PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico football is finally back at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium. Before the 6 p.m. kickoff against Sul Ross State, please read the 4^th & 1 Preview:

First Down – Offense Dominance: It proved to be all Eastern New Mexico last week as the Greyhounds managed to beat in-state foe New Mexico Highlands, 63-37. The Hounds ran for 520 yards on just 49 attempts. Seven of the programs nine touchdowns came on the ground. Quarterback Mario Sanchez did not disappoint in the season opener as he threw for two touchdowns and ran in for another three. He currently leads the conference with points responsible for. ENMU posted five plays of 50+ yards and consistently found ways to break tackles and gain extra yardage after contact.

Second Down – Welcome to the LSC: Sul Ross State is a new member of the Lone Star Conference in 2024, however, this contest is considered a non-conference matchup as part of a home-and-home contract. The Lobos entered their first game of Division II membership against West Texas A&M at home. SRSU allowed three-straight touchdowns in the second quarter before scoring in the final minute in the half to bring the game within 14 points. Sul Ross State continued chipping at the lead in the third quarter with an 82-yard fumble recovery for a score, but the battle between the two LSC foes would only get within seven before WT pulled out the victory. SRSU fared well through the air with 116 yards passing, but the struggles on the ground only led to 59 yards on the day.

Third Down – Looking for Eight: Despite trailing the overall series, 13-10-1, Eastern New Mexico currently holds a seven game winning streak over Sul Ross State. ENMU has not lost to the Lobos since 1970 when SRSU pulled off a 35-13 result at Blackwater Draw. Recently, the matchup has been heavily in the favor of Eastern as the last six contests have been decided by double digits. In 2023, the Greyhounds won on the road, 51-12. The blowout saw ENMU rack up 384 yards on total offense. The defense halted the run from SRSU as the Lobos finished with -49 yards on the ground.

Fourth Down – Craten's Confidence: Mississippi College transfer Ron Craten is off to an excellent start to the 2024 season as he led a powerful rushing attack with 165 yards on 15 carries. Craten scored two rushing touchdowns and boasted a lengthy 52-yard scamper early in the game. His strength allowed him to break multiple tackles and gain huge chunk plays. The Louisiana native leads the conference in total rushing yards and is third in the league in total rushing touchdowns. Craten also beat out his best single game rushing total as a student-athlete. His previous top mark came in a contest versus Midwestern State where he ran for 146 yards.

&1 – Fan Festivities: Fans are allowed to get to their tailgate spot beginning at 8 a.m. with alcohol consumption allowed starting at 2 p.m. ENMU Athletics will be giving away the "Greyhounds Official Tailgate Cup" in partnership with the Dawg Houze. The tailgate continues until 30 minutes before the beginning of Saturday's game. Attendees can then join the fanfare inside Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium where the band will perform pregame and a flyover will be provided by Cannon Air Force Base. As always, tickets can be bought HERE.