BUTTE, Mont. – The Eastern Oregon University football team will be in a battle at Montana Tech Saturday in the Frontier Conference opener for both teams.

The Mountaineers won a 32-20 decision at Alumni Coliseum last season, but it was only their second win there since 2000. The Orediggers led EOU after the first quarter in last season's first meeting on Sept. 19 in Butte, Mont. But the Mountaineers outscored Tech 27-13 over the final three quarters and won the game.

It was only the second time Eastern won in Butte. EOU gained 490 yards of offense and Montana Tech had 406. Skyler Knuchel gained 91 yards on 14 carries for the Orediggers and found the endzone twice. Eastern's Chris Ware threw for 334 yards, completing 29 of his 37 attempts. Tech's Matt Komac gained 225 yards through the air, completing 18 of his 30 attempts. Seath Kimball had 4.5 tackles for loss for the Mountaineers.

Tech's Alumni Coliseum is a tough place for opponents to play. The 3,500 seated natural grass bowl is 5,725 feet above sea level. The stadium features a brand new five million dollar scoreboard media center that includes a massive video replay board.

Last week Montana Tech hosted South Dakota School of Mines, and the Orediggers lost the non-conference game, 13-6. Jareth Wilson caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from Komac in the second quarter, but Tech would not score again. Knuchel was held to 40 yards on the ground, and Komac threw for 157 yards on 17 of 35 passing. Tech did intercept four passes on defense.

Tech holds a 10-5 edge in the 15 meetings with the Mountaineers all-time. The Orediggers have lost two of their last three trips in La Grande. Montana Tech is 5-3 at Community Stadium all-time.

The last time the two teams met was in La Grande on Oct. 24, 2009 and the Orediggers upset the then-ranked No. 18 Mountaineers, 28-24. The Mountaineers watched a 24-14 lead slip away in the second half, and were unable to punch in a final score in the two minutes in the game. EOU ended the game six yards short of the endzone after a final effort on the final play of the game.

Ware attempted 42 throws, and 297 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Jordyn Jackson led EOU receiving with 76 yards on six catches. Miller had five catches for 62 yards. Tech was led by Komac's 208 yards on 15 of 21 passing. He had two touchdowns and an interception for 208 yards through the air. Knuchel carried for 108 yards on 25 carries with two touchdowns.

Saturday's game kicks off at 1 p.m. Mountain Time and will be broadcast locally in La Grande on KCMB 104.7 FM and worldwide on EOUSports.com.