ALLENDALE, MICH. — Colorado Mines’ prolific passing offense ran into a formidable opponent today in the opening round of the NCAA Division II playoffs. Grand Valley State sacked Mines quarterback Clay Garcia 10 times and the Orediggers were shutout over three quarters in a 35-13 loss at Lubbers Stadium.
Mines finished with just 197 yards of total offense on 74 plays (2.7 yards per play), and the Orediggers’ lone touchdown against Grand Valley State’s starters came on a fumble recovery by defensive lineman Kaleb Anderson early in the fourth quarter.
Garcia, a finalist for the Harlon Hill Trophy given annually to the best player in D-II, completed 34-of-55 passes for 253 yards, two interceptions and a 22-yard touchdown pass to Tom Kastens against the Lakers’ second-string defense in the fourth quarter. The Orediggers lost yardage on the sacks and a stalled running game.
Behind quarterback Kyle McMahon, who completed 13-of-22 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns, Grand Valley State totaled 365 yards and took a 28-0 lead into the fourth quarter.
Mines trailed 14-0 at halftime — the first time the Orediggers were blanked during the opening half since facing Western Oregon in 2007.
Mines’ drove deep into Grand Valley territory early in the second quarter, but the threat ended as Garcia was intercepted by cornerback Chris Huley at GVSU 15-yard line.
Grand Valley State (11-1) next plays Augustana College (S.D.) in the second round Nov. 27.
