Football | 9/23/2016 9:28:00 AM

Friday, September 23, 2016

PORTALES, N.M. — After a two-game home stand, the Eastern New Mexico University football team will hit the road to face Angelo State in what should be a key contest for both teams. Both squads are looking to rebound from losses last week, with the Hounds falling to sixth-ranked Texas A&M-Commerce, and the Rams dropping a 35-5 decision at Tarleton State.

How to Follow the Game
The legendary "Voice of the Greyhounds" Dr. Donald Elder will be on hand to broadcast the game on KSEL 105.9 FM, which also will have an audio stream of the game on their website. A video stream and live statistics will be available at AngeloSports.com.

The Matchup
The Greyhounds are 15-24-1 against Angelo State in the overall series, but the Lone Star Conference series between the programs is knotted at 14-14-1 (the tie was a 10-10 contest in 1995).  At home, The Rams are 12-8 against ENMU and have won four of the last five meetings. Eastern's road win over that span was a memorable one, as Jacob Johnson's two-point conversion run with 5:18 left completed the Hounds rally from a 28-point deficit, for a 29-28 win. Eastern entered that game with a 1-2 record. The Greyhounds won the rest of their games that season to claim a share of the LSC title.
 
Last season, Eastern and Angelo State split a pair of games. In the first meeting, ENMU rushed for a team record 583 yards, en-route to a 46-28 win. Kamal Cass and Tayshaun Gary both finished with three touchdowns, along with 188 and 139 yards respectively. The Rams avenged that game with a 63-20 win in the LSC playoffs. Kyle Washington passed for 403 yards and four scores for ASU.
 
Greyhound Head Coach Josh Lynn is in his fifth season at Eastern and has a 21-22 record. In 2013, the Greyhounds finished with a 5-1 mark in Lone Star Conference play to share the league title with Tarleton State. Lynn is currently tied with Dunny Goode for sixth on the career win list at ENMU. Will Wagner is in his sixth season with Angelo State and has a 32-30 record.
 
Around the Lone Star Conference
Lone Star Conference Website
Lone Star Conference Scoreboard
Lone Star Conference Football
Lone Star Conference Schedule
Lone Star Conference Standings
Lone Star Conference Statistics

Midwestern State and Texas A&M-Commerce are the lone undefeated teams in the conference, both at 2-0. The standings remain tight as the eight other teams either stand at 2-1 or 1-2. Texas A&M-Commerce ranked third in the latest American Football Coaches Association poll, while Midwestern State ranked 11^th after a tight game against then undefeated Texas A&M-Kingsville. West Texas A&M and Texas A&M-Kingsville are receiving votes for their efforts.

 This weeks's schedule (All times Central)

Eastern New Mexico	Angelo State		6 p.m.	San Angelo, Texas
Tarleton State	West Texas A&M		6 p.m.	Canyon, Texas
Oklahoma Panhandle State	Midwestern State		7 p.m.	Wichita Falls, Texas
Texas A&M-Kingsville	Texas A&M-Commerce		7 p.m.	Commerce, Texas
Western New Mexico	UT Permian Basin		7 p.m.	Odessa, Texas

On the Run
Eastern New Mexico University Website
ENMU Athletics
ENMU Football
ENMU Roster
ENMU Schedule
ENMU Statistics

The Greyhounds boast the second-ranked rushing offense in the NCAA Division II at 379 yards per game, and trail only Harding (Great American Conference, 417.3 ypg). Kamal Cass is the nation's sixth-leading rusher and leads the LSC. Eastern is 30^th in the nation in total offense and second in the league. ENMU is second in the league in first downs and ranks third in fourth-down conversions.
 
Defensively
The Hounds defense ranks second in the LSC against the run, and trails only Texas A&M-Kingsville. Brad Hardin is third in the conference in tackles, while Todd Countee is 11^th in passes defended. Hardin and Cory Harris also have recovered fumbles for the Hounds.

Special Teams
Bailey Hale has connected on two of his three field goal attempts, which includes a season-best 37-yard field goal. He also has hit 10 of 11 on point-after-touchdown kicks. ENMU ranks fourth in the LSC in punt-return average.

Rams Notes
Angelo State University Website
ASU Athletics
ASU Football
ASU Roster
ASU Schedule
ASU Statistics

Angelo State enters the weekend with a 1-2 record, with includes a road win over Northern Michigan in triple overtime. Offensively, quarterback Jake Faber is hitting 50 percent of his passes for 349 yards and three scores. His favorite target has been Donavan Thompson with 13 catches for 135 yards. Justin Jackson and Melvin Robinson lead the defense, with 26 and 25 tackles, respectively.

Up Next
Next Saturday, the Eastern New Mexico University football team will host the annual Wagon Wheel Game against West Texas A&M. Kickoff at Al Whitehead Field at Greyhound Stadium is scheduled for 7 p.m. Last season, the Buffaloes held on for a 52-42 win, after ENMU claimed the wheel in the 2013 and 2014 seasons.