HUNTSVILLE, Texas (Sept. 14, 2014) – The No. 2 Colorado State University-Pueblo football team didn't flinch when head coach John Wristen told the student-athletes they would be playing Division I, FCS Sam Houston State University in 2014. The Pack didn't flinch Saturday either, when they posted a 47-21 program-defining victory against FCS-No. 15 Sam Houston State at Bowers Stadium in Huntsville, Texas.

The Pack (2-0, 0-0 RMAC) extends their regular season winning streak to 39 games, while ending the longest current home winning streak in the FCS. Sam Houston State (1-3, 0-0 Southland) had won 23 straight home games until Saturday.

"I'm very proud of this team and these coaches in what they have done," Wristen said. "The key again was our defense, getting those three-and-outs early on and generating some momentum. Our kids were on point and it was fun to see them play."

The first half was all the Pack needed to roll to victory, as it dominated the opening 30 minutes, leading 27-0 at the break. CSU-Pueblo held the ball for 18:15, led 12-1 in first downs and totaled 206 yards to the Bearkats' one yard in the first half.

"That's pretty impressive," Wristen commented.

"What an unbelievable feeling to beat a great Division I opponent in Sam Houston State. It is really a validation of who we want to be and where we want to go."

In the end, CSU-Pueblo totaled 446 yards and held Sam Houston State to 226 yards. The Pack converted eight third downs and two fourth downs, while holding SHSU to five third downs. The ThunderWolves' defense forced a fumble and recorded an interception, while the offense didn't turn the ball over. The Pack defense also produced eight sacks that resulted in a loss of 35 yards. CSU-Pueblo totaled 157 return yards, setting up early scores due to excellent field position.

Outstanding performers on offense included: senior quarterback Chris Bonner (San Diego, Calif.), who totaled 255 yards and three touchdowns on 20-of-32 passing, junior running back Cameron McDondle (Littleton, Colo.) who added 116 yards on the ground with two scores, senior Paul Browning (Widefield, Colo.) brought down seven catches for 98 yards and a touchdown, while junior wide receiver Jarred Radebaugh (Thornton, Colo.) added five receptions for 77 yards and two scores.

On defense, the leading tackler only had five tackles, but three players did so, and seven players recorded four or more tackles, testament to the team effort by the Pack defense. One of those with five tacklers (four solo) was Darius Allen (Sr., Pueblo, Colo.), who added four sacks (-12 yards) and forced a fumble.

Special teams also had some standout players, as senior Stephan Dickens (CB, Aurora, Colo.) totaled 103 punt return yards on five attempts, which included a long return of 53 yards. Junior Daniel Wise (WR, Arlington, Texas) returned the opening kickoff 43 yards, which set up the ThunderWolves' opening drive of 10-plays, 57-yards and a touchdown. Place kicker Greg O'Donnell (Jr., Monument, Colo.) totaled 17 points, as he went 5-for-5 on extra points and 4-for-5 on field goals (18, 46, 21, 39).

The CSUP defense forced a three-and-out in Sam Houston's first three possessions and the offense capitalized after the third SHSU possession (-12 yards on that drive) and went six plays for 40 yards to the end zone to open a 14-0 lead.

Two field goals and Radebaugh's second score of the game gave the road team a 27-0 lead. The first CSU-Pueblo possession of the second half saw something ThunderWolves fans are accustomed to, a Bonner to Browning deep ball touchdown, this time for 64 yards. Following the first score by the Bearkats in the middle of the third quarter, McDondle took the first play 70 yards to the end zone to hand the Pack a comfortable 41-7 lead.

O'Donnell tacked on two more field goals before the end, while Sam Houston State scored two touchdowns in the back half of the fourth.

The contest ended the nonconference season for the Pack, as the ThunderWolves begin Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play, Sept. 20 at Western State University (Colo.) beginning at 1 p.m.

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 As a member of the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, Colorado State University – Pueblo competes in 22 varsity sports in NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletics.