Kearney, Neb. - The 13th-ranked Nebraska-Kearney football team makes its last trip to New Mexico as an RMAC member when it faces N.M. Highlands Saturday in Las Vegas.

The game with the Cowboys kicks off at 1:00 p.m .Central from Perkins Stadium. As usual, live stats are available and fans can listen to Dave Jenner call the game on KRNY 102.3 FM as well. For a fee, you can also watch the game via America One.

UNK (6-1, 4-1 RMAC) needs to win its final four games in order to have a chance at making the 24-team Division II playoffs.

The Cowboys (4-3, 2-3 RMAC) were hoping to be included in that discussion as they began the year 4-0 under first-year year coach Eric Young, a former coach in the California JUCO ranks.

However, HU has had a rash of injuries at the QB position, punctuated by starting a linebacker, Clint Barnard, at the spot last week at Chadron State. Predictably, the 'Pokes had eight turnovers in a 42-14 setback.

This week, talented junior Nick Ponce (297 ypg, six TD's) could be back and thus HU has hopes of ending an 11-game skid against the Lopers. Overall, UNK has a 15-2 lead in the series.

A very athletic team, the Highlands offense also features a deep corps of running backs, led by Jermaine Holmes (71.1 yp, six TD's) with junior Kevon Williams (33 recep., 475 yds., four TD's) being among the best receivers in the RMAC.

He had 13 catches for 155 yards in last year's 38-13 loss to UNK. Another receiver to watch is senior Deandre Green (26 recep., 386 yds., four TD's).

Defensively, HU plays an attacking style that has led to a staggering 96 tackles for loss, including 27 sacks. Junior linebacker Jordan Campbell, who previously was at USC and Louisville, is a one man wrecking crew with a team-high 67 tackles, including 20.5 for loss.

The Cowboys have also picked off 14 passes and forced eight fumbles. Corner Abdul Kanneh has brought back three INT's for 167 yards and a score but he will not play against the Lopers. He, along with a Chadron player, were ejected from last week's game.

UNK doesn't want to get involved in a close game with Highlands. Unbelievably, HU has played two OT games and three others decided in the final 10 seconds.

Finally, the game may take a while as Highlands is averaging 152 penalty yards every Saturday.

The Lopers may have advantage on special teams as they blocked a punt, and brought another punt back, for scores in last year's win over Highlands.

QB Jake Spitzlberger (Lakewood, Colo.) completed just three passes in that win but the offense rushed for 273 yards and two scores.

UNK hosts Western New Mexico next weekend.