Defense and special teams powered No. 4-ranked Colorado School of Mines to a 13-12 road win over Chadron State Saturday.

An interception by Devyn Lauer-Duarte sealed the win in the RMAC opener for the Orediggers, who moved to 3-0 on the season.

The Orediggers held the Eagles (1-2, 0-1 RMAC) to a touchdown and two field goals on just 223 total yards of offense. They sacked Chardon State quarterback Wyatt Sprague four times.

Special teams play was as critical for Mines as the defense. Matthew Eich hit a pair of field goals and punter Blake Doud was a weapon in a strategic field-position battle, averaging 41.8 yards per punt on five tries with three punts dropped inside the 20.

Adrian Moreno led Mines with eight tackles, and Jaden Healy had seven. Christian Peluse, Evan Bish, Dominic Caggiano, and Justin Vaughn had sacks.

Mines quarterback Evan Foster was 24-of-28 for 235 yards and ran for Mines’ lone touchdown. Braelon Tate led all rushers with 51 yards. Max McLeod had five catches for 79 yards while Flynn Schiele had nine for 65.

The Orediggers continue RMAC play at home next Saturday against Black Hills State.