Kearney, Neb. - A statewide television audience will get a chance to watch the 71st game between the Nebraska-Kearney and Chadron State football teams this Saturday from Ron & Carol Cope Stadium at Foster Field.

Kickoff is slated for a little after 12:00 p.m. Central. The RMAC game will be carried by NET (Nebraska Educational Television); check local listings for channel information. Fans can also watch a free video webcast of the game by going HERE.

As usual, live stats are available and Loper fans can listen to Dave Jenner call the game on KRNY 102.3 as well.

The 4th-ranked Lopers (5-0, 3-0 RMAC) are looking to beat the Eagles (2-3, 2-1 RMAC) for a third straight time. That hasn't happened since UNK posted wins in 1980, 1990 and 1991.

UNK has a 48-21-1 lead in the series, which dates back to 1921. There have been four continuous periods; 1929-42, 1945-57, 1960-79 and 1996-present.

This last continuous period has been the most competitive as 10 of the 15 games have been decided by seven points or less. Chadron has won most of these barn burners, taking six straight (1996-01) and another three (2006-08).

This year's winner will likely have bragging rights for a long time since the MIAA (Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association), the Lopers new home in 2012, features an 11-game conference schedule. 

UNK is currently leading Division II in total offense (614.0 ypg) and is tied for second in scoring (50.0). These numbers are thanks in large part to senior QB Jake Spitzlberger (Lakewood, Colo.), who will be making his 39th straight start come Saturday.

He leads the nation in total offense (370.2 ypg), is 22nd in passing (264.2) and 23rd in rushing (106.0). Spitzlberger directs a unit that has good balance (323.4 rushing avg. & 290.6 passing avg.) and depth as 17 different Lopers have caught a pass and seven players have at least 36 yards rushing.

The Eagles, however, always play good defense. Since the series resumed in 1996, Chadron has usually held UNK under 24 points (20.9 avg.) with this year's defense led by junior OLB Kevin Lindholm (41 tackles) and senior MLB James Belville (five TFL). 

CSC has had some tough luck with injuries on offense, losing QB Jonn McLain and RB Dominic Morris. Former U. of South Dakota QB Brandon Gorsuch (315 passing yards vs. CSU-Pueblo) is now the signal caller with Glen Clinton (62.5 ypg) and Michael Madkins (76.6 ypg) a formidable running back tandem.

They'll run into a Loper defense that has been very stingy, currently surrendering just 13.6 points and 74.0 rushing yards per week. UNK's "D" has also been very good on third down (34% conversion) while forcing 19 turnovers (12 INT's and seven fumbles).

Individually, sophomore ILB Kellen Werner (Grand Island) currently is second on the team in tackles with 32 while being tied for the team lead in TFL (5.5). He also has two INT's and six pass breakups.

Senior corner Arthur Hobbs (San Diego, Calif.) has six pass breakups as well, in addition to five INT's for 274 return yards. Finally, senior end Corey Morten (Loomis) leads in sacks with 4.0 for a loss of 37 yards.

UNK's tough October continues next Saturday when 11th-ranked Colorado State-Pueblo visits. The undefeated ThunderWolves beat Colorado School of Mines, 23-6, Thursday night on CBS College Sports TV.