Fort Hays State looks for a fourth win in the last five meetings with Pittsburg State on Saturday (Oct. 13) at Lewis Field Stadium in Hays. Kickoff is set for 2 pm in the annual Hall of Fame Game at Lewis Field Stadium. The Tigers (4-2) look to pull the MIAA-leading Gorillas (5-1) back into a tie in the MIAA standings in a key battle that could be pivotal for postseason play later in the year. The Gorillas enter the game ranked No. 18 in the latest AFCA Top 25 Poll, while the Tigers are just outside the Top 25 as the third-highest listed team in the receiving votes section.

Promotions
- Tiger Sports Hall of Fame - Five new members of the Tiger Sports Hall of Fame will be honored at halftime. The new inductees include Carolyn Bird (contributor), Weston Harding (wrestling), Dave Nehls (baseball), Jose Salcido (football), and Ed Schumacher (men's basketball).
- Jersey Themed Student Section - Students are encouraged to wear their favorite sports jersey. Admission to the game is FREE as always by presenting your Tiger Card.
- Game Sponsor: Herrman Physical Therapy & Wellness - Will be tossing out mini footballs to the crowd throughout the game.
 
Pittsburg State was leading the MIAA alone until last week when it fell to Northwest Missouri State. The Gorillas and Bearcats now sit in a tie for the MIAA lead at 5-1. Fort Hays State is just a game back of both at 4-2 and looks to gain the head-to-head advantage on Pittsburg State for potential postseason scenarios down the road. Northwest Missouri State and FHSU will meet in Week 10 in Maryville.
 
The Tigers are coming off a frustrating loss at Emporia State last week, surrendering 21 fourth-quarter points in a 28-24 loss. The Tigers led the game for three quarters until the Hornets rallied late. Four turnovers by the Tigers were a key in not putting more points on the board. The Tigers are -6 in turnover margin in their two losses combined this season, but +8 combined in their four wins.
 
The Tigers defeated the Gorillas 21-17 in Hays last year when the Tigers owned a No. 11 national ranking by the AFCA. The Tigers fell behind 17-0 early in the game, but rallied for 21 consecutive points to win. The Tigers moved to 6-0 overall last year with the win on their way to the undefeated regular season.
 
This is the fourth straight opponent the Tigers play at home that played a postseason game last year. Pittsburg State, Central Oklahoma, Washburn, and Central Missouri all won bowl games last year and the Tigers are 3-0 so far at home this season. FHSU defeated UCM 20-16 in Week 1, Washburn 30-24 in Week 3, and Central Oklahoma 15-0 in Week 5. The Tigers now have a nine-game win streak in regular season games at home.
 
Jacob Mezera looks to become the all-time passing yards leader in FHSU history on Saturday, needing 163 to pass Mike Garrison for the career record. Garrison finished his career with 7,014 in 2010. Mezera currently has 6,852 yards. Mezera is also two passing touchdowns shy of the FHSU career of 55 held by Treveon Albert. Mezera enters Saturday with 53 passing touchdowns.
 
Charles Tigner enters Saturday with a three-game streak of rushing for at least 100 yards. He ran for 116 yards against Missouri Southern, 101 against Central Oklahoma, and then 106 last week at Emporia State.
The Tigers had a pair of 100-yard receivers in a game for the second time this season last week at Emporia State. Harley Hazlett, the team leader in receptions, had 108 yards, while Layne Bieberle added 100. Tight end Matt Wendelberger continues to lead the Tigers in receiving yards with 408, while both Bieberle and Hazlett have over 300 yards on the season.
 
Defensively for the Tigers, Jose Delgado leads the team in tackles with 57, averaging 9.5 per game. Connor Shedeed leads the team in interceptions with three, while Sterling Swopes leads in sacks with 4.5.