Fort Hays State hosts No. 12 ranked Central Missouri in the MIAA Network Game of the Week this Saturday (Oct. 9) at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Television coverage of the game begins at 2 pm, with actual kickoff time at 2:20 pm. Central Missouri enters the game at 5-1 overall and 4-0 in the MIAA, one of just two unbeaten teams remaining in conference play, and Fort Hays State enters at 3-2 overall and 1-2 in the MIAA.
Game Central
Game Notes, Live Video, Live Audio, Live Stats
The game will be televised on the MIAA Network, which was created prior to the start of this season. The game is offered through specific cable providers in Kansas and Missouri, so check the link below for channel listings in your area. The game is not available through satellite providers.
MIAA Network Channel Listings
The Tigers are looking to snap a two-game losing streak after beginning the season 3-0. The Tigers face the top offense in the conference this week, as Central Missouri averages over 500 yards of total offense per game. The Mules have scored at least 31 points in all six of their games so far and at least 50 points in three games. Central Missouri has the third best passing offense in the nation, averaging 406.2 yards per game through the air. Central Missouri quarterback Eric Czerniewski leads the nation in completions (194) and has completed 68.6 percent of his passes this season. Central Missouri throws the ball often, nearly at a 2:1 ratio, averaging 47.8 passing attempts to just 24.3 rushing attempts per game.
The Tigers also have a very potent offense, averaging 440 yards of total offense per game. Quarterback Mike Garrison is second in the MIAA in passing completions (93) and passing yards (1383) behind Czerniewski. Garrison is a dual threat with his ability to run. He has 272 yards rushing this season and led the Tigers in rushing against Washburn last week with 76 yards to go along with his 304 passing yards in the game. Garrison moved to third all-time at FHSU in completions (378) and passing touchdowns (36) in last week's game.
This game will feature two of the top three receivers in the conference in O.J. Murdock for FHSU and Jamorris Warren for Central Missouri. Both have garnered MIAA Player of the Week honors this season. Warren is second in the MIAA in receiving yards per game (99.7) and Murdock in third (95.0). Murdock leads the MIAA in yards per reception (20.7).
The Tigers have two of the top defensive performers in the MIAA. Junior linebacker Alex Whitehill ranks second in the conference in tackles per game (9.8). Senior defensive lineman Jacob Crossman is third in the conference in sacks (4.0) and tackles for loss (7.0)
Fort Hays State is looking for its first win against Central Missouri since joining the MIAA in 2006. The Tigers are 0-4 against the Mules in that span. The Tigers are looking to avenge their worst loss from last season when they fell 48-3 to a No. 16 ranked Mule squad in Warrensburg last year. The last meeting between the teams in Hays was close, with Central Missouri winning 24-21 in 2008.
The last time Fort Hays State upset a ranked team was in 2008 when it defeated a No. 18 ranked Washburn squad 17-7.
