The New Mexico Highlands Cowboys fell 41-20 at DI Tarleton State University Saturday evening in Stephenville, TX. The non-conference loss drops the Cowboys to 1-3 on the season.
A quick 84-yd strike on the game's first play, followed by a one-yard punch-in TD gave the Texans an early 7-0 lead. Showing no signs of intimidation, the Cowboys marched back deep into Tarleton territory before CJ Sims was stopped on a fourth down play to end the answering drive.
That play was emblematic of the Cowboy's night. Despite running neatly 100 plays and out-dueling TSU with 29 first downs to the Texan's 19, the 'Pokes were unable to sustain scoring drives and generate points.
Tarleton relied on a powerful running game that is among the best in the DI FCS ranks. TSU put up 278 yards on the ground-- nearly 7 yards per carry-- wearing down the HU defense in the nearly 90- degree Texas heat.
HU quarterback Ramone Atkins did all he could to keep the HU offense moving. Atkins threw 44 passes -- connecting on TD's to Ronald Jamison and Quavon Beckford-- and carried the ball 21 times for over 100 yards to lead the HU attack. But the senior signal caller was under pressure most of the game and was sacked three times and intercepted twice.
Malik Brown and the HU defense gave the Cowboys a spark in the fourth quarter. The senior defensive back scooped up a TSU fumble and took it 44-yards for a score to pull the Cowboys within two scores with just under ten minutes to play. TSU answered with a field goal and the ensuing Cowboy drive deep in Tarleton territory ended with an interception.
Brendon Luper led the HU defense with seven tackles and Terrence Jackson continued to be a Cowboy stalwart on the defensive side with six tackles of his own.
Next up for the Cowboys is a Homecoming match-up with RMAC opponent Chadron State. Game time is noon Saturday, Oct. 2.
More on the Homecoming match-up later this week.
Full game stats from Tarleton
here.
https://tarletonsports.com/news/2021/9/25/football-texans-start-hot-ride-running-game-in-comfortable-win-over-new-mexico-highlands.aspx
