PUEBLO, Colo. (October 28, 2017) - The No. 24 Colorado State University-Pueblo football team closed the regular season home schedule with a 40-7 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference victory against Western State Colorado University Saturday at the Neta and Eddie DeRose ThunderBowl.

The ThunderWolves (7-2, 7-1 RMAC) defense totaled three interceptions, including one for a score, and four sacks, while allowing just 84 total Western (1-8, 1-8 RMAC) yards (14 passing). The Pack gave up just four first downs and zero points, as the lone WSCU score came at the hands of their defense. 

Sophomore Emery Taylor (Aurora, Colo.) recorded two interceptions for the second straight week, he also returned his second straight pick six, this time for 25 yards. Taylor has five interceptions this seaon and with a break-up in the game, now has 13 passes defended. 

Junior Darius Williams (Gilbert, Ariz.) intercepted his seventh pass of the season to tie the program record for interceptions in a season. 

Junior running back Marché Dennard (Phoenix, Ariz.) totaled 115 yards and a touchdown. He carried the ball 12 times to average 9.6 yards per carry. 

Senior Rex Dausin (San Antonio, Texas) passed for 165 yards and two touchdowns, as he went 13-for-18 (72.2%). Junior quarterback Brandon Edwards (Bothell, Wash.) returned from an injury suffered in week three to throw for 53 yards and a score. He attempted 11 passes and completed six (54.5%). 

Senior tight ends Aaron Eckhoff (Dallas, Texas) and Zach Boyd (Fort Lupton, Colo.) each got into the end zone in the fourth quarter to cap the big win. Sophomore Ammon Johnson (Denver, Colo.) was the top receiver with five catches for 92 yards and the long reception of the day (54 yards). Junior Josh Smith (Everett, Wash.) found the end zone for the team-leading sixth time this season. 

Junior nose guard Deyon Sizer (Aurora, Colo.) led the team in tackles with nine (six solo), which included two tackles for loss (-8 yards) and a sack (-5 yards). Junior Brandon Payer (ILB, Pine, Colo.) added eight tackles (five solo) with 4.5 tackles for loss (-7 yards). 

CSU-Pueblo totaled 13 tackles for loss that amounted to 34 loss yards for the Mountaineers.

Kicker Mitchell Carter (R-Fr., Colorado Springs, Colo.) added two field goals of 30 and 37 yards. He is 9-of-10 this season with five converted field goal attempts 30 yards and beyond. 

PACK BITES

• The Pack defense hasn't allowed an opponent to score on offense for nine quarters. 

• With five interceptions for scores this season, CSU-Pueblo ties the program record set in 2010 and 2014. The Pack entered the game ranked T-5th in the nation in defensive scores. 

• Marché Dennard has 13 rushing touchdowns this season. He entered the game ranked 9th nationally in the category. He was also 3rd in NCAA Division II in rushing yards per carry.

• Mitchell Carter broke his perfect streak at 42 straight successful extra point attempts. He is now 46-of-47 this season.

NEXT UP

The ThunderWolves hit the road for the final two games, as the Pack battle Dixie State University Nov. 4 at 1 pm. The trip to St. George, Utah will be the first in program history. 

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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.