MIDLAND, Texas — UT Permian Basin secured a decisive 37-15 victory over Midwestern State on Saturday at Astound Broadband Stadium. UTPB dominated the first half, scoring 24 of 31 points in the second quarter.
Midwestern State began the first quarter with possession but was unable to capitalize, punting after a brief series. The defense held strong initially, forcing UT Permian Basin into consecutive incomplete passes, leading to a punt that resulted in a touchback. Midwestern State's next drive saw a promising 20-yard completion from
Jakolby Longino to
Demonte Greene, but progress stalled, and the Mustangs punted again.
UT Permian Basin gained momentum with a 12-play, 69-yard drive culminating in a 9-yard touchdown pass from Kanon Gibson to Caleb Sedegan, with the extra point extending the Falcons' lead. Midwestern State's subsequent possessions were unable to shift the momentum as the period closed with the Mustangs trailing 7-0.
The second quarter began with UT Permian Basin extending its lead as Kory Harris rushed for a touchdown, capping a drive that started on the Midwestern St. 36-yard line. The Mustangs subsequent possession was halted on a turnover on downs at their own 28-yard line, leading to a quick scoring drive by UT Permian Basin, which added another touchdown with a 24-yard run by Camden Tyler.
Midwestern State struggled offensively, managing only brief gains and facing setbacks including a sack and a holding penalty that stalled their efforts. Despite a late drive that saw Longino connect with
Christian Olige for a significant 27-yard gain, the drive ended with a turnover on downs. UT Permian Basin capitalized on their opportunities, adding a field goal to close the half with a commanding lead of 31-0.
Midwestern State opened the third quarter with a solid defensive stand, forcing UT Permian Basin to punt after a three-and-out. Greene's 19-yard punt return set up favorable field position, and
Sean Jastrab connected with Greene for a 14-yard gain, advancing the ball to the opponent's 45-yard line. However, the drive stalled on fourth down, resulting in a turnover.
Following the change of possession, UT Permian Basin capitalized with a long pass from Gibson to Jaylon Tillman for a 42-yard touchdown, extending their lead. The Maroon & Gold responded with a promising series of plays, including a 32-yard rush by
Reginald Williams, which helped move the ball into UT Permian Basin territory. The drive concluded with an interception by
Jayden Plater, halting the Mustangs' momentum.
Midwestern State's defense held strong late in the quarter, forcing a turnover on downs at their own 5-yard line. Despite this defensive effort, the period ended with UT Permian Basin leading 37-2.
Midwestern State opened the fourth quarter with a defensive stand, as
Hornel Cloubou's sack led to a turnover on downs at the UT Permian Basin 46-yard line. Though the subsequent drive stalled,
Kenji Johnson's punt pinned UT Permian Basin deep, setting up favorable field position. The score remained unchanged with UT Permian Basin leading 37-9.
The Mustangs capitalized on defensive pressure when
Kelton Williams intercepted a pass, returning it to the UT Permian Basin 47-yard line. This led to a touchdown drive capped by Jastrab's 2-yard pass to
Kelby Hickerson, narrowing the gap. Soon after,
Noah Bustard recovered a fumble for a touchdown, further cutting the deficit to 37-15.
With time winding down,
Ethan Dishman's interception in the end zone halted a UT Permian Basin scoring attempt. MSU then advanced into UT Permian Basin territory with key completions from Jastrab, including a 34-yard pass to
Case Peacock as time expired.
Looking ahead, the Mustangs will host Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday, October 4th, at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
MSU drops to 0-4 overall and 0-2 in conference play following the loss. The Falcons maintain a perfect record at 4-0 overall and 2-0 in the conference.
