RIPON, Wis. - One month into the 2017 season, the Ripon College football team is yet to play a team that has lost a game this year, as all three teams they have competed against are a combined 9-0. That will change this weekend when Ripon (0-3) battles Grinnell College (1-2) in what will be the final game for both teams before the conference schedule begins next weekend.

"We have to get a win. This is about as much of a 'must win game' as we've had in a long time," Ripon Head Coach Ron Ernst said. "We've expressed that to the players and they understand how important this game is, so we're going to it turned around."

Due to a scheduling quirk, this will mark the first time Ripon has played Grinnell since the 2013 season, despite both teams being long-time members of the Midwest Conference. With the teams in different divisions in the MWC, it won't officially count as a conference game.

This will be the 47th meeting between these two teams, with the first coming in 1941. Ripon holds a 40-6-1 edge in the all-time series, and have won the last nine meetings, averaging 40.7 points per game during that span. The Red Hawks are also 26-2 against Grinnell in their last 28 meetings.

"None of our current players have ever faced Grinnell because of how the scheduling worked out during the past few years," Ernst said. "Prior to this week, we hadn't seen Grinnell on film for four years, so we're going in a little blind, but we're going to do the best we can."

Ripon enters the weekend ranking third in the MWC in rushing offense (223.0 ypg) and second in time of possession per game (33:07). The Red Hawks have gained more rushing yards than their opponent in the last eight games they've played, dating back to last season, and will continue to use their slot bone attack to control the ball on offense.

"I have tremendous confidence in our running backs, and Tyler VanDeVelde is a player that we expect to step up in the next several games," Ernst said. "The expectation for our offensive line is to improve every week in order for our offense to run well. There has been an emphasis on those five guys up front to play better, and I think they'll respond well."

Another aspect of Ripon's offense that has stood out this season has been the play of wide receiver Cameron Mignone. The Red Hawks haven't had a player catch at least four touchdowns in a season since 2010, but Mignone is already halfway there with two TD receptions through just three games, which is tied for ninth in the MWC. He has already matched his touchdown total from last season when he played nine games.

"Cameron has done a really nice job," Ernst said. "When the ball gets close to him, he'll make the catch. He's a very hard worker, understands what we're trying to do, and always works hard to get open."

Mignone and the rest of Ripon's offense will face a Grinnell defense that ranks sixth in the league (347.0 ypg) and eighth against the run (182.0 ypg). The Pioneers are led by linebacker Ryan Slager, who leads the MWC in tackles per game (14.0). Twenty-four of his 42 tackles have been of the solo variety, with two going for a loss. He has also recorded one sack for the Pioneers this season.

On offense, Grinnell ranks last in the league in total yards (251.0 ypg), but is ninth in passing yardage (169.0 ypg). Quarterback Tony Bergida is seventh in the MWC with 475 yards through the air, while receivers Carson Dunn and David Taylor each rank in the top four in the conference in receptions with 19 and 16, respectively. Taylor is also fourth in the league in receiving yards (228), which includes a 120-yard performance earlier this season.

"They throw the ball pretty well and also have a running back that runs hard," Ernst said. "When we've played Grinnell in the past, they may not have been the best team in the league, but they always play hard and give their best effort."

Ripon will counter with a defense that is tied for fourth in the league in sacks. Senior defensive linemen Brandon Bartel and Vince Stensrud are each on the verge of etching their name in the school record book for career sacks. With 15.5 sacks as a Red Hawk, Bartel ranks third in program history, just 1.5 shy of the school record, while Stensrud currently has 11, which is tied for ninth. Both players have two sacks this season to lead the team, and at least one of them has recorded a sack in all three of Ripon's games this season.

"We certainly have played well defensively and seem to get better each week, which is what we need to continue," Ernst said. "We've had a very good week of practice and our players are focused and excited to play this game."

Saturday's game will kickoff at 1 p.m. at Ingalls Field. The game will also serve as Ripon Community Day where all Ripon youth football players are asked to wear their jersey for free admission. All other fans are asked to wear black for a 'Blackout', while J's Barbeque is sponsoring T-shirts that will be shot into the stands during the game. Kids will also have a chance to have their name drawn in order to compete in a halftime throwing contest, as well as win a birthday party at Roadhouse Pizza. There will also be a meet and greet between kids and the Ripon College football team on the field after the game.