The Fort Hays State football team plays its first road contest of the 2010 season on Saturday (Sept. 25) at Emporia State in Emporia, Kan. The Tigers enter the game at 3-0 overall and 1-0 in the MIAA. The Tigers are 3-0 for the first time since 1983. Game time is set for 1 pm at Welch Stadium.

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The Tigers are coming off a 34-9 win over Truman this past week. Fort Hays State has one of the top offenses in the nation right now, averaging 516.0 yards per game, which ranks second in the MIAA and sixth nationally. They are averaging 41.3 points per game, which is third-best in the conference and 11th nationally.

Fort Hays State has been very efficient in the passing game, with quarterback Mike Garrison ranking fourth nationally in pass efficiency (179.1). He has thrown for 931 yards and 10 touchdowns, completing 52-of-90 attempts with just one interception. The Tigers rank 13th in the nation in passing offense at 310.3 yards per game, all generated by Garrison.

James Walker has been steady for the Tiger rushing attack, averaging 89.3 yards per game and 5.2 yards per carry. O.J. Murdock leads FHSU in several receiving categories, including receptions (12), yards (332), yards per catch (27.7) and touchdowns (4). He is the MIAA leader in yards per catch and ranks second in yards per game (110.7).

The Tiger defense is also one of the best in the nation at stopping the run. The Tigers are allowing just 74.7 yards per game on the ground, holding opponents under 100 yards rushing in two of three games. FHSU ranks 19th in the nation in rushing defense. Jacob Crossman has been a big disrupter up front for FHSU so far with three sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss this year. Alex Whitehill is leading the Tigers in tackles with 28, reaching double digits the last two games.

Fort Hays State put an end to not producing a turnover this season with four against Truman. The Tigers picked off three passes and recovered one fumble against the Bulldogs, moving to +2 in turnover margin for the season.

The Tigers face a Hornet defense that is tied for the national lead in interceptions with 10. The Hornets had five interceptions in their 30-27 win over Missouri Southern last week, one of which went for the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter. Daniel Webb of ESU leads the MIAA in sacks (5) and tackles for loss (8).

This will be the 84th meeting between the schools, the longest rivalry in FHSU history. The Hornets lead the all time series 49-32-2. The Tigers are looking for their first win in Emporia since 2000.