ALAMOSA, Colo. – The Adams State Grizzlies football team looks to make it to straight wins this weekend, as they prepare for a conference showdown against state rival CSU-Pueblo. The Grizzlies enter Saturday 4-3, coming off of a thrilling victory against South Dakota Mines. They now look towards a CSU-Pueblo Thuderwolves squad that enters Saturday 6-1, only having lost to RMAC powerhouse Colorado Mines back on September 21^st.
 
The Grizzlies received timely key plays particularly on the offensive side of the ball last weekend, as quarterback John Buksa and company racked up 520 yards of total offense at home against the Hardrockers. Receiver Tariq Bitson was an unstoppable force on the outside, as South Dakota Mines seemingly had no answer for the playmaker who is currently leading the nation in receiving. He will have to have a big day Saturday if the Grizzlies are primed for an upset against the favored Thunderwolves on the road in Pueblo.
 
If there was a running back in the crowded Adams State backfield who separated himself as they key playmaker on the day, it was Jamarcus Federick, who did not start the game but made an enormous impact throughout. Federick tallied 77 total yards on 19 touches and scored 3 touchdowns, 2 rushing 1 receiving on Saturday, and always seemed to come through when the offense needed him most. Look for him, Duson Sproles, and Otumus Payemanu to try and slow down the game against a solid Thunderwolves defense.
 
The Adams State defense did their part to come away with the win last weekend, particularly in the red zone. The bend but don't break mentality stifled the Hardrockers on numerous occasions when they knocked on the door deep in Adams State territory. The Grizzlies forced a couple of timely turnovers when they needed it most, and in the end did just enough to secure the win. The Thunderwolves feature a deep ground game, and the Adams State defense should have opportunities to create takeaways to help their offense Saturday.
 
The Grizzlies have not beaten the Thunderwolves since the 2008 season, when they went down to Pueblo and won a 16-8 slugfest in the finale of CSU-Pueblo's inaugural season. Last season, Adams State lost a nail-biter at home to the Thunderwolves 22-29, their second of five consecutive losses to end the year. They hope to be on the winning end of Saturday's contest at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl.
 
The highly-anticipated showdown against CSU-Pueblo kicks off from Pueblo, Colo. at 2 PM Saturday afternoon. Fans and alumni are encouraged to attend the Adams State Tailgate taking place prior to kickoff at the Neta and Eddie DeRose Thunderbowl. Live stats and stream for the game will be available at ASUGrizzlies.com.