Fort Hays State (3-1, 3-1 MIAA) at Washburn (1-3, 1-3 MIAA) Saturday, October 4, 2014 - 1 pm Topeka, Kan. - Yager Stadium at Moore Bowl

Fresh off a big win at nationally ranked Pittsburg State last week, the Fort Hays State football team carries a 3-1 record to Washburn on Saturday in Topeka, Kan. The Tigers are receiving votes in the latest AFCA national poll and are tied for second in the MIAA standings. Washburn enters this contest at 1-3.

Fort Hays State has played well on the road so far this year with a 2-0 mark, posting a 48-13 win at Northeastern State and a 7-6 win over then No. 8 Pittsburg State last week. Last week's win snapped a 35-year winless drought against Pittsburg State. The Tigers look to end another drought this Saturday as they have not won in Topeka since 1985. Technically, a win in Topeka was credited to the Tigers in 1987 due to Washburn using an ineligible player, but Washburn won the game initially before declaring the player ineligible.

Washburn owns a five-game win streak over the Tigers, with FHSU claiming its last win over the Ichabods in Hays during the 2008 season. That is the only win for FHSU over Washburn since joining the MIAA in 2006, as the Ichabods are 7-1 in meetings since the Tigers made the move.

The Tiger defense continues to improve on a week-to-week basis. After allowing 489 yards in the season-opening loss to Central Oklahoma, the Tigers have seen an improvement each week since in three consecutive wins - 345 yards allowed at Northeastern State, 283 yards allowed to Lindenwood, and a season-low 240 yards allowed to Pittsburg State. FHSU is allowing just 13 points per game, which ranks fourth in the MIAA, and 339.3 yards per game, which ranks third in the MIAA.

Fort Hays State is currently in a four-way tie for second place in the MIAA. Central Oklahoma, Missouri Western, and No. 19 ranked Pittsburg State all sit at 3-1 as well. No. 1 ranked Northwest Missouri State, the defending national champion, is the only undefeated team remaining in the conference at 4-0.

The Tigers are looking to improve their offensive production. FHSU is currently last in the MIAA in total offense, averaging just 253.8 yards of total offense per game. Northeastern State was the only opponent the Tigers produced over 300 total yards against this season with 408. The offense had only 141 total yards last week at Pittsburg State, but the monumental defensive effort allowed FHSU to escape with the win.

Alumni Association Tailgate Event
Saturday - October 4, 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Location: Grassy area located just east of Stoffer Science Building on Washburn campus. Download map.
Unrestricted parking is available in Lots 1 & 2, nearest the tailgate area, and lots 4 & 5 located south and east of the Petro Allied Health Center.

Tailgate Tickets
Adult Tailgate:  $10
Child (K-12) Tailgate:  $5.50
Kids aged 5 & under:  FREE

Enjoy a delicious meal of pulled pork sandwiches, smoked sausage, cole slaw, beans, chips, beverages and dessert, prepared by the chapter area volunteers! Then, head into Yager Stadium for the game at 1 pm.; tickets for the game are available at the gate. "Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger" t-shirts will be sold at the event.