Fort Hays State (0-0, 0-0 MIAA) at
Northeastern State (0-0, 0-0 MIAA)
Thursday, August 31 - 6 PM
Tahlequah, Okla. – Gable Field at Doc Wadley Stadium
 
Fort Hays State Football opens its 2023 campaign on Thursday night (Aug. 31) at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Okla. After an injury riddled 2022 season, the Tigers are looking to get back on track this year in the perennially tough Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association. Kickoff from Doc Wadley Stadium will be at 6 p.m. Watch the game live on The MIAA Network, or follow on radio or live stats.

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Fort Hays State looks to continue its win streak against Northeastern State, currently sitting at eight games entering Thursday night's contest. The win streak dates back to the 2014 season. FHSU has scored at least 27 points in all eight games during the run, highlighted by a 91-point outburst in 2019. The Tigers have outscored the RiverHawks 380-67 during the eight-game streak, averaging 47.5 points per game. FHSU leads the all-time series 8-2 and has an 8-0 mark against NSU in MIAA play. NSU won the first two meetings in history between the teams in 1989 and 1990, when FHSU was still a member of the NAIA.
 
Fort Hays State won last year's meeting in Hays by a score of 27-14. The Tigers led 20-0 through three quarters until a surge by the RiverHawks early in the fourth quarter shortened the lead to just six points. FHSU gave itself breathing room again when a 38-yard touchdown pass created the final margin of 13 points.
 
Though the Tigers struggled to just three wins in 2022, they owned one of the top redzone efficiencies in NCAA Division II. FHSU finished 11^th in NCAA Division II at an 88.9 percent success rate, converting 32-of-36 chances with 23 touchdowns and nine field goals.
 
All of FHSU's returning all-conference performers are on the defensive side of the ball. Defensive end Myles Menges, linebacker Makel Williams, and safety Mason Perez earned All-MIAA Third Team honors in 2022. The trio combined for 178 tackles in 2022.
 
On the offensive side of the ball, Jack Dawson is projected to start at quarterback after throwing for 1,722 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. He is also the top returning rusher for the Tigers, churning out 245 yards with his legs as well. Ja'Quan Tillis had the most rushing yards last season (166) among returning running backs. Leyton Cure had the most receiving yards among returners with 281.
 
For complete notes on the game, visit the FHSU Game Notes link above.