LSC Week Five Preview

October 2nd, 2026 8:30am

Week 4 Recap

There was one big upset in Oregon as Angelo State finally gets over the hump and beats Western Oregon in overtime to win their first game of the season.  Also, Midwestern State broke open a close game late to win the Highway 287 Rivalry game over West Texas A&M.  The other three games were all well in hand at halftime, with the winners all scoring 52 or more points. Road teams went 4-1 in Week 4, with Central Wahington the only home team to win.  

Now, about last week:

Texas-Permian Basin wins at Eastern New Mexico 56-10

Here is the classic case of one team going up and the other team going down.  UTPB did what they needed to do their three games, and that was to beat up on the teams picked at or near the bottom of the LSC.  Once again, the Falcons got out in front quickly, scoring 28 straight points in the first half after falling behind 3-0 late in the first quarter.  From there, UTPB didn’t look back, scoring the game’s last 28 points after ENMU scored with 11 second left in overtime on a 6-yard touchdown catch by Trei Kibbles from Jake South to make the halftime score 28-10 in favor of the Falcons. 

Nate TenBarge had another solid game in what amounted to part-time action again, completing 18 of 28 passes for 245 yards, 4 touchdowns, and an interception.  Cheno Navarrete led all rushers with 82 yards.  Jake South threw for 229 yards for ENMU, but was picked off twice and only had one touchdown pass.  Oddly enough, despite scoring 56 points, UTPB didn’t score after either ENMU interception. 

Texas-Permian Basin improves to 3-1 and Eastern New Mexico falls to 0-4. 

Angelo State wins at #14 Western Oregon 29-28 (1 OT)

Angelo State has been oh so close the last couple games, so they had to be considered a threat if they put a full 60 minutes together.  Well, they needed some extra time, but they were able to pull off the road win in dramatic fashion.  But before they could claim the win, they were holding on for dear life late in the game as Western Oregon lined up for a 30-yard field goal with 36 seconds left in the game that would break a 21-21 tie.  The Wolves, who trailed in just about every offensive statistic you could think of in this game, still had a chance to get out with a win, but Ashton Wolff missed the field goal try and the game went to overtime. 

WOU quickly drove into scoring position in the first overtime and took the lead back at 28-21 on a 1-yard run by Tyler Konold.  Angelo State would have a much tougher time when they had the ball, facing third down and 10 at the WOU 12-yard line.  After a WOU time out, Alan Dobbins (6 catches for 66 yards and 2 touchdowns) caught a 12-yard touchdown pass from Ayden Arp (280 yards, 4 touchdowns, and an interception) to pull the Rams within a point. 

It was decision time for Jeff Girsch, who decided to go for the win.  Arp rolled to his right and found Trevor Winn in the back of the end zone for the two-point conversion and the game-winning score in what will certainly be one of the games in the LSC this season.  This was a much-needed win for Angelo State, and Western Oregon has now taken two straight gut-punch losses and need to right the ship quick before their playoff chances fade away in the rear-view mirror.   

Angelo State improves to 1-3 and Western Oregon falls to 2-2. 

Midwestern State wins at West Texas A&M 41-31

This game was very much in doubt going into the fourth quarter, with Midwestern State holding on to a 27-24 lead after Knox Porter’s 27-yard touchdown pass to JB Mitchell, III with 2:34 left in the third quarter.  However, the Mustangs took control of this game with two touchdown drives sandwiched around a WTAMU turnover on downs at the MSU 36-yard line which kept the Buffaloes from keeping pace.  An Isaiah Orlandi 94-yard kickoff return after the second MSU touchdown gave WT hope down 41-31 with 6:06, but they never saw the ball again as a suddenly resurgent MSU offense was able to run out the clock. 

MSU gained 673 yards of offense, 474 of those in the air as Kaden Brown continues to put up huge passing numbers for the Mustangs.  Fabian Baez caught 6 passes for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns.  Joseph Dodds ran for 121 yards to lead all rushers.  Knox Porter threw for 295 yards and 2 touchdowns for WT, but once again he is putting up these passing numbers with his team behind for most of the game. Trace Clarkson had another solid game with 97 yards on 7 catches and a touchdown.  Miles Hill led WT with 15 tackles, with 4 Buffaloes having more than 10 tackles.  Giving up nearly 40 minutes of possession time to MSU will do that. 

This is the first time I have picked this game correctly, so you can stop picking the opposite of what I have picked for this game!

Midwestern State improves to 3-1 and West Texas A&M falls to 1-3. 

Texas A&M-Kingsville wins at Western New Mexico 52-14

In the “broken record” portion of our program, we once again have WNMU’s defense struggling mightily to hold back an opponent.  TAMUK outgained WNMU 667 to 308 yards as the Javelinas got out to a 29-7 lead early in the third quarter.  Mills Dawson passed for 386 yards and 3 touchdowns, 270 of them to Christan Kretz, who had 16 catches and 3 touchdowns.  Edward Chumley ran for 131 yards on 22 carries and scored twice.  The WNMU passing game never got going, completing 7 of 20 passes for 57 yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions.  The only WNMU bright spot on offense was Devon Nofoa-Masoe, who ran for 120 yards and a touchdown.  Clayton Zentner was everywhere for the Mustangs with 18 tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. 

Texas A&M-Kingsville improves to 2-2 and Western New Mexico falls to 1-4. 

#9 Central Washington wins at home over Sul Ross State 61-22

Not exactly the best start for CWU in this game, leading Sul Ross State by only 16-13 at the end of the first quarter and 23-16 with 6:50 left in the first half.  Then CWU began to pull away in the second quarter, outscoring Sul Ross 24-9 and taking a 40-22 lead into the locker room.  CWU would then outscore Sul Ross 21-0 in the second half and win going away.  The Wildcats did most of their damage on the ground, running for 443 yards and 6 touchdowns.  Ryder Bumgarner ran for 196 yards and 3 touchdowns and Antoine Lee 114 yards and a touchdown.  CWU outgained Sul Ross 620 yards to 269 yards and converted all 3 Sul Ross turnovers to touchdowns.  Will Howell threw for 108 yards, 2 touchdowns, and an interception and ran for 84 yards and a touchdown for Sul Ross. 

Central Washington improves to 2-2 and Sul Ross State falls to 1-4. 

LSC Standings

Week 5 Preview

There are some very interesting games this week in and out of conference.  UTPB heads to Tahlequah, Oklahoma for an out-of-conference game against a resurgent Northeastern State team that has playoff aspirations after many years near the bottom of all of Division 2.  Western Oregon heads to Midwestern State in desperate need of a win against a Mustang team that would love to have a statement win in the LSC race.  Central Washington heads to San Angelo with Angelo State looking for more revenge against the Pacific Northwest.  Texas A&M-Kingsville faces WT with the Javelinas hoping to go 3-0 in conference play and the Buffaloes looking for a repeat of their win over Angelo State.  Finally, ENMU travels to Sul Ross State with Art Briles’ Greyhounds still in search of their first win. 

All games are on Saturday, October 3.  All game times are in the Central time zone.

#20 Western Oregon at Midwestern State, 2:00 PM

Series History: Western Oregon leads 3-2

Last meeting: 2025 (Western Oregon won 31-3)

Western Oregon needs to get back in the win column or the high expectations for the 2026 season may become a nightmare.  Midwestern State might be the absolute worst team the Wolves can face to get that win, as the WOU pass defense has to deal with the LSC’s most dangerous air attack.  MSU has averaged 411 yards per game in the air, and Kaden Brown has thrown for 1448 yards, an average of 362 yards a game to go with 10 touchdowns.  With a WOU pass defense that has given up 303 yards a game and 13 touchdown passes, all I’m going to say is “look out”.  The WOU defensive front really needs to get Brown off balance so that passing game doesn’t get comfortable.  It also couldn’t hurt if the WOU offense can put together some strong drives so their defense can stay off the field and the MSU defense can have the pressure on them. 

If it hasn’t already been made abundantly obvious, I’m really worried about the Western Oregon pass defense.  They have given big games in the air to everyone they have faced this season, and Midwestern State is throwing on everyone.  I think the Wolves are in big trouble here if things don’t change, and I’m not sure they do here.  If WOU does find themselves on top, it better not come down to the kicking game either after the last two weeks.  Midwestern State by 3 points. 

Texas-Permian Basin at #15 Northeastern State (Independent, 3-2), 5:00 PM

Series History: First meeting

OK, is UTPB really for real here?  After getting blown out against Division 1 URTGV, the Falcons have run roughshod over the LSC’s bottom three teams.  Now they head for an out-of-conference game against a Northeastern State team that had its first winning season since 2011, and their first 9-win season since the 2000 season. 

The Northeastern State story has been nothing short of remarkable.  Since that 2011 season, the RiverHawks didn’t win more than 3 games until last season, had 3 winless seasons, and 4 1-win seasons.  They were among the nation’s worst teams and had such a difficult time that they asked to be released from their commitment to the MIAA and become an independent team.   The improvement began with the hiring of former University of Colorado star Darrin Chiaverini in 2024.  A 2-win season in 2024 was followed by the 9-win 2025 season that included wins over Saginaw Valley State, Central Oklahoma, and West Alabama and a close loss to West Florida.  In 2026 NSU has two losses to Division 1 opponents, but they nearly pulled off an upset at Northern Colorado.  However, the three teams NSU has beaten this season (all Division 2 teams) all have losing records, with their best win over a 2-3 Truman State team that is tied for first in a down GLVC.  To that end, it can also be asked whether Northeastern State is really for real. 

Donnie Smith has had a solid season running the RiverHawks’ offense, throwing for 1428 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just 2 interceptions.  He’s more of a passer than a runner, only having 12 carries on the season.  Jaylen Thompson leads three rushers with between 119 and 194 yards and Deuce Roberson leads their receivers with 39 catches for 438 yards and 3 touchdowns.  Linebacker Kale Charboneau leads the team with 41 tackles and with 4.5 tackles for loss, and defensive linemen Braylon Hardrick and Solomon Wright are tied with 1.5 sacks each.   

I think this game could go either way, and the team that wins could be thinking about making a run for a playoff spot.  I think the Falcons get a couple turnovers off the NSU passing game (defensive back Layne Horak has three interceptions and two other Falcons each have two) and win a close one.  Texas-Permian Basin by 3 points.

#8 Central Washington at Angelo State, 6:00 PM

Series History: Angelo State leads 3-2

Last meeting: 2025 (Central Washington won 38-21)

The Angelo State Pacific Northwest Revenge Tour continues with a home game against Central Washington after winning at Western Oregon last week.  Before last week’s win, the Rams had a couple really close calls, but couldn’t quite get over the hump.  They have also shown that they can play up to their competition.  Ayden Arp is putting together a solid season, averaging 213 yards per game, 7 touchdowns, and 3 interceptions.  Alan Dobbins and Donny Bishop are his top targets, with both averaging more than 50 yards per game.  Cameron Dischler is the top rusher, averaging 58 yards per game and 5 touchdowns, mostly in goal-to-go situations. 

Central Washington is looking to stay at the top of the LSC after winning their first two league games, including a big win against rival Western Oregon.  Justin Brennan has been very effective at quarterback, throwing for 224 yards per game, 8 touchdowns, and just one interception.  Mason Juergens is one of the nation’s top receivers, averaging 105 yards per game on 33 catches.  Isaac Torres is also a solid receiver, scoring 3 touchdowns and averaging 59 yards per game.  Ryder Bumgarner and Antoine Lee forma two-headed rushing attack, with Bumgarner scoring 5 touchdowns and Lee averaging 8 yards per carry. 

Both teams are effective defending the pass, with ASU giving up 178 yards per game and 7 touchdowns and CWU 177 yards per game and 8 touchdowns.  CWU isn’t as good against the run, giving up 219 yards per game and 7 touchdowns versus 179 yards and 8 touchdowns for Angelo State, although offensively CWU is the better team on the ground.  The major difference in this matchup could be finishing drives, which Angelo State has had more difficulty with at times during their games and hurt them in the Western Colorado game.  Outside of that, this matchup is nearly even, and I expect that this could be the closest game of the week.  I think that CWU has just a bit more on offense to pull out the game late.  Central Washington by 7 points. 

West Texas A&M at Texas A&M-Kingsville, 7:00 PM

Series History: Texas A&M-Kingsville leads 20-19-1

Last meeting: 2025 (West Texas A&M won 53-48)

For West Texas A&M, let’s look at the last two weeks to get some insights on how they might respond this week.  Against Angelo State, they won despite giving up 271 rushing yards and 478 total yards, with a key interception allowing the Buffaloes to take the lead and stay ahead.  Last week was a nightmare, as they gave up 673 yards and 474 passing yards to Midwestern State.  Add to that the lack of turnovers created (1 interception and 3 fumbles) and giving up 35:40 minutes of possession per game, and this WTAMU defense is in very rough shape. 

Kingsville has done much better the last two weeks, but against weaker opposition in the two New Mexico teams.  Mills Dawson has thrown for 634 yards and 4 touchdowns in those games, and Edward Chumley has run for 249 yards and 5 touchdowns.  If the Javelinas can get their offense going, it could once again put pressure on WTAMU to score and score often, especially since TAMUK has had similar issues with time of possession, with their opponents holding the ball for 34:40 of the game.

This might be a shootout, as both teams’ offenses look like they are ahead of the defenses, but I think the TAMUK defense is slightly better right now, giving up fewer yards and getting more turnovers.  I’m not so sure if the WTAMU defense will get off the field enough to keep from getting worn down late in the game.  I think TAMUK scores late and does just enough to hold on for the win.  Texas A&M-Kingsville by 7 points. 

Eastern New Mexico at Sul Ross State, 7:00 PM

Series History: Sul Ross State leads 14-13-1

Last meeting: 2025 (Eastern New Mexico won 40-34)

Both teams have shown flashes and Sul Ross has been able to put together a win.  ENMU has gotten progressively worse with each game and Sul Ross hasn’t looked much better since they won their game.  ENMU has played an overall tougher schedule than Sul Ross, and their close loss to New Mexico Highlands was probably the closest approximation of this week’s matchup for ENMU.  Look for the team that takes care of the ball better to win, and I think ENMU will play a cleaner game here.  Don’t be surprised if this is a close one throughout, however.  Eastern New Mexico by 7 points. 

Western New Mexico has the week off.