SILVER CITY, N.M. (Sept. 27, 2014) - Western New Mexico University grabbed a quick 7-0 lead just 2:47 into Saturday's Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference contest, but the Mustangs wouldn't score again on the Colorado State University-Pueblo defense, as the No. 2 ThunderWolves posted a 45-7 road victory.

The Pack (4-0, 2-0 RMAC) only led 14-7 at halftime versus host Western New Mexico (1-3, 0-2 RMAC), but used 10 third quarter points to open a 24-7 lead and then scored 21 points in the first 3:12 of the fourth frame to take the 45-7 advantage all the way to the final horn.

The ThunderWolves totaled 357 yards, 211 of which came on the ground. Junior running back Cameron McDondle (Littleton, Colo.) rushed for 132 yards and two touchdowns for his second 100-yard game this season. He also added two receptions for 25 yards and a score for a total of 157 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. Senior quarterback Chris Bonner (San Diego, Calif.) went 14-for-29 (48.3%) with 146 yards and three touchdowns (zero interceptions).

The Pack defense totaled four interceptions, two of which came from senior cornerback Stephan Dickens (Aurora, Colo.). The second of Dickens' picks was returned for 30 yards to the end zone during the 21-point fourth quarter. The senior also returned three punts for 90 yards. His second punt return went for 36 yards and one play later the Pack scored to tie the game 7-7, while his second return came just minutes after his interception for a touchdown and went 42 yards to setup another one-play drive to the end zone by the offense.

The defense allowed 227 total yards, just 53 of which were on the ground. Senior linebacker Josiah Flack (Littleton, Colo.) guided the team with nine tackles, one of which was for loss (-3 yards). Junior defensive end Morgan Fox (Fountain, Colo.) totaled seven tackles (four solo), which included three tackles for loss (-17 yards) and two sacks (-14 yards).

After tying the game late in the first quarter on a McDondle 11-yard rush, the Pack scored early in the second quarter to take the 14-7 lead. The three-play, 35-yard drive was capped by a junior J.B. Mathews (RB, Aurora, Colo.) 15-yard catch and run from Bonner.

The 14-7 lead held to halftime and into the third until an interception at the Western New Mexico 38-yardline by senior cornerback C.J. Roberts (Boynton Beach, Fla.) setup a five-play, 38-yard touchdown. The score was a 19-yard screen pass from Bonner to McDondle.

A season-long 49-yard field goal by junior kicker Greg O'Donnell (Monument, Colo.) closed the scoring in the third and the Pack led 24-7.

The 21-point fourth quarter started with a 15-yard run by McDondle to polish off a four-play, 65-yard drive. Just two plays and 22 seconds later, Dickens picked his second ball of the game and returned it 30 yards for the score.

After a three-and-out forced by the Pack defense, Dickens returned the punt down to the WNMU 27-yardline and just one play later, Bonner connected with Mathews for the second time and the ThunderWolves were ahead 45-7.

The win made 41 straight for the Pack and capped three-straight road games. The ThunderWolves return home Oct. 4 in a 6 p.m. contest versus Adams State University. The game will be aired live on Altitude Sports and Entertainment Network (check local listings).

# CSU-Pueblo # 

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