ALAMOSA – The second longest football matchup in the state of Colorado will go down Saturday at 2 p.m. when Adams State University and Western State Colorado University collide at Rex Stadium. The rivalry will see it's 71^st installment, second only to Western vs. Colorado Mines in longevity, but much larger in the scheme of rivalries.
 
The last time this showdown occurred on Rex Stadium was under the lights when the Grizzlies mounted the school's largest ever comeback. This theme is reoccurring, as the Mountaineers haven't seen a victory in Alamosa since 2000.
 
Adams State is coming off of a heartbreaking loss to Black Hills State. After mounting a 31-3 lead, the Grizzlies sub came to heat and pressure from the Yellowjackets, eventually giving up a controversial no-call on the final play of regulation for a game-tying touchdown. The Yellowjackets went on to win in double-overtime.
 
Though the outcome wasn't ideal, the play from Adams State showed immense promise and improvement. Quarterback Jorge Hernandez threw for three touchdowns in the first half, while workhorse Corey Brown racked up 195 yards on the ground.
 
Brown will be a large factor in Saturday's game, as the Mountaineers let up just 187 yard rushing to Colorado Mesa last week. Should Brown control the ground game, it will open Western up to a passing attack from Adams that can feast. The Mavericks had five throwing touchdowns in the win, as well as 312 yards through the air.
 
Defensively, Brandon Baker will look to dine well on the passing attack of Western's true freshman quarterback. The fresh was accurate, but allowed a pick in the loss. Baker had two forced fumbles and six pass breakups against the Yellowjackets. Western's quarterback was also sacked four times, opening the door for the large Adams' front four to wreak havoc this weekend.
 
The Grizzlies allowed 299 yards rushing against the Yellowjackets, something that should change this weekend with the Mountaineers being held to less than 150 yards on the ground.