Game 4:
ANGELO STATE RAMS (1-2, 1-0 LSC) at WESTERN NEW MEXICO MUSTANGS (2-1, 0-1 LSC)
Saturday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m. CT, Silver City, N.M. – Ben Altamirano Field
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After opening conference play with a win at home, the Angelo State football team returns to the road this weekend as the Rams continue Lone Star action against Western New Mexico on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Silver City.
 
LAST TIME OUT:
The Rams tallied the first win of the season against Eastern New Mexico, defeating the Greyhounds 26-20 in their home opener. ASU was led by quarterback Braeden Fuller who threw for 171 yards and a touchdown while adding 32 yards on the ground. Kenton Allen recorded a career-high 13 tackles to lead the Rams while Andrew Pitts collected his second interception in two games as the Rams held the Greyhounds to their lowest point total this season.
 
SERIES HISTORY: Angelo State vs. Western New Mexico
All-Time Series: 6-2, ASU
Last Meeting: Sept. 23, 2023 – ASU, 62-9
After falling in the first two meetings, the Rams have been in control of the short series against the Mustangs, winning the last six contests in a row. The Rams have averaged 42.1 points per game all-time against Western New Mexico, scoring 50-plus points in each of the previous three matchups. ASU's defense is also holding the Mustangs to an average of 11.1 points per game in the series.

 

SCOUTING THE MUSTANGS:

• The Mustangs hold a 2-1 overall record heading into Saturday, falling to UT Permian Basin 41-3 in the opening game of the season.
• WNMU defeated Adams State 46-36 while edging out New Mexico Highlands 36-33 last week to finish 2-0 in nonconference play.
• The Mustangs were selected to finish ninth overall in the conference preseason poll, earning 68 points overall.
• WNMU does not have an easy start to their conference schedule with their first three LSC opponents earning the top three spots in the poll (#3 UTPB, #2 ASU, #1 Central Washington)
• Linebacker Cole Lalama was named an LSC Preseason Player to Watch after earning Co-Defensive Freshman of the Year last season. He leads the Mustangs and the conference with 33 tackles this season.
• The Mustangs have the fourth highest-rated offense in the conference, averaging 28.3 points and 367.7 yards per game.
• Defensively, the Mustangs are allowing the most yards per game in the LSC at 500.3 yards per game.
• Running back Jamon Chambers ranks fifth in the LSC with 85.7 rushing yards per game while scoring the second-most rushing touchdowns with five.
• The Mustangs have been perfect in the red zone, coming away with points in all 13 of their red zone appearances, including 11 touchdowns.

 
AUTOMATIC FROM THE HOLD:
Bradley Larson converted two more field goals last week against Eastern New Mexico, bringing his career field goal attempts to 20-of-21. With a career field goal percentage of .952, Larson is the active career leader in all three NCAA divisions.
 
BALL HAWKIN:
ASU's defense extended its interception streak against the Greyhounds, picking off the opponent at least once in each game this season. The Rams have now recorded at least one interception in five of their last six games going back to last season.
 
CHANGING POSSESSION:
ASU's defense ranks seventh in Division II in fumble recoveries, 13^th in interceptions, and 10^th overall in turnover margin. The Rams rank fifth overall in total takeaways with seven on the year.
 

PUNTER PROWESS:
Cade Fuller ranks 10^th in the country in punting, averaging 45.2 yards per punt which leads the Lone Star. Fuller is currently 8^th in Division II's active leaders with a career average of 40.8 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 41-13 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:

• Brayden Wilcox ranks eighth in the LSC in all-purpose yards with 257 and 12^th in rushing yards per game at 62.3.
• Kel Williams is seventh in the conference in receptions (10) and receiving yards (138).
• Andrew Pitts leads the conference with two interceptions this season.
• Kenton Allen ranks fifth in the Lone Star in total tackles with 27 on the year.
• Dylan Neeley is sixth in the LSC in total tackles for loss with 2.5.
• Jayden Jones recorded his second career rushing touchdown against the Greyhounds.
• Hunter Wallis hauled in his first career touchdown reception in the third quarter against Eastern New Mexico.