Las Vegas, New Mexico - The Cowboys return home to host Colorado State University - Pueblo Saturday afternoon. Kickoff at Sanchez Family Stadium is at 12:00 pm. The Cowboys enter Saturday's game at 2-4 overall and 1-3 in RMAC play. The ThunderWolves are 3-3 overall and 2-2 in conference action heading into tomorrow's game with the Cowboys.
The Series: Saturday's game marks the 27th meeting between New Mexico Highlands and CSU - Pueblo with the ThunderWolves holding a 21-5 edge in the previous meetings. CSU-Pueblo defeated NMHU 35-11 last year in Pueblo. The last game in Las Vegas saw the Cowboys edge the ThunderWolves 28-21 2021.
Scouting Colorado State University - Pueblo: The ThunderWolves are led by Head Coach Philip Vigil a 2009 graduate of Colorado Mesa University. Vigil is in his first year at the Helm of the ThunderWolves, having been introduced as the Head Coach on December 23, 2022.
CSU - Pueblo enters Saturday's contest averaging 40.3 points per game, while allowing just under 28 points per outing. Kiahn Martinez and Howard Russell rank first and seventh respectively in the RMAC in rushing yards per game. Quarterback Chance Fuller has 15 touchdown passes through six games for the ThunderWolves.
"CSU - Pueblo is big, they are athletic, and they are very physical," said NMHU Head Coach
Ron Hudson. "They have two really big and very talented running backs who will test us on Saturday afternoon."
Hudson File: Head Coach
Ron Hudson is in his second season at the helm of the Cowboys. He was introduced as the Head Coach at NMHU on January 6th, 2022. Hudson is a graduate of Muskingum College (OH) where he was a four-year starting center for the Fighting Muskies football team.
Last Outing: The Cowboys dropped a 34-24 decision to Black Hills State last Saturday afternoon in Spearfish, SD. In what has become a trend over the three game losing streak, the Cowboys started slow and found themselves trailing 21-7 at the half. They outscored the Yellow Jackets 17-13 in the second half, but it was not enough as they dropped their third straight contest.
Malik Norman and Shawntay Mills, Jr accounted for the NMHU touchdowns while Will McDaniel kicked a 37 yard field goal.
"Another slow start for us," said Coach Hudson. "Slow starts show a lack of discipline and a lack of attention to detail. In the games we've lost, we sat back and waited for good things to happen for us. In our wins, we went and we made good things happen rather than waiting for them," Hudson continued.
Kicking It McDaniel Style: Senior Will McDaniel is having a very good year for the Cowboys. He is four of six in field goals and a perfect 18 for 18 on extra points. He averages over 40 yards per punt and has dropped seven of his 24 punts inside the 20 yard line. McDaniel also has 15 touchbacks for the Cowboys.
"Will has embraced the role of punter and kicker for us and he is one of the better specialists in the RMAC," said Coach Hudson. "More importantly, he is a mature leader and fierce competitor. Like
Devin Coney, he has been picked as captain for us by his teammates every week this season."
By The Numbers: Six weeks into the season, the Cowboys are averaging 25.0 points per game on offense while giving up just under 31 points per game. NMHU is 2nd in the RMAC and 38th in NCAA Division II with 181.3 rushing yards per game.
Defensively, senior
Ethan Simley has recovered three fumbles this season which leads the NCAA II. NMHU is tied for 25th nationally with a plus six turnover margin.
Roster Break Down: This year's edition of the Cowboy's roster features 39 freshmen, 14 sophomores, 24 juniors, and 22 Seniors. 13 different states are represented on this year's roster with California (32), New Mexico (31), and Texas (16) leading the way.
Up Next: The Cowboys hit the road again next weekend traveling to Gunnison to face nationally ranked Western Colorado University. Kick-off is set for 1:00 pm at Katy O. Rady Field.
Home Schedule: After Saturday's game, the Cowboys have two games remaining at Sanchez Family Stadium this fall. Single game tickets are available for purchase now at NMHU Tickets.
Keep Up With The Cowboys: For all the latest news on NMHU Football, log on to
NMHUAthletics.com and be sure to follow the team on X
@NMHUFootball.
