GAME PREVIEW CAPSULE
No. 13 Humboldt State University(7-1) at Dixie State University (3-5), tonight, 6 p.m., at Hansen Stadium
Previous Meeting: September 19, 2015 — Lumberjacks 66, Red Storm 7 (After tying the game at 7-7, the Lumberjacks reel off 59 straight points).
Overall Series Record: Lumberjacks lead head-to-head series 13-6
Broadcast: TDS Cable (Channel 22); ESPN SportsRadio 97.7 FM; southernutahlive.com;
RED STORM
Head coach: Scott Brumfield (6th year, 14-48 overall)
Offense: Spread
Defense: Pro 4-3
Last Game: Beat South Dakota School of Mines 48-25 (Oct. 31, 2015)
Players to watch: Quarterback Blake Barney (644 yards rushing, 411 yards passing) came back from injury last week and gave a record-setting performance, earning the NCAA Division II National Player of the Week award with 291 yards rushing. The offense put up 682 yards. Running back DeJon Coleman (680 yards, 6 TDs) leads the team in rushing. Wide receiver Nate Stephens leads the team in receptions (33 receptions, 481 yards, 2 Tds). Defensively, safety Colton Olson (80 tackles) is having a banner year. Defensive tackle Benson Laumatia leads the team in sacks and tackles for loss. Robert Metz is second in tackles (41) despite missing two games with injury.
LUMBERJACKS
Head Coach: Rob Smith (8th year at HSU, 45-36, 154-98-1 overall)
Offense: Multiple
Defense: 4-3
Last Game: Beat Simon Fraser 57-0 (Oct. 31, 2015)
Players to watch: Quarterback Robert Webber (1,464 yards passing, 14 TDs), running back Ja’Quan Gardner (1,544 yards rushing, 20 TDs), and receiver Chase Krivashei (44 receptions, 589 yards, 11 TDs) lead the offense. Linebackers Cameron Buell (57 tackles) and Drew Dubois (7.5 sacks) lead the defense.
GAME OUTLOOK
The Storm got pasted by nationally-ranked Humboldt back in September in Arcata. The Lumberjacks have been indiscriminate in their blowouts this season. Six of their seven wins have come by two touchdowns or more. The Storm is coming off a record-setting performance in South Dakota. HSU is on Dixie State’s home turf today. I don’t expect the outcome to be different. HSU is too good, but it won’t be the blowout the Storm suffered in September. And the Storm offense will put up big numbers today.
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Twitter: @oldschoolag
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