MIDLAND, Texas – Eastern New Mexico dropped a Lone Star Conference road matchup to UT Permian Basin, 52-29, Saturday night.
The top offensive program in the LSC, UTPB, continued their dominance by putting together quick scoring drives to earn the edge over ENMU.
Eastern got the afternoon started with the game's first possession.
Over the seventeen play, eight-minute drive, the Greyhounds showcased commitment to the flexbone offense and a handful of dropback passes for a team with one of the highest passing efficiency rates.
"We took what the defense was giving us," said head coach
Kelley Lee when asked about the pass game. "They were overcommitting to stop the run."
ENMU converted two fourth down plays during the drive and capitalized it with a 31-yard pass on third down and long. Sophomore quarterback
Mario Sanchez found freshman D'Andre Fillmore just short of the endzone and Fillmore twisted and turned towards the goal line to give Eastern the lead.
The story of the day was the ability for the Falcons to score on a whim. The program's first drive saw a score within six minutes. Despite missing the extra point on the first touchdown, UTPB used strong play on the ground to earn the conference win over Eastern New Mexico.
"(We) have to stop the run," said Lee when asked about the game. "Need to get off blocks and tackle much better."
After holding a brief lead, ENMU allowed the home side to score practically at ease. Three different running backs combined for 400+ yards on the ground and four scores. In total, UTPB earned 677 yards on offense.
Before the first half ended, the Greyhounds did make a key decision on the sidelines.
UTPB went on a two-minute drill to close out the opening half. The program managed to get the ball within field goal range and looked to earn a first down on a third and long. However, the Falcon receiver bobbled the ball as he was drifting out of bounds according to the chief official after a lengthy reviewed the play.
"Winning the challenge forced them to kick a long field goal instead of going for it or try a short field goal," said Lee when asked about the crucial challenge.
Mario Sanchez dished the ball well with four touchdowns and 200+ through the air.
Andre Jones led the receiving corps of ENMU as he caught three passes for 87 yards and two scores.
The Falcons scored at least ten points in the final three quarters against UTPB. Going into the Homecoming game, ENMU will face a tough test in Texas A&M-Kingsville.
"Our sole focus will be ourselves this week," said Lee on the week ahead. "Our fundamentals need to improve. We need to get better."
Tickets for the October 21 game are available
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