Football | 10/4/2016 9:00:00 AM

ALAMOSA, Colo. (October 4^th, 2016) – The annual Spud Bowl returns Saturday as Adams State University hosts Colorado State University-Pueblo. Kickoff is set for 1:00pm at Rex Field. The conference tilt also serves as the program's Think Pink Game. Live coverage links for Saturday can be found above.

Last Time Out For ASU
Adams State University fell 62-35 on Oct. 1^st in their first-ever meeting with South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The Grizzlies had trouble containing Hardrockers' quarterback Jake Sullivan who amassed 376 passing yards and six touchdowns. S.D. School of Mines ultimately racked up 615 yards of total offense while going 6-for-6 on scoring opportunities inside the red zone.

The second quarter was a harsh one for the Grizzlies who were outscored 27-6. With a halftime deficit of 41-13, the Grizzlies went on to produce a strong fourth quarter as Jorge Hernandez and Phil Romero connected for their second touchdown of the game. The touchdown was followed by a successful two-point conversion play as Hernandez completed his pass attempt to Mason Craig. ASU's scoring concluded on their final drive of the game thanks to a steady rushing attack from Ference Lang and Cameron DeChesaro. The 11 play, 70 yard drive came to a close with a 2-yard pass from Stetson Stallworth to James Holtrop. Stallworth's successful two-point conversion pass to Romero followed.

About The ThunderWolves
At 2-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play, the ThunderWolves are positioned in the middle of the RMAC standings. The program is coming off a disappointing 20-19 defeat at No. 13 Colorado Mesa University. CSU-Pueblo's other two losses came in the opening two weeks of the season against Colorado School of Mines (L, 57-21) and at home versus West Texas A&M (L, 26-10). It's the first time CSU-Pueblo has lost atleast three games in a season since the 2009 campaign (team finished 7-4 overall).

The ThunderWolves rank first in RMAC total defense (340.4 yards/game allowed) and scoring defense (23.8 points/game). The unit is anchored by a strong run defense that ranks first in the RMAC with a mere 81.2 yards allowed per game. Brandon Payer is tied 9^th in the RMAC with 39 tackles and tied 8^th with 5 tackles-for-loss.

The offense averages 29.6 points per game and 379.8 yards of total offense per game.

The program is under the direction of head coach John Wristen in his ninth season.

Last We Met

It was all CSU-Pueblo in the 2015 meeting from Rex Stadium as the tenth-ranked ThunderWolves handed Adams State University a 56-0 loss during homecoming week.

It marked  the first time the Grizzlies had been held scoreless since a 31-0 defeat at Chadron State College on 10/5/13.

CSU-Pueblo turned to running backs Cameron McDondle and Bernard McDondle who combined for 394 net rushing yards and five touchdowns. As a team, CSU-Pueblo registered 592 yards of total offense as the Grizzlies tallied 244.

After a three-and-out on their opening drive, the ThunderWolves reached paydirt with a 73-yard touchdown run by Cameron McDondle in the first quarter. Bernard McDondle also found the end zone during the quarter; giving CSU-Pueblo an early 14-0 lead. The ThunderWolves' added two more touchdowns in the second quarter highlighted by a 12 play, 96-yard scoring drive before halftime.

Any signs of an ASU comeback quickly vanished as quarterback AJ Thompson connected with tight end Zach Boyd for a 90-yard touchdown on the opening play of the third quarter. The defending national champions added a 17-yard touchdown run and a 53-yard interception return for a touchdown during the third. Bernard McDondle added an 84-yard touchdown run in the fourth to complete scoring for the game.

Hernandez By The Numbers
Hernandez accounted for 378 yards of total offense in the loss to the Hardrockers. Hernandez finished 27-of-55 for 322 yards and three touchdowns through the air. He added a team-high 56 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground. His passing yards, touchdowns, and rushing totals serve as season-highs for the junior.

Conference Leaders
Senior linebacker John Reed enters week six as your leading RMAC tackler. Through five games, Reed has 53 total tackles. Morris Gilbert is second in tackles with 52.  Here are some other notable marks for Adams State at the conference level.

Player                                Category (rank)                                  Stats
John Reed                          Tackles (1^st)                                         53 tackles
Wesley Brandon                  Fumbles Forced (1^st)                           2 fumbles
Wesley Brandon                  Fumbles Recovered (T-1^st)                 2 recoveries
Addie Brown                         Kick Return Avg (2^nd)                             24.9 yard average
Morris Gilbert                       Tackles (2^nd)                                       52 tackles
Corey Brown                        Rushing (5^th)                                      381 total yards
Corey Brown                        Rushing/Game (5^th)                           76.2 yards/game
Chad Hovasse                     Receptions/Game (7^th)                       5.0 receptions/game
Chad Hovasse                     Receiving Yards/Game (8^th)               61.5 yards/game
Jorge Hernandez                 Total Offense (9^th)                              173.2 yards/game

 
Introducing Your Team Captains
The Grizzlies turn to a group of five student-athletes in 2016 with the designation of team captain. Wide receiver Chad Hovasse and lineman Addison Farmer were tabbed offensive captains. Meanwhile, linebackers John Land and John Reed alongside defensive back Demari Reynolds earned captain status amongst defensive players.

The ASU Tailgate Experience (Order Form)
Returning for 2016 home games is the tailgating area located between the Student Union Building and the Administration Housing office. Tailgating will be made available three hours prior to game time and close 30 minutes before kickoff. Food and alcoholic beverages may be brought into the sectioned tailgate area but are prohibited from exiting the designated area. Only gas grills are allowed and must be accompanied with a mat underneath to catch grease. No open fires or charcoal grills are allowed. Reserve a tailgating spot today for only $10 and send completed order forms to diannelee@adams.edu or fax to 719-587-7276.

Program To Represent San Luis Valley With Helmet Decal
Head Coach Timm Rosenbach has announced the addition of an SLV decal on the back of each helmet to signify the San Luis Valley's importance to the Adams State football program.

"We wanted to do something to represent where we live not just where we go to school." Rosenbach said of the new decal, "The people of the San Luis Valley provide us with great fan support and are extremely active in Grizzly Club. We are their team and the new decal shows our appreciation for all they do."

The decal will be displayed on the white matte helmet and the traditional green helmet. The SLV decal marks the second consecutive season of uniform upgrades for the program. Prior to the 2015 season, the Grizzlies ushered in their white matte helmet, a gray alternative jersey, and upgrades to their traditional home and away jerseys. The assortment of new gear has allowed the program to utilize different uniform combinations on a game-by-game basis.

Team Posters
Stop by the athletic department offices in Plachy Hall to pick up your 2016 ASU schedule posters! Fans can also view posters at www.asugrizzlies.com by navigating to the "Fan Zone" tab.

Stay Connected
For any updates regarding Adams State athletics stay connected with www.asugrizzlies.com! Updates are also available through the Grizzlies official Twitter (@ASUGrizzlies) and Facebook (/TheAsuGrizzlies) accounts.