COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Repeating the blueprint has led to the same result for Chadron State football linebacker Liam Blaser.

For the second week in a row, Blaser came up with a pick-six and a fumble recovery in CSC's game against an RMAC opponent. Now, for the second week in a row, Blaser is the RMAC Defensive Player of the Week.

Against New Mexico Highlands this past Saturday, Blaser picked off a pass near the line of scrimmage midway through the second quarter and returned it 25 yards to the end zone. It was Blaser's second career interception, but second in as many weeks after his 40-yard pick six from the previous game against Adams State. 

The defensive scoring play kicked off a run of 31 unanswered points for the Eagles in an eventual 59-17 victory over the Cowboys. Chadron State's defense forced three turnovers during that run, including a fumble on NMHU's very next possession that Blaser recovered.

The fumble recovery was also the second of Blaser's career – also one week after the Duncan, Nebraska native had his first against Adams. Blaser also recorded four solo tackles in addition to his two turnover-causing plays.

While Blaser provided many of the highlights, it was a banner day for the entire Eagle defense, which forced three or more turnovers for the third game this season. Chadron State also led New Mexico Highlands's rushing attack to just 95 rushing yards on Saturday, well short of NMHU's season average of 208.4.

Blaser's win makes him the Eagles' first two-time weekly award winner in the same season since fellow linebacker Logan O'Brien, who notably won five during the 2025 season. Chadron State's three Defensive Player of the Week award winners (two by Blaser and one by Jarred Marquez) are tied for the most in the conference with Colorado School of Mines.

Chadron State football continues its 2026 schedule with its homecoming game against Fort Lewis this Saturday, October 31, with kickoff at 1 p.m.