1999 MULES' FOOTBALL FACT SHEET - GAME 7

The Game: University of Missouri-Rolla at CMSU, Oct. 16, 2 p.m.; CMSU's Audrey J. Walton Stadium/Vernon Kennedy Field (10,000 - natural grass), Warrensburg, Mo.; CMSU's Homecoming game.

The Mules (3-3-0, 1-3-0 MIAA): They lost at home 24-13 to Truman State University last Thursday night. After leading 13-3 early in the third quarter, the Mules saw the Bulldogs score 21 unanswered points. Trailing 17-13 in the fourth quarter, the Mules blocked a Truman State field goal attempt, then drove to the Bulldog 12-yard line, but were stopped on fourth down. Later in the quarter, the Mules lost the ball on a fumble at the TSU 47, then gave up a 54-yard scoring pass three plays later. The Mules also lost a fumble at the Bulldog one in the second quarter. Jason Graham rushed for a career-high 167 yards on 39 carries to record his second straight 100-yard rushing game and third of the season. He had 138 against Washburn University the previous week and 101 against Winona State University. Graham leads the Mules with 527 yards rushing for the season, an average of 87.8 yards per game. John Holmes completed 10 of 14 passes for 120 yards, including a 78-yard scoring pass to Greg Schmidt. Schmidt had four catches in the game for 100 yards. For the season, Holmes has completed 49.3% of his passes for 532 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions. Schmidt leads the Mules' receivers with 12 catches for 232 yards and three TDs. Linebacker Andy Sims led the Mules' defensive effort against Truman State with 10 tackles and a blocked punt. The Mules lead the MIAA in rushing defense, allowing just 104.3 yards per game on the ground. Sack leader Colston Weatherington, who has nine, did not record a sack vs. Truman State. He needs six more to break the Mules' season record of 14 set by Milt Sanderman in 1984.

The Miners (0-6-0, 0-4-0 MIAA): They lost 53-18 last Saturday at Washburn University, after trailing only 25-18 at halftime. Sophomore tailback Ken Okwuonu rushed for 131 yards in 29 carries, including a 47-yard touchdown run. He leads the MIAA in rushing with an average of 120.3 yards per game. Freshman place-kicker Alex Mendrygal tied a school record with four field goals in the game. The Miners have struggled with their passing game this season. They're completing just 35.0% of their passes, are averaging only 62.8 yards per game to rank last in the MIAA and have not had a touchdown pass this season. Sam Petty is the Miners' top receiver with 13 catches for 85 yards. Senior strong safety Tom Benassi leads the team in tackles with 49. The Miners were winless last season and have a string of 17 straight losses coming into Saturday's game. Their last win came in the final game of the 1996 season, 19-0 over Southwest Baptist.

The Coaches: Willie Fritz is in his third season at CMSU with a record of 16-12. The Mules were 8-3 last season after going 5-6 in 1997. Fritz came to CMSU after four years as head coach at Blinn College (Texas), where he compiled a 39-5-1 record. His last two teams at Blinn each went 12-0-0 and won the junior college national championship each year (1995 & 1996). Fritz is 2-0-0 vs. Missouri-Rolla. Kirby Cannon is in his first season at UMR. He came to Missouri-Rolla after serving as an assistant coach at Western Illinois the past two years.

The Series: The Miners lead the series 33-31 and there have been three ties. The Mules have won the last seven meetings and 12 of the last 13. The last win for UMR in the series was a 13-7 win at Rolla in 1991. The Miners haven't won in Warrensburg since a 16-15 decision in 1980.

Last Year: The Mules won 27-0 at Rolla. The Mules had a 24-0 lead at halftime. The Miners managed just 41 yards in total offense (17 rushing, 24 passing) for the game and tied a school record with 13 punts.

Last Time in Warrensburg: The Mules won 20-7 in their 1996 Homecoming game. Larry Jefferson rushed for 223 yards and two touchdowns. UMR was limited to 132 yards in total offense.

Mules' Injuries: The Mules did not have any serious injuries in the Truman State game.

Mules on Radio: KLRQ-FM (96.1) in Clinton will broadcast the game live with Bob Jackson and Chris Shaeffer calling the game. Air time will be 1:45 p.m. The broadcast also will be available on the TEAMLINE telephone service by calling (800) 846-4700, then entering 3946 and following the instructions for credit card billing. KLRQ also will have the broadcast available on its Web site at http://www.klrq.com.

Next Game: The Mules play at Missouri Western State College Oct. 23 at 2 p.m. in MWSC's Homecoming game. Missouri-Rolla plays at home Oct. 23 against Southwest Baptist at 1 p.m.