddard each had half a sack.

Last Meeting: BHSU and Adams State met in the opening game of the 2017 season. The Yellow Jackets won, 47-41, in double overtime, after trailing 31-3. Tied, 38-38, after regulation, each team put up a field goal in the first overtime. In the second overtime, the Grizzlies' field goal attempt was blocked by Jarrell Ganaway, before the Green and Gold scored a touchdown to get the win. Hommel threw for 327 yards and four toucdowns in the game, while Phydell Paris rushed for 189 yards and a touchdown, while also catching a touchdown. Defensively, JJ Kilgore had nine tackles, while Austin Goddard had eight tackles.

About Adams State: Adams State fell to New Mexico Highlands in a high scoring week two matchup. The Grizzlies lost, 65-37, after leading, 7-3, in the first quarter. ASU was outgained, 583-492. Nick Rooney threw for 328 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions. Adams State had two 100-yard receivers in Marquese Surrell (155 yards) and Chad Hovasse (136 yards, one touchdown). Defensively, Garrett Jackson led the Grizzlies with 15 tackles.

Series History: The Grizzlies lead the series, 5-2, however, the Yellow Jackets have won the last two matchups. Five of the seven meetings have been decided by 10 points or less, including last season, when BHSU won by a touchdown in double overtime.

Coverage: Yellow Jacket fans can catch Steve Ammerman 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 temperature around the 1 p.m. kickoff to be 77 degrees in Alamosa. There is a zero percent chance of precipitation, with a wind at 7 mph.

General Notebook

Three Straight: The Yellow Jackets have beaten the Grizzlies in the last two meetings, both to open their respective seasons. The Green and Gold will be looking to make it three straight when the teams meet this weekend.

Under the Lights: The opening game of the year between the Yellow Jackets and the Eagles was played under the lights. It was the first night game for BHSU since September 16, 2017, when the team played at Dixie State. It was the first of two night games for the Green and Gold this year - the October 6 matchup against South Dakota Mines is set to kick off at 6 p.m.

Safety First: The Yellow Jackets recorded a safety against Chadron State (Sept. 1). It was the first safety for BHSU since Sept. 10, 2016, in a 39-36 win over Fort Lewis.

Experience This: The Yellow Jackets have plenty of experience returning this season on the field. On the depth chart, there are 19 seniors and 12 juniors expected to start or be the first to sub in.

Captains: The Yellow Jacket captains, as chosen by their teammates, are Ryan Hommel, Payten Gilmore, Luis Bach, and Drew Hebel.

Putting the "Student" in Student-Athlete: Austin Goddard is a nominee for the National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete Award. The senior linebacker currently holds a 3.621 grade point average as an exercise science major. He also is a SAAC representative and four-year member of the football leadership council.

RMAC Honors: The 2017 season led to several Yellow Jackets being honored by the conference. Phydell Paris, Drew Hebel, and Erick Hairston-Belcher were all named All-RMAC Second Team. Thayer Sauter, Austin Goddard, Jarrell Ganaway, Darian Warford, Aaron Montoya, and Shandon Jones all earned Honorable Mention. Hebel, Goddard, and Ganaway return as members of the 2018 squad.

Academic Honors: Two Yellow Jackets were named to the RMAC Academic First Team in 2017, while nine others made the Honor Roll. Phydell Paris and JJ Kilgore earned First Team honors. Luis Bach, Jake Basinger, Jess Edens, Austin Goddard, Jake Phelan, Collin Powers, Dylan Reiners, and Bailey Rosenstrauch all were named to the RMAC Honor Roll.

Jeep Raffle: Raffle tickets for a new 2018 Jeep Wrangler are on sale now. Tickets are $50, and only 999 will be sold. See bhsuathletics.com for more information and to enter online.