Game 5:
ANGELO STATE RAMS (2-2, 2-0 LSC) at UT PERMIAN BASIN FALCONS (3-2, 2-1 LSC)
Saturday, Oct. 5, 6 p.m. CT, Midland, Texas. – Astound Broadband Stadium
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The Angelo State football team returns to action this weekend as the Rams make the short trip to take on UT Permian Basin in Lone Star Conference play on Saturday, Oct. 5, at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland, Texas with kickoff set for 6 p.m.
 
LAST TIME OUT:
Prior to last week's bye, the Rams defeated Western New Mexico on Sept. 21, winning 21-0 on the road. Braeden Fuller led ASU offensively, racking up three total touchdowns, two through the air, on his way to earning LSC Offensive Player of the Week. ASU's defense recorded its first shutout since the 2022 season, allowing only 159 total yards of offense.
 
SERIES HISTORY: Angelo State vs. UT Permian Basin
All-Time Series: 6-1, ASU
Last Meeting: Oct. 21, 2023 – UTPB, 28-23
The Rams hold the advantage in the all-time series against the Falcons with a 6-1 overall record. ASU won the first five meetings before the Falcons recorded their first win in the series, defeating the Rams 28-23 last season in San Angelo. The Rams are averaging 49.1 points per game all-time against the Falcons with the largest margin of victory coming during the 2019 season, winning 65-7.
   

SCOUTING THE FALCONS:

• The Falcons hold a 3-2 overall record and a 2-1 conference recording heading into the game against the Rams.
• UTPB has earned conference wins over Western New Mexico and Midwestern State while falling to Texas A&M – Kingsville.
• The Falcons rank atop the conference in scoring, averaging 34.4 points per game, and rank second in total yards per game at 446.2.
• Quarterback Dylan Graham leads the LSC with 1,364 passing yards and 13 touchdowns on the season.
• Jeremiah Cooley and Wells Laquan are tied for second in the conference with 22 receptions while Cooley ranks fourth in receiving yards (302), and second in receiving touchdowns (4).
• UTPB's defense ranks fourth in the LSC in points allowed (16.0) and second in yards allowed per game (266.0).
• The Falcons are the most penalized team in the conference, averaging 84.8 penalty yards per game.

 
NEW INTERCEPTION CROWN;
Andrew Pitts recorded his 19^th career interception against Western New Mexico, setting a new program record for the Rams for interceptions in a career. He is also tied for the active career leader in all NCAA Divisions. Pitts has tallied three INTs this season, leading the conference and ranking second in Division II.
 
PLACIN' THROUGH THE UPRIGHTS:
Bradley Larson has converted 20-of-22 field goal attempts in his career, earning a field goal percentage of .909, making him the active career leader in Division II and second overall in all NCAA Divisions.
 
BALL HAWKIN:
ASU's defense extended its interception streak against the Mustangs, picking off the opponent at least once in each game this season. The Rams have now recorded at least one interception in six of their last seven games going back to last season.
 
CHANGING POSSESSION:
ASU's defense has collected nine takeaways this season, the 17^th most in DII, while holding the sixth-best turnover margin at plus-1.75. The Rams also rank second in the conference in opponent 3^rd-down conversions at 29.8 percent and third in opponent first downs with 16 per game.
 

SHIELDING THE BALL:
The Rams have allowed only two turnovers this season, ranking fourth in Division II in turnovers. ASU is one of nine teams this season not to throw an interception, giving up only two fumbles through the first four games.
 
PUNTER PROWESS:
Cade Fuller ranks 9^th in the country in punting, averaging 45.0 yards per punt which leads the Lone Star. Fuller is currently 9^th in Division II's active leaders with a career average of 40.9 yards per punt.
 
HEAD COACH PROFILE – JEFF GIRSCH
Jeff Girsch enters his sixth season as head coach of the Rams, 11th overall at Angelo State. He has compiled a 42-13 overall record since taking over the program in 2018 after serving as the defensive coordinator. Girsch has led the Rams to the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II Championship in 2021 and 2022 while claiming the 2022 Lone Star Conference title.
 
THREE RAMS ON D2FOOTBALL.COM ELITE 100 WATCHLIST:
The Rams had three players named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Watchlist, cornerback Andrew Pitts, offensive lineman Noah Plsek, and placekicker Bradley Larson.
 
#2 IN LSC PRESEASON POLL:
With 260 total points and six first-place votes, the Rams were selected second overall in the LSC Preseason Coaches' Poll. Central Washington was picked first overall while UT Permian Basin came in at three.
 
RAMS AT HOME IN 2024:
ASU is slated for five home games this season, hosting Eastern New Mexico in the home opener on Sept. 14. The Rams will also welcome in Texas A&M – Kingsville on Oct. 12, Sul Ross State on Oct. 26 for Homecoming, and Central Washington on Nov. 2, before closing out the regular season against West Texas A&M on Nov. 16.
 

QUICK HITS:

• The Rams rank fourth in the LSC in rushing yards per game at 170.0
• Kenton Allen is averaging 8.5 tackles per game, ranking third in the LSC and 39^th in Division II.
• Pitts is averaging one interception per game, tied for the highest average in DII, and ranks 16^th in passes defended with 1.7 per game.
• Dylan Neeley is fourth in the conference in tackles for loss with 5.5 and is third in sacks with 3.5.
• Xavier Walton leads the conference with two fumbles recovered and is 19^th with 5.3 tackles per game.
• The Rams are allowing 289.3 yards per game, the third-fewest in the LSC.
• Kel Williams is averaging four receptions per game which is 7^th in the conference. He ranks 8^th in yards with 208
• Larson is 11^th in the conference in scoring, averaging six points per game.
• Dorian Morris is fourth in the conference in kick return average with 20.5 yards per attempt.