GOLDEN, Colo. — The undefeated Orediggers are headed back to the National Championship game after a historic 35-7 victory over Kutztown in the DII semifinals.
"Last year was, we felt like we won it just by arriving at this game, just by winning this game, we felt like we've done it all and we were successful," explained Mines star quarterback John Matocha. "But this year, even the mood in the locker room, it's on to the next."
Matocha threw three touchdown passes, but for his second TD pass to Noah Roper, surpassed the record for most touchdown passes in college football history, 160.
"It's incredibly special, I feel extremely blessed," expressed Matocha. "It's also extremely special because it's not only this year, you know, it's four or five years in the making. Four different teams, a lot of different seniors that have rolled through so it's, it's, it's incredibly special to share with all those guys."
"Job's not done," said Matocha. "We do not feel like we've made it, we're not satisfied with our performance yet. We just got to lock it in for one more week, the last time."
Colorado School of Mines will travel to McKinney, Texas Saturday as they advance to the NCAA title game against Harding.
The game can be seen on ESPNU. 9News will postgame coverage throughout the night at 5, 9, and 11 pm after SNL.
SUGGESTED VIDEOS: Sports
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.
9NEWS+
Watch more from 9NEWS KUSA on the free 9NEWS+ app for Roku and Fire TV.
9NEWS+ has multiple live daily shows including 9NEWS Mornings, Next with Kyle Clark and 9NEWS+ Daily, an original streaming program. 9NEWS+ is where you can watch live breaking news, weather updates, and press conferences. You can also replay recent newscasts and find videos on demand of our top stories, local politics, investigations and Colorado specific features.
To download 9NEWS+ on Roku search for KUSA.
To download 9NEWS+ on Fire TV search for 9NEWS KUSA.
RELATED: Watch 9NEWS for free on ROKU, Apple TV, Fire TV
MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS
Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER
Download the 9NEWS KUSA APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n
> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.