CFB D2 Game Preview: Colorado Mesa Mavericks (0-0) vs. Central Washington Wildcats (0-0)

Game Details

Kickoff: 2:00 p.m. MT (4:00 p.m. ET)
Maverick Stadium

Preview Summary

Colorado Mesa looks to build on a 5–6 finish in 2024 behind a revamped ground attack, while Central Washington arrives off an 8–4 season and national ranking, riding a dual-threat offense. Expect CWU’s high-octane scheme to test CMU’s young secondary, but the Mavericks’ physical front seven could slow the Wildcats’ rhythm early.

Season Context

Colorado Mesa enters Year 15 under retiring head coach John Wristen, aiming to reestablish consistency after back-to-back losing seasons. A new offensive coordinator brings spread-runs and quick-game concepts to unlock QB Cael Dougan’s arm. Central Washington, led by Chris Fisk in his seventh season, rebounded from a narrow Lone Star Conference semifinal loss with playoff experience and the nation’s top returning rusher. The Wildcats seek their first conference crown since 2021.

Team Overviews

Colorado Mesa Mavericks

Head Coach: John Wristen (15th season)

2024 Record: 5–6 (4–4 RMAC)

Offense:

QB Cael Dougan (SR) returned from shoulder surgery to throw for 2,100 yards and 16 TDs

RB Tory Burris (JR) averaged 5.3 yards on 180 carries last year

Defense:

LB Trayvion Hines (SR) led with 90 tackles and 7.5 TFL

DB Nolan White (JR) notched 3 interceptions

Central Washington Wildcats

Head Coach: Chris Fisk (7th season)

2024 Record: 8–4 (6–2 LSC)

Offense:

QB Kennedy McGill (RS-JR) piled up 1,724 passing yards, 15 TDs and added 1,206 rushing yards with 12 scores

RB Tyler Flanagan (SR) topped 1,000 yards and 14 TDs on the ground

Defense:

LB Brycen Indell (RS-SR) posted 55 tackles, 4.5 TFL and 2.5 sacks

DL Daniel Matagi (JR) delivered 9 TFL, 5.5 sacks and forced fumbles

Key Storylines

Schemes Collide: CMU’s power-offense faces CWU’s speed-front; the trenches battle will dictate tempo.

Dual-Threat QB Test: Dougan’s accuracy in quick reads vs. McGill’s improvisational legs and arm strength.

Road Trip Challenge: Wildcats are 3–1 all-time in Grand Junction; CMSU must flip home-field edge.

Tactical Matchups

Colorado Mesa Offense vs. CWU Defense: Expect inside zone mixed with RPOs; CWU’s linebackers must stay disciplined against the run-pass look.

CWU Offense vs. Colorado Mesa Defense: Wildcats will use jet sweeps and read-option to stretch the field; Mavericks’ front seven needs gap integrity.

Head-to-Head

This is the first-ever meeting between these Division II programs, setting the tone for a potential future crossover rivalry.

What to Watch

First-Quarter Trenches: Watch if Mesa can establish the run or if CWU’s gap-shooting line creates early TFLs.

Third-Down Defense: Which unit bends without breaking when pressured late?

Turnover Impact: Wildcats forced 22 turnovers in 2024—any takeaway could flip field position dramatically.