Turnovers Drown Angelo State Rams on Opening Night

SAN ANGELO, TX — Fort Hays State forced three turnovers to doom the Angelo State Rams in a 35-14 loss in their season opener Thursday.

Fort Hays State controlled the game on both sides of the ball, holding ASU to 227 total yards while limiting the Rams to 1-of-9 on third-down conversions. The Tigers also held a 37:05 to 22:55 advantage in time of possession.

A lengthy rain delay led to a late start, which set the tone for what would be a disappointing night for the Rams. Defense dominated the opening quarter, with the teams combining for just one first down during their first five possessions. Fort Hays State threatened late in the period, but the Rams forced a missed field goal to keep the game scoreless.

ASU broke through in the second quarter after Hunter Boudreaux recorded the first interception of his career, setting up Cameron Dischler's first rushing touchdown of the season for a 7-0 lead.

The Tigers answered before halftime, using a pair of short passes to set up long runs before tying the game at 7-7 heading into the break.

Fort Hays State took control in the third quarter, opening the second half with a 14-play touchdown drive before capitalizing on an ASU fumble later in the quarter to extend its lead to 21-7.

The Rams cut the deficit to 21-14 early in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Ayden Arp connected with Donny Bishop on a key completion before Dischler scored his second rushing TD of the night on the opening play of the period.

Fort Hays State responded with two more touchdowns to put the game away.

Arp, making his second career start, completed 13 of 23 passes for 135 yards with one interception. Bishop led ASU receivers with 86 yards.

The loss marks the Rams' fourth consecutive defeat dating back to Nov. 1 of last season. ASU's next game is Thursday, Sept. 3, at No. 11-ranked Western Colorado in Gunnison, Colorado.