Game Details
ThunderBowl Stadium
Kickoff is set for 5:00 PM MT.
Betting Trends
CSU–Pueblo is 7–1 against the spread in home openers over the past five seasons.
South Dakota Mines is 3–4 ATS in RMAC season openers since 2018.
Key Storylines
South Dakota Mines enters Year 3 under Coach Charlie Flohr after completing its third winning season in four years for the first time since the 1980s.
CSU–Pueblo kicks off the campaign ranked No. 7 in the D2Football.com preseason media poll, up from 11th in 2024, highlighting elevated expectations for the ThunderWolves in 2025.
Both programs return experienced cores on offense and defense, setting up a true RMAC litmus test in week zero.
Players to Watch
South Dakota Mines Hardrockers
Jared Austin, QB: Junior dual-threat who topped 1,800 passing yards and added 450 rushing yards in 2024.
Sage Mann, RB: Workhorse back with 850 yards and eight touchdowns last season.
Jack Schulte, OL: Two-year captain anchoring an improved line.
CSU–Pueblo ThunderWolves
Izaak Ortiz, QB: Senior passer who threw for 2,800 yards and 25 scores in 2024.
Jordan Lyons, RB: Rushed for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns, pacing the backfield.
Diego Lucero, LB: Led the defense with 75 tackles and eight tackles-for-loss.
Tactical Breakdown
Offense
Mines utilizes a spread-run scheme under center, blending zone-reads with inside power runs and built-in play-action. CSU–Pueblo operates a pro-style balance, mixing downhill runs with tempo-based play-action to keep defenses off balance.
Defense
Hardrockers open in a 4-2-5 nickel, prioritizing speed in space and disguising coverages. ThunderWolves lean on a 3-4 base, deploying stunts and pressure packages to disrupt opposing quarterbacks.
X-Factors
Turnover Margin: Early takeaways could swing field position in a one-score affair.
Line-of-Scrimmage Control: Whichever offensive front wins early will dictate play-calling and clock management.
Special Teams Play: Wind patterns at elevation make punts and field-goals game-defining.
Game Odds
South Dakota Mines Hardrockers 51.5
CSU-Pueblo Thunderwolves – 6.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Wednesday, August 27, 2025
