The 2022 Orediggers advanced to the national championship game where they lost to Ferris State. Coach Sterbick noted that, having lost the 2022 championship game, the Orediggers have "an extra chip on our shoulders" to win the school's first national championship in 2023.[2][3] The team opened its season ranked No. 2 nationally and defeated No. 3 Grand Valley State and No. 4 Angelo State in its first two games. The Orediggers finished the regular season ranked No. 1[4] and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs where they received a bye in the first round, and defeated Augustana (SD) (56–10) in the second round,[5]Central Washington (38–14) in the quarterfinals,[6] and Kutztown (35–7) in the semifinal.[7] They lost to No. 3 Harding, 38–7, in the Division II national championship game.[8]
The team plays its home games at Alumni Field at Marv Kay Stadium in Golden, Colorado.[1]
Colorado Mines' football team, drawn from its student body of engineering students, has gained attention both for its ability on the field and for its nerdy and colorful characters. In November 2023, The Wall Street Journal profiled quarterback John Matocha, a computer science major, as the leader of "college football's nerdiest contender."[26]5280 magazine profiled the team's official headshots including Matocha in pigtails and a drawn-on blue mustache; safety Blake Ramsey sporting a tonsure, friar-style haircut; linebacker Owen Marnell in Harry Pottercosplay; and tight end Kenny Wright with emo-style black bangs combed over one of his eyes.[27]
Statistical achievements and honors
Through their December 9 semifinal match with Kutztown, the Orediggers have scored 691 points, an average of 49.36 points per game, and have gained an average of 520.6 yards of total offense per game. On defense, they have held opponents to 157 points (11.21 points per game) and 247.1 yards of total offense per game. The team's individual statistical leaders include:
Redshirt senior quarterback John Matocha won the Harlon Hill Trophy, considered the Division II equivalent of the Heisman Trophy, in 2022,[28] and was a finalist for the award in 2023.[29] On November 11, 2023, Matocha broke the NCAA record for career touchdowns at all levels of play, as he tallied four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing), bringing his career total to 181.[30] Through the first 14 games of the 2023 season, Matocha has tallied 4,028 passing yards and 42 touchdowns.[31]
Redshirt senior wide receiver Max McLeod[32] leads the team with 1,503 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns.[31]
Redshirt senior running back Noah Roper[33] leads the team with 951 rushing yards.[31]
Redshirt senior placekicker Hunter Pearson[34] leads the team with 114 points scored.[31]
Redshirt junior outside linebacker Jaden Healy leads the team with 63 total tackles.[31]
Redshirt sophomore cornerback Jackson Zimmerman leads the team with six interceptions and nine pass breakups.[31]
Redshirt senior outside linebacker Nolan Reeve leads the team with ten sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss.[31]
