LSC Week Six Preview

October 8th, 2026 2:00pm

Week 5 Recap

I joked last week about having fever-induced upset picks last week due to a reaction to my Shingles vaccine when I was trying to finish last week’s column.  Now, according to the nurse who gave me the vaccine and forum member ASUPops, the reaction is fairly common but still preferable to having the real thing. And, uh, about those picks…I got both of them right! 

Midwestern State rode their nation-leading passing offense to an upset over now-reeling Western Oregon.  Texas-Permian Basin went to playoff hopeful Northeastern State and got five interceptions in a road win that will draw quite a bit of attention to the Falcons as we move to the second half of the season.  Central Washington went to San Angelo and took no time at all to put Angelo State in the rear-view mirror.  Sul Ross State gave up 22 straight points and the lead to Eastern New Mexico, but got off the mat and responded with a huge last few minutes.  And finally, West Texas A&M had Texas A&M-Kingsville left for dead, but Edward Chumley and Christian Kretz rose up and ripped the hearts out of the Buffaloes.   

Now, about last week:

Midwestern State wins at home over #20 Western Oregon 44-32

The theme going into this game was the battle between the Midwestern State passing game, leading the nation at 411 yards per game, against the Western Oregon pass defense, which was in the worst 5 in the nation at 303 yards per game.  Well, the first MSU play was a clear indication that both of these numbers would ultimately go up when Kaden Brown found Dexter Stigall, IV on a 64-yard touchdown pass to put the Mustangs up 7-0.  MSU would score on their first 4 drives of the game, but WOU was able to hold serve for most of the first half, tying the game after each of MSU’s first three touchdowns.  It was the fourth MSU touchdown, a 12-yard pass from Brown to Davian Watson with 7:50 left in the first half, that would put the Mustangs ahead for good.  WOU would not give up the ship, pulling within 35-32 early in the fourth quarter, but that was as close as the Wolves would get.

Brown would have another banner day for the Mustangs, throwing for 436 yards, 4 touchdowns, and an interception.  Five MSU receivers had at least 50 receiving yards and three MSU rushers had at least 50 rushing yards as the Mustangs gained 612 yards to the Wolves’ 417 yards.  Jordan McCarty threw for 247 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions on 18 of 38 passes.  Erick Gonzalez-Bejar and Jaylen Fite combined for 151 receiving yards and caught one touchdown each. 

Midwestern State improves to 4-1 and Western Oregon falls to 2-3. 

Texas-Permian Basin wins at #15 Northeastern State 38-27

Donnie Smith and Northeastern State have one of the top passing games in the nation, and that was in full display in this game.  However, when you have an offense that relies so much on the pass, sometimes things don’t always work out your way even if you do move the ball well like Smith and his RiverHawks did.  Despite having the lead for most of the first half and only one drive of significance under 41 yards, UTPB held a 17-14 halftime lead thanks to a 21-yard touchdown pass from Nate TenBarge to Malachi Wright.

Then came the turnovers.  Lots and lots of turnovers. 

NSU turned the ball over on downs to start the second half, and the Smith would throw interceptions the next FOUR TIMES NSU had the ball.  Nicholas Butler took the first of the four picks back for a pick-6 to give UTPB a 24-14 lead, which was actually the first of four straight possessions that ended with interceptions (since UTPB has to join in and throw one of their own, I guess).  The last of the interceptions, which would be Smith’s fifth on the night, would be converted to a Khalil Eichelberger 1-yard touchdown run, the last points of a 24-point UTPB scoring run.  The teams would trade touchdowns the rest of the way for the final score. 

Smith threw for 377 yards and three touchdowns, but the 5 picks really cost them scoring chances when UTPB was extending their lead.  NSU had four scoreless drives that ended in UTPB territory, otherwise this game could have gone down to the wire or the other way.  TenBarge threw for 224 yards and a touchdown and also led UTPB with 52 rushing yards and a touchdown.  Traylen Suel led UTPB with 6 catches.  Deuce Roberson had a huge game for NSU, catching 14 passes for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns. 

This concludes the regular season non-conference schedule for the LSC, and it is possibly the best win of the non-conference schedule. 

Texas-Permian Basin improves to 4-1 and Northeastern State falls to 3-3. 

#8 Central Washington wins at Angelo State 41-14

After three punts to start the game, Central Washington went for the knockout punch, first scoring on a 70-yard drive after forcing an Ayden Arp fumble to go up 6-0.  ASU would then proceed to throw an interception, turn the ball over on downs at the foot of the red zone, and throw another interception, all with the added bonus of a CWU touchdown after each turnover.  Ashton Dickens’ 59-yard touchdown run 25 second before halftime drew ASU within 27-7, but that was as close as the Rams would get the rest of the way. 

CWU won despite giving up 420 yards to ASU and 264 rushing yards (CWU did gain 476 yards and 231 on the ground).  Justin Brennan threw for 245 yards and 3 touchdowns on an efficient 17 of 23 passes and also had a 76-yard touchdown run.   Isaac Torres caught 4 passes for 101 yards and Mason Juergen caught 7 passes for 51 yards.  Ryder Bumgarner ran for 108 yards and touchdown.  For ASU, Arp struggled, completing 15 of 26 passes for 156 yards and two interceptions and added 63 rushing yards.  Dickens led ASU with 102 rushing yards and Alan Dobbins had 6 catches for 49 yards.  In the end it was CWU, who forced four turnovers while only committing one, who would win their first game at Angelo State.  CWU has now won 3 of their last 4 against the Rams.   

Central Washington improves to 3-2 and Angelo State falls to 1-4. 

Texas A&M-Kingsville wins at home over West Texas A&M 28-21

If you followed professional wrestling in the 1990s, you were probably familiar with the Undertaker.  The Houston native, who played basketball at soon-to-be LSC member Texas Wesleyan, was known for taking a pounding during his matches, seemingly looking like he was down and out on the mat at the hands of his opponent.  Then at the very moment his opponent thinks he has the Undertaker finished, he would sit up, staring a dagger into his opponent, who now was paralyzed in fear of what was to come at the hands of the 6’ 10” Undertaker. 

OK, before this non-sports lesson gets too long, enter Texas A&M-Kingsville in the role of the Undertaker.  The Javelinas punted 6 times on their first 7 drives (the seventh was an interception) and those drives went 3, 0, -1, 5, 6, 46, and 7 yards.  West Texas A&M staked themselves to a 21-0 lead during this time, although on this messy night, the Buffaloes did leave points on the field, with a missed 23-yard field goal and a turnover on downs at the TAMUK 24-yard line.  But Knox Porter was having a strong game, having thrown for 3 touchdowns to that point, including a 50-yard touchdown pass to Trace Clarkson (100 yards on 6 catches), so all was good, right?  The Javelinas didn’t have it and the Buffaloes were going to get a nice road win, right? 

At 9:23 of the third quarter, just like the Undertaker, the Javelinas sat up and got off the mat.  Riding the arm of Mills Dawson (13 of 26 passes for 195 yards, 3 touchdowns, and an interception) but especially the legs of Edward Chumley (182 yards and a touchdown along with a touchdown catch) and Christian Kretz (5 catches for 120 yards and 2 touchdowns), TAMUK scored touchdowns on four of their last four drives in the second half, with those drives going 44, 68, 87, and 80 yards.  The game-winning touchdown came on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Dawson to Kretz with 18 seconds left in the game.  During the same time, WT punted four times, turned the ball over on downs once, and ran out of time in desperation at the very end after TAMUK took the lead. 

Texas A&M-Kingsville improves to 3-2 and West Texas A&M falls to 1-4. 

Sul Ross State wins at home over Eastern New Mexico 56-43

I said during last week’s preview that ENMU seemed to be getting progressively worse each week, but I thought that they still had enough to beat Sul Ross State.  And as this exceptionally sloppy game moved on, it looked like I was going to be right in that determination.  After giving up a 40-yard pick-six to the Lobos’ Jason Sanford to put Sul Ross up 36-21, ENMU would score the game’s next 22 points to give the Greyhounds their first lead of the game at 43-36 with 9:38 left in the game.  ENMU now has all the momentum, and just like so many previous times at Houston and Baylor, the Art Briles offensive steamroller would overwhelm the undermanned Lobos and he would get his first win at ENMU. 

So at that point, just like everyone expected, I’m sure, Sul Ross took over the game and then took the game. 

The Lobos immediately answered on the next drive with a 14-yard run by Rashad Madden to tie the game at 43.  ENMU would turn the ball over on downs on their next two possessions and Sul Ross would take the lead for good after the second turnover on downs on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Will Howell (454 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception; also ran for 82 yards and 2 touchdowns) to Keithron Lee.  The Lobos would rub salt in the ENMU wounds with another Howell touchdown pass after an ENMU fumble gave Sul Ross the ball at the ENMU 34-yard line and the Greyhounds sold out for the run. 

ENMU would lose despite gaining 625 yards, 521 of those on the ground (Jose Trevino had 202 yards and 2 touchdowns and Clifton Cooper 111 yards and 2 touchdowns).  Sul Ross gained 589 yards, 454 of them in the air.  The Greyhounds were picked off twice (including the pick-6), lost three fumbles, and had four turnovers on downs.  Sul Ross wasn’t exactly the picture of efficiency, throwing their own pick-6 and losing two fumbles that helped fuel the ENMU 22-point scoring run, but ENMU made the most important mistakes at the end of the game while Sul Ross played their best football. 

Sul Ross State improves to 2-3 and Eastern New Mexico falls to 0-5. 

LSC Standings

Week 6 Preview

Texas-Permian Basin has found themselves back in the D2Football.com Top 25 after their big win, and Western Oregon fell out after their loss.  UTPB looks to win their fifth straight at WT, and WOU tries to avoid losing their fourth straight against TAMUK.  Angelo State hosts Sul Ross State hoping to reverse their fortunes after the Central Washington loss.  WNMU hosts the latest renewal of the Green Chile Bowl with both WNMU and ENMU seriously struggling.  And finally, Central Washington better look out for that streaking bunch of MSU Mustangs. 

All games are on Saturday, October 10.  All game times are in the Central time zone.

Eastern New Mexico at Western New Mexico, 3:00 PM

Series History: Eastern New Mexico leads 42-16-1

Last meeting: 2025 (Eastern New Mexico won 59-35)

The Return of the Green Chile Bowl.

The final game of the 2026 New Mexico Three-Way Dance of Doom. 

The Green Chile Bowl returns with not much more than pride on this line as the two combatants are the two lowest teams in the LSC.  Both teams have struggled mightily, with WNMU’s only win over a still-winless Adams State team and ENMU getting progressively worse each week, capped off with a loss to Sul Ross last week.  Neither team is terrible moving the ball, but ENMU has shown more offensive balance and a little bit more consistency.  And then there’s the potential deciding factor in this game – the WNMU defense.  While the ENMU defense isn’t anything to write home about (they gave up 56 points to Sul Ross?), WNMU is giving up 8.4 yards per play, 618 yards per game, and 61 points per game.  Also, while ENMU gives up 292 passing yards per game, WNMU is a better running team (huh?) than passing this season, so I’m not so sure WNMU can take advantage of it.  If Coach Briles doesn’t get his first ENMU win in this game, well, I don’t know when he will.  Eastern New Mexico by 3 points in an absolute mess of a game. 

Texas A&M-Kingsville at Western Oregon, 3:05 PM

Series History: Western Oregon leads 6-4

Last meeting: 2025 (Western Oregon won 34-27)

Texas A&M-Kingsville has quietly authored a 3-game winning streak and sits in a first-place tie in the LSC.  It wasn’t easy for the Javelinas, coming back from 21 down to beat WT.  Western Oregon has lost three straight and need a home win to keep their season from falling into full-on despair, and I’ll be honest, things don’t look good for them. 

I hate to keep harping on this, but as of this week Western Oregon stands DEAD LAST in the nation in passing yards per game at 329 yards allowed, with 0-5 Kentucky Wesleyan and 2-3 Missouri Western the only other teams giving up more than 300 passing yards per game.  They also give up 36 points a game, barely below their offensive output of 37 points per game.  Kingsville’s Mills Dawson has thrown for more than 300 yards twice this season and averages 257 passing yards per game.  And, if WOU does something to overplay against the pass, Edward Chumley is more than capable on the ground, and he’s been getting better every week.  Yes, WOU gives up just 115 rushing yards per game, but why run when you can throw for big numbers against them?  The bottom line here is that Kingsville is the better team right now, and WOU needs some significant changes with their defense or the Javelinas will leave the PNW their fourth straight win, and I think they do just that.  Texas A&M-Kingsville by 3 points. 

Sul Ross State at Angelo State, 6:00 PM

Series History: Angelo State leads 10-6 

Last meeting: 2025 (Angelo State won 62-0)

As someone who is more of the believe that your record says who you are, I’m not so sure how to apply that to this game.  Is Sul Ross really better than Angelo State just because they have more wins?  Or is the truth hidden within the schedule?  Angelo State has been fairly competitive despite their record, although they need to avoid playing too much sloppy football.  Sul Ross has two wins, and that’s honestly great for them, but those wins are both over currently winless teams.  At least Angelo State’s win came over a Western Oregon team that, while having a rough time right now, is still a team you don’t want to see coming up on your schedule.  The fact of the matter here is that when Sul Ross faces a team with more consistency and talent, it is still very difficult for them to match up and be competitive.  The Lobos will give it the old college try, and they need to do whatever they can to keep Will Howell around, but I would be surprised if Angelo State had much difficulty in this one.  Angelo State by 17 points. 

#23 Texas-Permian Basin at West Texas A&M, 7:00 PM

Series History: West Texas A&M leads 5-4

Last meeting: 2025 (Texas-Permian Basin won 22-6)

After steamrolling the bottom of the LSC, UTPB went to Northeastern State and I think they’re still picking off their quarterback.  The Falcon defense has made life miserable for opponents, causing 19 turnover (13 interceptions) and giving up 20 points per game.  Nate TenBarge and the UTPB offense has done what is necessary to win, while the WT offense hasn’t had enough consistency on offense, particularly on the ground, making life difficult for an otherwise solid Knox Porter. 

If WT stands a chance here, they need to have a big game on offense and keep the pressure on the UTPB defense, because the WT defense hasn’t had much success against anyone.  They’ve given up 39 points, 507 total yards, and 296 passing yards per game (among the nation’s worst).  I would say that they should play a “bend but don’t break” type of game like they did against Angelo State, but that game was more about Angelo State’s screw-ups (WT was outgained by 478 to 338 yards).  UTPB isn’t spectacular on offense, but their defense creates opportunities and their offense takes advantage of them.   I think that’s what happens here – WT will turn the ball over too many times to keep pace with the Falcons.  Texas-Permian Basin by 13 points. 

Midwestern State at #8 Central Washington, 8:00 PM

Series History: Central Washington leads 5-0

Last meeting: 2025 (Central Washington won 56-13)

Last week, Midwestern State actually managed to increase its average passing yards per game to 416 in their win over Western Oregon.  Now this week, in the latest edition of LSC After Dark, we will see how the surprising Mustangs can respond against the LSC’s defending champions.  We all know about MSU’s best-in-the-nation passing game, 45 points per game offense, and Kaden Brown is finally getting proper attention for the numbers he is putting up. 

So, how do the Mustangs line up against CWU?  The CWU defense is not the force that it has been in recent years, but their strength is against the pass, where they have given up 172 yards per game and have 5 interceptions.  It is against the run where CWU has struggled, giving up 228 yards per game and giving up over 180 rushing yards in four of their games.  Now, Joseph Dodds and Kenji Johnson are decent enough on the ground, but I see no way MSU changes what they’ve done all year.  They’re going to ride or die with Brown, and that’s how it should be.  The result of that will likely be their share of points, but I see CWU getting a pick or two that ends up keeping the Mustangs from pulling off the upset.  I see CWU being a bit more efficient on their drives since the MSU defense hasn’t been great (30 points per game and 395 yards per game) despite their record.  It’s going to be a fun one though, and maybe a shootout.  Central Washington by 7 points.