Angelo State Rams Up to No. 6 in National Rankings

SAN ANGELO, TX — After a 3-0 start to the season, the Angelo State University football team is up to No. 6 in the national rankings.

The Rams moved up two spots in this week’s American Football Coaches Association NCAA Division II rankings.

Playing without starting quarterback Braeden Fuller, ASU still went on the road and defeated Eastern New Mexico 31-20.

Backup QB Kaeden Smith had 70 rushing yards last week, but he was limited to only 1-of-12 passing for 2 yards on a windy day that included a nearly two-and-a-half hour weather delay.

Third-string QB Chad Pharies, who played his high school ball at Wolfforth Frenship, had 77 rushing yards and two TDs to lead the offense.

It is unclear if Fuller, who is suffering from a calf strain, will be able to return this week for the Rams’ home game at 6 p.m. Saturday against Western New Mexico at LeGrand Stadium at 1st Community Credit Union Field.

Ferris State remains the No. 1-ranked team in the nation, followed by Harding, West Florida, Slippery Rock and Kutztown.

UT Permian Basin at No. 11 in the only other Lone Star Conference team in the Top 25.