Setting the Stage: The Black Hills State University football team is set for the first home game of the season, when they host Colorado School of Mines on Saturday, September 8. The Yellow Jackets fell in the season opener, 45-8, to Chadron State. Ryan Hommel threw for 198 yards, while Payten Gilmore rushed for 59 yards and the Green and Gold's lone touchdown of the day. Defensively, Josh Gurnaby recorded 13 tackles, including 11 solo.

Last Meeting: BHSU and Colorado School of Mines met in the season finale last year, with the Orediggers earning a 41-33 victory. Down one score in the final three minutes, the Yellow Jackets had a chance to tie the game, but a late interception sealed the victory for Mines. Hommel threw for 319 yards, two passing touchdowns, and a rushing score. Erick Hairston-Belcher caught 10 passes for 144 yards and two TDs, while Shandon Jones had 123 receiving yards. Phydell Paris rushed for 91 yards. Defensively, Thayer Sauter finished with 10 tackles, while Jarrell Ganaway had five tackles and a sack.

About Colorado School of Mines: The Orediggers opened the 2018 season with a 49-7 win over Adams State at home. Mines outscored the Grizzlies, 28-0, in the first quarter en route to the comfortable victory. Isaac Harker threw for 317 yards and five touchdowns, with Brody Oliver catching all five scoring passes. Cameron Mayberry rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns.

Series History: The series between the Yellow Jackets and Orediggers had its first meeting in 2012. Mines leads the series, 6-0.

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 81 degrees in Spearfish. There is a 22 percent chance of precipitation, with a wind at 7 mph.

General Notebook

Be Bold, Go Gold: BHSU is asking all fans to wear gold to Saturday's game, as well as Saturday evening's volleyball match. September is childhood cancer awareness month, and gold is the color ribbon for childhood cancer.

Under the Lights: Saturday's game 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 is 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: This 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 20 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.

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, 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.