Greyhounds head west to open LSC play

PORTALES — Eastern New Mexico University returns to the gridiron on Saturday to face Western New Mexico University as the Greyhounds prepare to open Lone Star Conference play with two straight road games.

ENMU (1-0) will carry a perfect record into the game following last week's comeback win over Southwest Baptist, capped by Bailey Hale's game-winning field goal with 7 seconds left, while the Mustangs (0-1) fell to Division I-AA San Diego on the road in their season opener.

Despite the loss, WNMU showed of its high-powered passing attack as wide receiver D'Angelo Bowie set a Lone Star Conference single game record with 19 receptions, while also tallying 263 yards and two touchdowns.

Meanwhile, quarterback Jovia Hall had his most productive game as a Mustang, throwing for 464 yards and three scores. The Greyhounds success on defense will depend on slowing down Hall and Bowie.

"It's a pretty dynamic duo," ENMU coach Kelley Lee said. "You've got to throw some different coverages at them, but you have to know where that receiver is in every coverage."

Lee also said that putting pressure on Hall and making him uncomfortable in the pocket will be critical for the Greyhounds defense.

Both teams made their share of big plays last week. ENMU's Johnny Smith caught a 56 yard touchdown pass and WNMU scored on 86- and 44-yard touchdown passes from Hill.

"A lot of times it just comes down to who makes more explosive plays and who can hold onto the ball better," WNMU coach Adam Clark said.

Ball security was a big issue for the Mustangs last week with five fumbles and every one lost.

ENMU defeated the Mustangs 37-16 in the season opener last season, but Kelley said he doesn't think the Greyhounds will be able to take much away from the game because WNMU improved so much as the year went on.

On the other side Clark hopes that the Mustangs' opportunity to see ENMU's triple option running attack in person last year will give his defense a better chance to stop it this time around.

Speaking of the triple option, the Greyhounds will look to get running back Kamal Cass back into mid-season form after the 2016 All-American ran for 113 yards in the season opener but managed just 3.5 yards per carry.

"I think we have to stabilize the offensive line. We were doing pretty good up to half-time and we had a couple injuries," Lee said, adding that a next-man up attitude will be key for the o-line.

The Mustangs will test the Greyhounds as two of WNMU's three wins last season came at home.

"They're a night and day team from when you play them on the road to when you play them at home," Lee said.

Clark isn't concerned about any of the festivities that comes along with the home opener.

"It doesn't matter where it's at, just trying to see them get better from week one to week two," Clark said.

Special teams will come into play as the Mustangs like to mix it up, including starting the game last week with an onside kick.

"They do a lot of crazy stuff on special teams so we have to be ready for that," Lee said.

ENMU would like to see a repeat performance from Hale, who earned LSC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after converting three field goals, including two from over 40 yards, a first for the Greyhounds since 2005.