SAN ANGELO, Texas – On a humid evening at LeGrand Stadium on the campus of Angelo State University, Eastern New Mexico put up a challenge to (RV) ASU in the Lone Star Conference opener for both programs. Despite having a 371-366 edge in overall yardage, ENMU did not pull away victorious.

"I am proud of our kids for how they played," said head coach Kelley Lee after the game. "We just made too many mistakes against a good football team."

Angelo State's 26-20 win over Eastern New Mexico is their first of 2024 and fourth-straight in the series matchup.

Starting location for possession proved to be a major contributor to how the outcome of the contest played out. ENMU began a majority of their drives deep into their own field while ASU earned more than ideal field position at multiple moments in the game.

The Rams started out the game with a promising kick return placing them at their own 46-yard line. Despite the pleasing positioning, the Greyhounds defense made an early statement by forcing a rapid three-and-out.

ENMU took over from their own 14-yard line and faced a 4th and short chance on their first series. Eastern decided to attempt the fourth down play and did not convert. This allowed ASU to strike first and come up with a 7-0 advantage. The risky call would end up being one of the major deciding factors in the road game for the Hounds.

Eastern New Mexico responded with a lengthy drive and closed it with a 30-yard field goal from Cooper Hamilton. ASU traded field goals in their ensuing possession and increased their lead back to seven points, 10-3.

Head coach Kelley Lee decided to throw in some new personnel during the next possession. He relied on backup quarterback Rashad Carter to direct a crucial drive for the program.

Carter managed to convert three third down attempts to set up a quality chance at the 3-yard line. From there, it took ENMU four tries, but eventually they crossed the goal line and tied the game, 10-10.

Both teams went three-and-out following the Greyhound score. With less than four minutes remaining in the first half, the Rams orchestrated a series to go ahead, 17-10. Just before the half ended, a crucial 57-yard reception by Jeremiah Moore placed ENMU in an ideal situation to kick a field goal just before the 20-minute intermission period.

With the score 17-13 going into the next half, ENMU knew the game was not out of hands.

Eastern New Mexico ended up allowing nine unanswered points in the third quarter and broke away to a 26-13 deficit.

After three short drives with no points to count for in the third quarter, the Greyhounds had the script flipped in the next quarter.

Just seconds into the final frame of the evening, Zerrian Meander forced an ASU fumble. ENMU wound up recovering the ball and earned the most crucial stop of the entire game.

From there, Eastern established an eight-minute drive and got the score to 26-20. ASU would not allow the visitors to touch the ball again as they ran out the clock to win their first game of the year.

The Greyhounds had some early success with slot backs and the quarterback run game, but the most notable stat proved to be ENMU converting on all redzone opportunities. Eastern stopped the opposition twice in the redzone on the night, but it did not prove to be enough to earn a conference win.

Albuquerque, N.M. native Ja'Calvin Newsom got several chunk plays for Eastern. The running back scurried his way to 87 yards on just 14 total attempts. Both full backs, Ron Craten and Elijah Zeh, scored touchdowns for ENMU. Craten is now up to five rushing scores over the first three games of 2024.

Jarius Stewart and Sanchez both contributed 38 yards on the ground while Carter added 33 yards after the drive he ran for ENMU to score a second quarter touchdown.

Defensively, Matthew Quartieri led the team with 12 total tackles. Defensive back Khiron Green stayed busy with eight tackles. ENMU's defense kept the Angelo State gunslinger moving away from the pocket throughout the night. Salofi Aumoeualego, Zerrian Meander, and Dylan Quartieri all registered a quarterback hurry.

The Hounds will now put their attention for a home contest versus Midwestern State. The game will kickoff at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium at 6 p.m. on September 21. Tickets are now available for purchase.