RV ANGELO STATE RAMS (4-2, 1-2 LSC) at UT Permian Basin (4-1, 2-0 LSC)
Saturday, Oct. 16, 6 p.m. CST – LeGrand Stadium at 1^st Community Credit Union Field
Radio: 101.9 KWFR
Live Video: lonestarconferencenetwork.com/asu
Live Stats: angelostats.com
 
The Rams look to get back on the winning side of things this week as they welcome in UT Permian Basin for a Lone Star Conference matchup. ASU will look to remain undefeated against the Falcons, who have put together one of the best teams in their program's history.
 
LAST WEEK:
The Rams made the tough trip north to Canyon last weekend but couldn't come away with a victory, falling to West Texas A&M 31-15. Penalties plagued the Rams who finished with 14 penalties for 124 yards. ASU collected touchdowns from wide receiver Noah Massey and running back Kason Philips while the defense gave up only 17 points. The rest of the scoring by the Buffs came on a block punt return and an interception return.
 
SERIES HISTORY: Angelo State vs. UT Permian Basin
All-Time Series: The Rams lead the all-time series 4-0
Last Meeting: Oct. 26, 2019: ASU, 65-7 – San Angelo, Texas
While the series is only a few years old, the Rams hold the advantage over UTPB, winning all four of the matchups since the 2016 season when the Falcons started competing in the sport. The Rams have handled UTPB easily over the years, setting a scoring record back in 2017, winning 74-24. In the most recent matchup, the Rams put together a 65-7 victory at home during the 2019 campaign.
 
SCOUTING UT Permian Basin:
The Falcons are having the best start to a season since starting the program as they enter the weekend with a 4-1 overall record, sitting at 2-0 in Lone Star Conference play. UTPB opened the year against Southwest Baptist, winning 24-16, before picking up their first LSC win against West Texas A&M, winning 42-31 after scoring three touchdowns in the third quarter. The Falcons have also tallied wins against Western New Mexico and Lincoln (CA.) on the year. Their only loss of the season came against Division I FSC opponent Abilene Christian, falling 34-9 on the road.
 
As a team, the Falcons rank second in the Lone Star in points per game, averaging 35.4 while defensively, they are giving up the third-fewest at 20 points. Averaging 371.6 yards of offense a game, UTPB rushes the third-most in the conference with an average of 171.8 yards on the ground.
 
The Falcons have two rushers in the top five of the LSC in Nathan Tilford at four with 69.4 yards per game, and Jayvon Davis with 65 yards. Davis is tied for second in the conference in touchdowns with five on the season, four rushing, and one return. Clayton Roberts is the leading passer for the Falcons, tossing 11 touchdowns with four interceptions while completing 56 percent of his passes for 892 yards. On the defensive side, Miquon Mayes is the leading tackler with 27 total tackles while Jaques Tyler has collected three interceptions on the year.
 
QUICK HITS:
STOPPING THE RUN:
The Rams remain as one of the top run-stopping teams in all of Division II, holding opponents to 70.7 yards on the ground this season which ranks ninth overall in the country.
 
RUNNING PAST THE OPPOSITION:
On the other side of the run game, the Rams rank 20^th in DII in rushing yards per game with 215.8 which leads the Lone Star Conference. Nathaniel Omayebu III is the top rusher in the conference, averaging 100.2 yards per game with four touchdowns on the season.
 
TOP RETURNER:
Andrew Pitts leads the Rams in punt return yards, totaling the second-most in the LSC with 212 yards. He is averaging 12.5 return yards per punt which is the third-highest in the league.
 
STANDOUT WIDEOUT:
Kellen Pachot continues to lead the Lone Star in receiving yards, totaling 395 yards this season while averaging 65.8 per game. He is averaging 17.2 yards per catch on the year.
 
DEFENSIVE NOTES:
-Hunter Kyle ranks second in the Lone Star in total tackles with 40 on the season.
-Daron Allman is seventh in tackles for loss with seven, seventh in sacks with three, and tied for first in forced fumbles with two.
-Devin Washington has been one of the top corners in the Rams' defense, collected six pass deflections this season which is the third most the LSC.