The last time UTPB was at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland, the Falcons saw their historic season come to a close with a 10-3 upset loss against Bemidji State in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.
They’ll be hoping for a different story this time around when they return to the Tall City for a 6 p.m. game Saturday against Adams State.
UTPB, which played its season opener at Ratliff Stadium two weeks ago against Western New Mexico, will be playing the remainder of its home schedule this season in Midland.
“The last time we were there was against Bemidji State so we’re hoping to make happy memories this time around,” UTPB head coach Kris McCullough said at Monday’s press conference. “When we played in Odessa a few weeks ago, we had one of the best crowds we’ve ever had since I’ve been here. I expect the same thing with midland. Free admission, free tailgating. We’re one of the best universities to watch locally on a Saturday.”
Not only are the Falcons hoping to forget about last year’s playoff loss, but they’re also looking to bounce back after falling to Colorado State-Pueblo last Saturday on the road.
After suffering its first loss of the season, Kris McCullough is wanting his players to get back to the same level of intensity from last season.
The Falcons (1-1 overall, 1-0 in Lone Star Conference) will get a chance to do that when they face another team out of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference this week.
“Pure domination,” McCullough said at Monday’s press conference as for what he’s hoping to see this Saturday. “Do what we’re supposed to do. Our program was built on dominating opponents in the trenches. That’s where it all starts. We haven’t run the ball for over 200 yards per game yet. Last year, we were doing that almost every game.”
UTPB’s 40-23 loss to Colorado State-Pueblo last week on the road knocked the Falcons out of the NCAA Division II top-25 poll.
After taking an early 7-0 lead last Saturday, UTPB quickly fell behind, trailing 20-9 at the end of the first quarter and 29-9 at halftime.
UTPB would be unable to complete the comeback when all was said and done.
Inclement weather also played a part in last week’s game, forcing a delay.
“Honestly, I’d rather be here than play in the rain storm,” McCullough said. “A 12-hour bus ride is not fun. Travel is not fun. Not sleeping in your own bed is not fun. To be able to come home, that’s important. We get to play our first game at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland this week. I’m excited to get back over there.”
It’s worth mentioning that UTPB also suffered a setback in Colorado in Week 2 last year, losing to Western Colorado 35-27.
The rest, of course, is history as UTPB went on a nine-game winning streak to win the Lone Star Conference and clinch a spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs.
After the loss to Western Colorado, UTPB crushed Southwest Baptist 86-7.
“Last year, we lost to Western Colorado and the next week, we rebounded by winning by 79,” McCullough said. “I’m not saying we’re going to do that but I need to see that type of performance each play and to see our team get back to the level of play that we’ve had since I’ve been the head coach here.”
While Adams State isn’t Southwest Baptist, the Grizzlies entered this season desperate for answers after going 3-8 last year, 2-9 the year before and 1-10 in 2021.
Adams State (0-1) is coming off a 46-36 upset loss against Western New Mexico last week.
Regardless of the opponent, UTPB is looking to make a response.
“I want us to go in and physically manhandle the front line and us to run for 200 yards,” McCullough said. “I want us on defense to have a suffocating attack like we did against Western New Mexico. Not give this quarterback any time to make plays. We have to stop the run. I want all three phases to compete and dominate.”
