MONMOUTH, Ore. — Western Oregon University (3-2) capitalized on five rushing touchdowns to defeat Western New Mexico University (1-5) with a final score of 41-20 at McArthur Field.

Western New Mexico opened the game with a strong drive initiated by Connor Ackerley's (Tempe, Arizona/Corona Del Sol High School) 37-yard pass to Deuce Zimmerman (Anchorage, AK/East Anchorage High School), setting the offense in motion. Ackerley continued to connect with his receivers, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Flores (Casa Grande, AZ/Casa Grande Union High School) at 11:02, though the extra point attempt was missed, giving the Mustangs an early 6-0 lead.

The Wolves responded with an effective drive, moving 80 yards in six plays. Jermaine Land's 20-yard rush set the tone, and Tyler Konold's 7-yard touchdown run, followed by a successful PAT, put the Wolves ahead 7-6. The period concluded with the Wolves capitalizing on a turnover, extending their lead to 13-6 after Carson Workman's 3-yard rushing touchdown. The Mustangs ended the quarter trailing but with possession, looking to regain momentum.

The second quarter began with a pivotal moment for the Mustangs as a fumble by Land was forced and recovered by Jaaden Matthews (Houston, Tx/Allen Hancock College) at the WOU14. This turnover set up a quick touchdown pass from Ackerley to Flores, leveling the score at 13-13 after Talan Tinsley's (Queen Creek, AZ/Queen Creek High School) successful extra point. However, the Wolves reclaimed momentum with a touchdown and extended their lead following an interception return for a touchdown by Malik Ross, pushing the score to 27-13.

As the quarter continued, the Wolves capitalized on another turnover after a sack and fumble recovery at the WNMU24, leading to a touchdown by Workman. The Mustangs attempted to narrow the gap with a series of completions by Ackerley, but ultimately closed the first half trailing 34-13 after a turnover on downs and subsequent Wolves score.

The third quarter began with the Mustangs making a defensive stand as Joshua Hopphaus sacked the Wolves' quarterback, forcing a punt. However, the Mustangs' offense was unable to capitalize, resulting in a punt after three plays. The Wolves then advanced the ball and completed a scoring drive, adding a touchdown at 8:58, extending the score to 41-13.

On the ensuing possession, Ackerley led the Mustangs with a 19-yard pass to Zimmerman and a 28-yard gain to Flores, but the drive stalled on fourth down at the opponent's 26-yard line. The Mustangs continued to push late in the period, as Ackerley connected with Jaylin Baker (San Antonio, TX/Brandeis High School) on a fourth-down conversion. Despite the efforts, the period concluded with the Wolves maintaining their lead, 41-13.

In the fourth quarter, the Mustangs' defense made a significant impact with Eddie Byrd III (Pasadena, CA) intercepting a pass at their 39-yard line to halt the Wolves' drive. On the ensuing possession, Ackerley connected on consecutive passes, including a 15-yard gain to Davey Morales (Queen Creek, AZ/Queen Creek High), advancing to the Wolves' 19-yard line. However, the drive ended with an interception.

Despite the turnover, the Mustangs regained possession and moved efficiently downfield, highlighted by a 31-yard completion from Ackerley to Zimmerman. A penalty moved the ball to the Wolves' 2-yard line, where Ackerley found Zimmerman again for a touchdown, narrowing the score to 41-20 after Tinsley's successful extra point.

The Mustangs' defense stood firm, forcing a punt, and the offense continued to press forward with a series of completions from Ackerley. However, the game concluded with the Wolves kneeling out the clock, sealing the score at 41-20 in favor of the home team.

Ackerley completed 40 of 55 passes for 395 yards and three touchdowns, despite throwing four interceptions. Zimmerman caught 11 passes for 141 yards and one touchdown, leading the receiving corps. Zimmerman has caught a touchdown in all five games this season. Flores contributed significantly with eight receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, Hopphaus led the team with 10 tackles and one sack, while Byrd III recorded an interception.

The Wolves' offense saw notable contributions from running back Workman, who rushed for 37 yards on seven attempts and scored three touchdowns. Land also made an impact with 85 rushing yards on 13 carries and one touchdown, despite losing a fumble. In the receiving corps, Keyvaun Eady caught three passes for 39 yards.

Defensively, Ross stood out with four total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and an interception returned for a 59-yard touchdown. Aden Murphy led the team in tackles, recording 12 total. Elijah Pula contributed with two tackles, one sack, and a recovered fumble.

Western New Mexico falls to 1-5 overall and remains winless in conference play at 0-4. The Wolves improve to 3-2 overall and 2-1 in conference action.

Looking ahead, it will be HOMECOMING as the Mustangs will take on Sul Ross State at Ben Altamirano Field in Silver City, N.M., on Saturday, October 18. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.