Hounds visit No. 11 MSU

Josh Lynn isn't saying his Eastern New Mexico University Greyhounds will throw everything out the window in today's 6 p.m. (MDT) Lone Star Conference clash against Midwestern State at Wichita Falls, Texas, but they hope to at least keep the Mustangs on their toes.

ENMU (2-5, 1-4 LSC) brings a four-game losing streak into the contest, including last week's 44-21 setback to now-14th-ranked rival West Texas A&M at Greyhound Stadium. Meantime, the Mustangs (6-1, 5-1) are headed in the opposite direction, having gone unbeaten since a season-opening 20-17 loss at Tarleton State.

The game matches the top two rushing teams in the league, although MSU is well ahead of everybody in the LSC and ranks fourth in NCAA Division II with more than 300 yards per game.

"Offensively, we're going to try to be creative," Lynn said. "But we'll still try to establish the run game."

Under coach Bill Maskill, the Mustangs have been arguably the league's most consistent program over the last decade.

Maskill, who has never lost to ENMU (10-0), said he's strongly advised his squad not to look ahead to its showdown next week at league-leading WT (6-1, 5-0).

"That game is not even on our minds," he said. "Our attention, and I feel our players' attention, is on this game."

If the Division II playoffs were to begin right now, the Mustangs would be in. Truth is, though, they can't really afford a slip-up in their final three contests.

"Every game becomes more significant as you get later in the season," Maskill said. "But none of that stuff really means anything until (you get to) the last week of the season."

Maskill, one to strive for perfection, said he thinks his squad hasn't yet reached its peak.

"We've gotten better every week — in areas," he said. "We've played in spurts in certain games, but I don't think we've played our best game yet."

Lynn said the Hounds are making slow strides, despite their losing streak coming during the meat of the schedule.

If they can get through this one, things may look up a bit. The Hounds host Texas A&M-Commerce (1-6, 1-4) next week, and visit Texas A&M-Kingsville (4-4, 3-3) in their finale on Nov. 10.

"We want to run the ball and play good defense," Lynn said. "That's kind of what we're trying to do.

"We just want to hold it together. We've got to stay positive and continue to improve."

GAMEDAY

ENMU (2-5, 1-4 Lone Star Conference)

at Midwestern State (6-1, 5-1)

6 p.m. (MDT) today at Wichita Falls, Texas

• Radio: KSEL-FM 105.9.

• Coaches: ENMU, Josh Lynn, 1st year, 2-5; MSU, Bill Maskill, 85-33, 11th year.

• Last meeting: 2011, the Mustangs beat the Greyhounds 57-34 at Blackwater Draw.

• Last week: ENMU lost at home to then-17th-ranked and LSC-leading West Texas A&M 44-21. MSU rallied from behind twice in the fourth quarter to edge Abilene Christian 35-31 at Abilene, Texas.

• MSU players to watch: Brandon Kelsey, 6-2, 212, Sr., QB; Keidrick Jackson, 5-9, 210, Jr., RB; Matt Ellerbrock, 6-2, 230, Sr., MLB; Neiko Conway, 5-10, 170, Jr., CB; Taiyon Jackson, 6-0, 190, Jr., FS; Greg Saladino, 5-10, 170, Jr., P/PK.

• Notes: MSU leads the all-time series 13-4, having won the last 10 in a row — all under Maskill. The Hounds' last win was a 36-33 decision at Wichita Falls on Sept. 15, 2001 — four days after 9/11. … The last three games in the series were played at Greyhound Stadium. MSU last hosted in 2008. … The Mustangs, ranked 11th in NCAA Division II after starting the season No. 4, have won six straight since a 20-17 loss in the season opener at Tarleton State. They've come from behind to win in the second half in each of their last three games. … Midwestern State ranks first in the LSC in rushing offense (317.1 ypg) while ENMU is second (201.9). … Jackson leads the league in rushing (128.7 ypg) and Kelsey is third (82.1), while ENMU quarterback Wes Wood stands fifth (75.1).

• Quotable: "They're doing a good job. They play hard, and they're well-coached again." — Maskill, on ENMU's transition this season under Lynn.

— Compiled by Dave Wagner