Orediggers remain undefeated In RMAC after win over Adams State

The Oredigger offense, known for its prolific attack and reputation for putting up points, struggled Saturday, so it seems fitting that a highlight of the game comes from the defensive side of the ball. Midway through the third quarter, CSM Senior defensive end Marc Schiechl wrapped up Adams State quarterback Trevor Eggleston for a 14 yard loss. It would appear to be a routine play for the senior, but the sack gave Schiechl 8.5 sacks on the season and brought his career total up to 42.5, breaking the current NCAA division II record. For Schiechl, the sacks have become a norm and have helped to anchor a strong defensive line that has propelled Mines to a perfect 7-0 record in RMAC play.

The offensive unit for the Oredigger, averaging 37.7 points and 466.7 yards per game, struggled to hold on to the ball as they surrendered four turnovers. Clay Garcia finished the game with 245 passing yards, 1 touchdown and 2 interceptions, but it was still enough as Mines outlasted Adams State 24-17 at Campbell field in Golden.

The Grizzlies opened the game with a defensive stop early on and took advantage on their ensuing possession, marching 69 yards in just over three minutes to jump to a 7-0 lead over the Orediggers. After a quick three-and-out, Adams State quickly drove another 46 yards to tack on a field goal and extend their lead to 10-0.

But after giving up a quick 10 points early on, the defense for the Orediggers began to settle down and take control of the game. For the remainder of the half, Mines held Adams State without a first down, key to giving the offense time to find their rhythm.
The CSM offense has not been stymied for very long at any point this season. They soon overcame their slow start as the combination of Garcia and Cody Renken along with the running attack of Dan Palmer resulted in a Palmer 1-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to three.

Palmer added a 41-yard receiving touchdown to his resume soon after, giving Mines the lead for the first time at 14-10. Palmer, a red shirt sophomore from Greeley, Colorado, exploded Saturday, tallying 188 all-purpose yards (100 rushing, 88 receiving) and was responsible for all three CSM touchdowns.

Mines came out of halftime clinging to a 17-10 lead. But Schiechl quickly erased any hope that the Adams State offense had of moving the ball, pulling down Eggleston for his third sack of the game. This was the historic sack that gave Schiechl the career sack record for all of Division II football, with still at least two games to play.

Later in the third, Palmer found his way in to the end zone for the third time on a 6 yard run, breaking the 17-17 tie and giving the Orediggers the lead, a lead they would not relinquish.

An underlying story to Saturday’s contest involved the special teams play for the Orediggers. Often the main focus is spent on the playmakers on the offensive or defensive sides of the ball. Rarely is the special teams spoken of. But with the Grizzlies leading 10-7 and driving deep into Oredigger territory, the defense came up with a key blocked field goal to keep Adams State off the board and turn around the momentum. The play seemed to take the air out of the Grizzlies and give new life to Mines.

Again with the game on the line, the defense came up with another monstrous block in the third quarter, keeping the game tied at 17.

Colorado School of Mines entered Saturday’s game ranked #16 in the nation. The win sends the Orediggers to 8-1 overall and 7-0 in the RMAC as the Grizzlies fall to 3-6 overall (2-5 RMAC). Mines continues their season on the road at Chadron State Nov. 6.