CSU-Pueblo retains its No. 2 spot, while Colorado Mines jumps to No. 16 in the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Division II Coaches' Poll after the poll was released Monday afternoon.
CSU-Pueblo garnered 773 total points in the poll, including six first-place votes. Colorado Mines tallied 295 points.
The ThunderWolves began their national title defense with a resounding 41-14 home win over Central Washington on Saturday night. CSU-Pueblo used a steady ground attack to control the game, with Cameron McDondle rushing for 176 yards and three touchdowns. He was joined by his brother, Bernard, who added 125 more rushing yards on 17 carries.
The Orediggers opened brand-new Marv Kay Stadium in style, defeating South Dakota Mines 63-28 behind an outstanding aerial display by quarterback Justin Dvorak. The junior tied an RMAC record with eight touchdown passes, throwing for 555 yards. His 574 yards of total offense ranks him ninth in RMAC single-game history.
AFCA Coaches' Poll (Sept. 7, 2015)
Team (first-place votes) - Record, Points
1. Minnesota St.-Mankato (24) - 1-0, 790
2. CSU-Pueblo (6) - 1-0, 773
3. West Georgia (1) - 1-0, 722
4. Northwest Missouri St. (1) - 1-0, 703
5. Pittsburg St. (Kan.) - 1-0, 636
6. Ferris St. (Mich.) - 0-0, 621
7. Ohio Dominican - 1-0, 599
8. Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) - 1-0, 546
9. Minnesota-Duluth - 0-1, 531
10. Delta St. (Miss.) - 1-0, 480
11. Ouachita Baptist (Ark.) - 1-0, 475
12. Angelo St. (Texas) - 1-0, 463
13. North Alabama - 1-0, 401
14. Valdosta St. (Ga.) - 1-0, 387
15. Sioux Falls (S.D.) - 1-0, 364
16. Colorado Mines - 1-0, 295
17. Azusa Pacific (Calif.) - 1-0, 286
18. Texas A&M-Commerce - 1-0, 231
19. Harding (Ark.) - 1-0, 204
20. Grand Valley St. (Mich.) - 1-0, 143
21. Slippery Rock (Pa.) - 1-0, 107
22. Concord (W.V.) - 0-1, 94
23. Indianapolis (Ind.) - 1-0, 77
24. Ashland (Ohio) - 1-0, 64
25. Shepherd (W.V.) - 1-0, 60