American college football season
The 2023 UT Permian Basin Falcons football team represented the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) in the 2023 NCAA Division II football season as a member of the Lone Star Conference (LSC). They were led by first-year head coach Kris McCullough .[ 2] [ 3] [ 4] The Falcons finished the regular season 10–1, going 8–0 in LSC play to win the conference title for the first time in program history.[ 5] The Falcons received a bid for the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in program history, being selected as the third seed in Super Region 4.
The Falcons played most of their home games at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland, Texas while Ratliff Stadium in Odessa, Texas only hosted one home game.[ 6]
On November 28, 2022, head coach Justin Carrigan announced that he would be stepping down as the program's head coach. The following day it was announced he would be stepping into an administrative role, being named the university's deputy athletic director.[ 7]
The LSC media preseason poll was released on July 27, 2023. The Falcons were predicted to finish seventh.[ 8]
LSC media poll
Predicted finish
Team
Votes (1st place)
1
Angelo State
241 (25)
2
Central Washington
198 (1)
3
Texas A&M–Kingsville
174
4
Midwestern State
147
5
West Texas A&M
123
6
Western Oregon
118 (1)
7
UT Permian Basin
98
8
Eastern New Mexico
59
9
Western New Mexico
57
The Falcons opened the season on September 2, hosting NAIA Texas College from the Sooner Athletic Conference . In McCullough's debut, UTPB won 96–0, breaking the program record for most points scored in a single game.[ 9] Two weeks later, against Southwest Baptist of the Great Lakes Valley Conference , the Falcons defeated the Bearcats 86–7, the second-most points scored in a single game in program history.[ 10] On September 30, the Falcons defeated no. 16 Texas A&M–Kingsville , 29–17, for the program's first win over a ranked opponent.[ 11]
On October 14, the Falcons defeated Eastern New Mexico , 52–29, improving to 6–1 overall, breaking the program record for most wins in a single season. In the D2 Football poll released the following Monday, October 16, the Falcons were ranked no. 25, marking the first time in program history that the Falcons were ranked in a national poll.[ 12] In the next game, on October 21, the Falcons defeated no. 19 Angelo State to improve to 5–0 in LSC play, breaking the program record for most conference wins in a season. The Falcons would be ranked in the AFCA poll released the following Monday, on October 23, at no. 22, marking the first time in program history that the Falcons were ranked in the AFCA poll.[ 13] In the regular season finale the Falcons hosted the no. 23 Central Washington Wildcats with both teams entering the game with a 7–0 record in LSC play, meaning the winner of the game would win the conference title.[ 14] UTPB won the game 42–14 to win the LSC title for the first time in program history.[ 15] Head coach Kris McCullough was named LSC Coach of the Year while quarterback Kenny Hrncir was named LSC Offensive Player of the Year.[ 16] Additionally, Jeremiah Cooley won Receiver of the Year, Dominique Varela won Defensive Lineman of the Year, and Hayden Kelly won Linebacker of the Year.[ 17]
UT Permian Basin was selected for the Division II playoffs , marking the program's first appearance in the playoffs.[ 18] The Falcons faced Bemidji State from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in the first round of the playoffs.[ 19]
Date Time Opponent Rank Site Result Attendance September 2 6:00 p.m. Texas College * W 96–03,579
September 9 1:00 p.m. at Western Colorado * L 27–35103
September 16 1:00 p.m. at Southwest Baptist * W 86–71,247
September 23 6:00 p.m. West Texas A&M Astound Broadband Stadium Midland, TX W 41–40 OT 7,018
September 30 6:00 p.m. No. 16 Texas A&M–Kingsville W 29–173,233
October 7 7:00 p.m. at Midwestern State W 21–136,122
October 14 6:00 p.m. Eastern New Mexico Astound Broadband Stadium Midland, TX W 52–291,792
October 21 6:00 p.m. at No. 19 Angelo State W 28–234,828
October 28 6:00 p.m. Western Oregon No. 22 Astound Broadband Stadium Midland, TX W 28–165,127
November 4 1:00 p.m. at Western New Mexico No. 18 W 56–3678
November 11 2:00 p.m. No. 23 Central Washington No. 17 Astound Broadband Stadium Midland, TX W 42–146,477
November 18 1:00 p.m. No. 21 Bemidji State * No. 12 L 3–102,697
*Non-conference game HomecomingRankings from AFCA Poll released prior to the game All times are in Central time
Schedule Source: [ 20]
Ranking movementsLegend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking — = Not ranked RV = Received votes Week Poll Pre 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Final AFCA — — — — — RV RV RV 22 18 17 12 18 D2 Football — — — — — — — 25 19 18 16 10 17
Texas College Steers at UT Permian Basin Falcons – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Steers
0
0
0 0 0
Falcons
20
34
28 14 96
at Astound Broadband Stadium , Midland, Texas
Date : September 2Game time : 6:00 p.m. CDT Game weather : Mild, 75 °F (24 °C)Game attendance : 3,579Referee : Jerry SpringerBox score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
TPB – Ben Patterson 18-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 8:56. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:04.
TPB – Calvin Little 37-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 5:24. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 2 plays, 47 yards, 0:33.
TPB – Laquan Wells 44-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (kick failed), 0:00. Falcons 20–0. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 1:45.
Second quarter
TPB – Nemier Herod 2-yard run (run failed), 10:03. Falcons 26–0. Drive: 5 plays, 46 yards, 1:55.
TPB – Laquan Wells 23-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 4:47. Falcons 33–0. Drive: 2 plays, 36 yards, 1:42.
TPB – Dequan Street 32-yard interception (Rafael Vargas kick), 1:34. Falcons 40–0.
TPB – Jeremia Cooley 23-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 0:01. Falcons 47–0. Drive: 5 plays, 45 yards, 0:31.
Third quarter
TPB – Kory Harris 16-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 10:37. Falcons 54–0. Drive: 6 plays, 45 yards, 2:54.
TPB – Jamar Ravenell 87-yard interception (Rafael Vargas kick), 7:35. Falcons 68–0.
TPB – Nemier Herod 12-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 0:01. Falcons 75–0. Drive: 1 plays, 12 yards, 0:06.
TPB – Brock Johnson 26-yard pass from Keegan Bryd (Rafael Vargas kick), 3:40. Falcons 82–0. Drive: 3 plays, 18 yards, 2:20.
Fourth quarter
TPB – Gerard Palmer 9-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 9:28. Falcons 89–0. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 8:05.
TPB – Suddin Sapien-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 3:00. Falcons 96–0. Drive: 6 plays, 32 yards, 2:35.
Statistics
TC
TPB
First downs
18
31
Total yards
2
564
Rushing yards
-36
254
Passing yards
38
310
Turnovers
4
1
Time of possession
27:45
32:15
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Texas College
Passing
Isiah Saddler
8/28, 38 yards, 3 INT
Rushing
Tamauge Sloan
12 rushes, 18 yards
Receiving
Terrell Hookfin
2 receptions, 19 yards
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
19/25, 284 yards, 6 TD
Rushing
Kory Harris
8 rushes, 75 yards, TD
Receiving
Brock Johnson
2 receptions, 70 yards 2 TD
At Western Colorado [ edit ]
UT Permian Basin Falcons at Western Colorado Mountaineers – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Falcons
3
10
7 7 27
Mountaineers
14
14
0 7 35
at Mountaineer Bowl, Gunnison, Colorado
Date : September 9Game time : 1:00 p.m. CDT/12:00 p.m. MDT Game weather : Sunny, 73 °F (23 °C)Game attendance : 103Referee : Aaron OlivaresBox score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
WCU – Braeden Hogan 2-yard run (Adam Tasei kick), 10:50. Mountaineers 7–0. Drive: 3 plays, 11 yards, 1:06.
WCU – Andrew Montez 19-yard pass from Drew Nash (Adam Tasei kick), 6:59. Mountaineers 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 62 yards, 2:13.
TPB – Rafael Vargas 49-yard field goal, 0:26. Mountaineers 14–3. Drive: 4 plays, -2 yards, 0:57.
Second quarter
WCU – Jeromiah Garmon 7-yard pass from Drew Nash (Adam Tasei kick), 13:51. Mountaineers 21–3. Drive: 5 plays, 64 yards, 1:33.
TPB – Rafael Vargas 34-yard field goal, 10:03. Mountaineers 21–6. Drive: 11 plays, 63 yards, 3:42.
WCU – Cole Riters 8-yard pass from Drew Nash (Adam Tasei kick), 1:45. Mountaineers 28–6. Drive: 7 plays, 33 yards, 1:39.
TPB – Ben Patterson 24-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 0:22. Mountaineers 28–13. Drive: 5 plays, 75 yards, 1:18.
Third quarter
TPB – Jeremiah Cooley 24-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 3:01. Mountaineers 28–20. Drive: 16 plays, 74 yards, 7:32.
Fourth quarter
WCU – Cameron Colangelo 20-yard pass from Drew Nash (Adam Tasei kick), 13:45. Mountaineers 35–20. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 4:16.
TPB – Nemier Herod 1-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 1:48. Mountaineers 35–27. Drive: 14 plays, 60 yards, 4:54.
Statistics
UTP
WCU
First downs
24
15
Total yards
472
175
Rushing yards
178
112
Passing yards
294
63
Turnovers
2
2
Time of possession
35:33
24:27
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
20/52, 294 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing
Kenny Hrncir
12 rushes, 105 yards
Receiving
Ben Patterson
3 receptions, 70 yards, TD
Western Colorado
Passing
Drew Nash
14/27, 63 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Deyvon Butler
15 rushes, 81 yards
Receiving
Andrew Montez
4 receptions, 30 yards, TD
At Southwest Baptist [ edit ]
UT Permian Basin Falcons at Southwest Baptist Bearcats – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Falcons
16
28
21 21 86
Bearcats
0
0
7 0 7
at Plaster Stadium , Bolivar, Missouri
Date : September 16Game time : 1:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : Cloudy, 78 °F (26 °C)Game attendance : 1,247Referee : David GreenBox score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
TPB – Kory Harris 15-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 8:52. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 11 plays, 75 yards, 6:08.
TPB – Coby Calvin 39-yard interception return (Rafael Vargas kick), 8:42. Falcons 14–0.
TPB – Mason Bollin tackled in end zone, 7:46. Falcons 16–0.
Second quarter
TPB – Kenny Hrncir 1-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 11:53. Falcons 23–0. Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 1:17.
TPB – Jeremiah Cooley 15-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 7:14. Falcons 30–0. Drive: 6 plays, 57 yards, 3:21.
TPB – Kory Harris 1-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 3:34. Falcons 37–0. Drive: 4 plays, 28 yards, 1:21.
TPB – Dequan Street 57-yard fumble return (Rafael Vargas kick), 1:26. Falcons 44–0.
Third quarter
TPB – Traylen Suel 31-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 14:04. Falcons 51–0. Drive: 2 plays, 32 yards, 0:36.
SBU – Kamerin Ferguson 6-yard run (Logan Turner kick), 13:20. Falcons 51–7. Drive: 2 plays, 73 yards, 0:35.
TPB – Nemier Herod 2-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 10:30. Falcons 58–7. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:44.
TPB – Nemier Herod 7-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 5:43. Falcons 65–7. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 3:06.
Fourth quarter
TPB – Matt Zubiate 1-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 13:14. Falcons 72–7. Drive: 11 plays, 45 yards, 4:59.
TPB – Keegan Byrd 6-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 8:25. Falcons 79–7. Drive: 7 plays, 48 yards, 3:41.
TPB – Clyde Bellow 64-yard pass from Keegan Byrd (Rafael Vargas kick), 5:07. Falcons 86–7. Drive: 3 plays, 66 yards, 0:50.
Statistics
TPB
SBU
First downs
27
8
Total yards
574
197
Rushing yards
219
21
Passing yards
355
176
Turnovers
1
5
Time of possession
31:58
28:02
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
15/20, 291 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing
Kory Harris
18 rushes, 80 yards, 2 TD
Receiving
Deon Cook
2 receptions, 116 yards
Southwest Baptist
Passing
Collin Sutton
10/21, 139 yards, INT
Rushing
Abel Carter
10 rushes, 25 yards
Receiving
Kylan Herrera
1 reception, 67 yards
West Texas A&M Buffaloes at UT Permian Basin Falcons – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Buffaloes
7
7
10 10 6 40
Falcons
3
0
7 24 7 41
at Astound Broadband Stadium, Midland, Texas
Date : September 23Game time : 6:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : Hot, 90 °F (32 °C)Game attendance : 7,018Referee : Joe GreerBox score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
WT – Kenneath Redd 2-yard blocked punt return (Preston Gregg kick), 13:41. Buffaloes 7–0.
TPB – Rafael Vargas 38-yard field goal, 6:16. Buffaloes 7–3. Drive: 15 plays, 54 yards, 7:25.
Second quarter
WT – Kris Sims 4-yard pass from Kanon Gibson (Preston Gregg kick), 5:41. Buffaloes 14–3. Drive: 13 plays, 60 yards, 6:36.
Third quarter
WT – Preston Gregg 49-yard field goal, 8:01. Buffaloes 17–3. Drive: 5 plays, 28 yards, 1:49.
TPB – Ben Patterson 19-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 5:53. Buffaloes 17–10. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:08.
WT – Isai Smallwood 9-yard pass from Kanon Gibson (Preston Gregg kick), 0:16. Buffaloes 24–10. Drive: 11 plays, 77 yards, 5:30.
Fourth quarter
TPB – Jeremiah Cooley 24-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 13:36. Buffaloes 24–17. Drive: 5 plays, 69 yards, 1:32.
WT – Preston Gregg 22-yard field goal, 6:37. Buffaloes 27–17. Drive: 14 plays, 80 yards, 6:53.
TPB – Deon Cook 18-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 4:28. Buffaloes 27–24. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 2:09.
WT – Kanon Gibson 74-yard run (Preston Gregg kick), 3:27. Buffaloes 34–24. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 1:01.
TPB – Rafael Vargas 35-yard field goal, 1:52. Buffaloes 34–27. Drive: 9 plays, 62 yards, 1:27.
TPB – Kenny Hrncir 1-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 0:15. Tied 34–34. Drive: 11 plays, 52 yards, 1:36.
Overtime
TPB – Kenny Hrncir 1-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick). Falcons 41–34. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards.
WT – Kenneath Redd 5-yard pass from Kanon Gibson (pass failed). Falcons 41–40. Drive: 5 plays, 25 yards.
Statistics
WT
TPB
First downs
20
25
Total yards
380
498
Rushing yards
183
179
Passing yards
197
319
Turnovers
0
2
Time of possession
33:40
26:20
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
West Texas A&M
Passing
Kanon Gibson
23/26, 197 yards, 3 TD
Rushing
Kanon Gibson
14 rushes, 123 yards, TD
Receiving
Isai Smallwood
5 receptions, 64 yards, TD
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
19/40, 319 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing
Kenny Hrncir
20 rushes, 105 yards, 2 TD
Receiving
Jeremiah Cooley
5 receptions, 120 yards, TD
The Falcons trailed 10–24 entering the 4th quarter but outscored the Buffaloes 24–10 in the final quarter of regulation to tie the game 34–34 and force overtime. UTPB's final drive started with Rafael Vargas recovering his own onside kick. The Falcons converted twice on fourth down, converting a 4-and-1 and a 4-and-10, capping the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kenny Hrncir. UTPB received the ball first in overtime. Facing a 4th-and-4 at the West Texas A&M 19-yard line, the Falcons went for it, gaining 18 yards, then scored a touchdown to go up 41–34. The Buffaloes would respond with a touchdown on the ensuing drive and opted to try a two-point conversion to win the game. Kanon Gibson attempted a pass on the conversion but the ball was batted out of the end zone, securing the 41–40 win for the Falcons.[ 21]
No. 16 Texas A&M–Kingsville[ edit ]
No. 16 Texas A&M–Kingsville Javelinas at UT Permian Basin Falcons – Game summary
Quarter
Total
No. 16 Javelinas
7
3
0 7 17
Falcons
7
6
7 9 29
at Ratliff Stadium , Odessa, Texas
Date : September 30Game time : 6:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : SunnyGame attendance : 3,233Referee : Kerry MooreBox score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
TAK – Christian Anderson 11-yard run (Gilbert Garza kick), 12:51. Javelinas 7–0. Drive: 4 plays, 24 yards, 1:30.
TPB – Nemier Herod 3-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 5:21. Tied 7–7. Drive: 14 plays, 75 yards, 7:30.
Second quarter
TPB – Rafael Vargas 36-yard field goal, 13:19. Falcons 10–7. Drive: 11 plays, 58 yards, 4:48.
TPB – Rafael Vargas 23-yard field goal, 3:51. Falcons 13–7. Drive: 10 plays, 37 yards, 5:42.
TAK – Dillon Bredeson 20-yard field goal, 0:00. Falcons 13–10. Drive: 13 plays, 74 yards, 3:48.
Third quarter
TPB – Kory Harris 8-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 6:47. Falcons 20–10. Drive: 7 plays, 59 yards, 3:34.
Fourth quarter
TPB – Kenny Hrncir 18-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 11:17. Falcons 27–10. Drive: 4 plays, 27 yards, 2:03.
TAK – Roger Hagan 7-yard run (Gilbert Garza kick), 7:53. Falcons 27–17. Drive: 6 plays, 75 yards, 3:24.
TPB – Christian Anderson tackled in end zone, 2:01. Falcons 29–17.
Statistics
TAK
TPB
First downs
14
16
Total yards
241
342
Rushing yards
97
222
Passing yards
144
120
Turnovers
2
1
Time of possession
23:25
36:35
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Texas A&M–Kingsville
Passing
Kannon Williams
10/16, 130 yards, INT
Rushing
Christian Anderson
16 rushes, 59 yards, TD
Receiving
Jason Gaines
2 receptions, 71 yards
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
10/24, 120 yards, INT
Rushing
Kory Harris
19 rushes, 104 yards, TD
Receiving
Jeremiah Cooley
3 receptions, 61 yards
At Midwestern State [ edit ]
UT Permian Basin Falcons at Midwestern State Mustangs – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Falcons
14
0
0 7 21
Mustangs
3
0
7 3 13
at Memorial Stadium , Wichita Falls, Texas
Date : October 7Game time : 7:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : Clear, 66 °F (19 °C)Game attendance : 6,122Referee : Bernard JohnsonBox score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
TPB – Kory Harris 2-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 7:08. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 13 plays, 80 yards, 6:37.
MSU – Ritse Vaes 25-yard field goal, 2:01. Falcons 7–3. Drive: 10 plays, 81 yards, 5:00.
TPB – Nemier Herod 49-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 0:59. Falcons 14–3. Drive: 3 plays, 69 yards, 0:51.
Second quarter
Third quarter
MSU – James Cooper Jr. 18-yard run (Ritse Vaes kick), 6:58. Falcons 14–10. Drive: 9 plays, 64 yards, 4:06.
Fourth quarter
MSU – Ritse Vaes 40-yard field goal, 14:11. Falcons 14–13. Drive: 9 plays, 46 yards, 4:48.
TPB – Nemier Herod 4-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 9:09. Falcons 21–13. Drive: 11 plays, 72 yards, 4:59.
Statistics
TPB
MSU
First downs
19
19
Total yards
381
334
Rushing yards
149
249
Passing yards
232
85
Turnovers
3
0
Time of possession
26:15
33:45
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
14/27, 232 yards
Rushing
Nemier Herod
14 rushes, 81 yards, 2 TD
Receiving
Ben Patterson
4 receptions, 100 yards
Midwestern State
Passing
James Cooper Jr.
7/11, 47 yards
Rushing
Devin Cross
19 rushes, 131 yards
Receiving
Jalen Austin
2 receptions, 17 yards
Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds at UT Permian Basin Falcons – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Greyhounds
7
7
0 15 29
Falcons
6
15
10 21 52
at Astound Broadband Stadium, Midland, Texas
Date : October 14Game time : 6:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : SunnyGame attendance : 1,792Referee : James MinorBox score
Game information
First quarter
ENM – D'Andre Fillmore 31-yard pass from Mario Sanchez (Kaden Bell kick), 7:05. Greyhounds 7–0. Drive: 17 plays, 80 yards, 7:50.
TPB – Traylen Suel 12-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (kick failed), 5:00. Greyhounds 7–6. Drive: 6 plays, 78 yards, 1:55.
Second quarter
TPB – Nemier Herod 37-yard run (Kenny Hrncir pass to Ben Henderson), 12:15. Falcons 14–7. Drive: 10 plays, 99 yards, 4:48.
ENM – Ja'Calvin Newsom 55-yard run (Kaden Bell kick), 11:49. Tied 14–14. Drive: 1 play, 55 yards, 0:20.
TPB – Kory Harris 55-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 10:20. Falcons 21–14. Drive: 4 plays, 87 yards, 1:24.
Third quarter
TPB – Nemier Herod 71-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 12:44. Falcons 28–14. Drive: 5 plays, 85 yards, 2:11.
TPB – Rafael Vargas 25-yard field goal, 4:46. Falcons 31–14. Drive: 11 plays, 60 yards, 6:01.
Fourth quarter
TPB – Nemier Herod 4-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 14:57. Falcons 38–14. Drive: 9 plays, 59 yards, 3:25.
TPB – Matt Zubiate 68-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 13:32. Falcons 45–14. Drive: 1 play, 68 yards, 0:15.
ENM – Andre Jones 38-yard pass from Mario Sanchez (Kaden Bell kick), 11:31. Falcons 45–21. Drive: 4 plays, 52 yards, 1:57.
TPB – Keegan Byrd 3-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 8:31. Falcons 52–21. Drive: 6 plays, 29 yards, 2:55.
ENM – Andre Jones 40-yard pass from Mario Sanchez (Mario Sanchez run), 5:54. Falcons 52–29. Drive: 5 plays, 77 yards, 2:30.
Statistics
ENM
TPB
First downs
14
29
Total yards
345
677
Rushing yards
181
458
Passing yards
164
219
Turnovers
1
0
Time of possession
26:45
33:15
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Eastern New Mexico
Passing
Mario Sanchez
7/16, 164 yards, 3 TD
Rushing
Ja'Calvin Newsom
3 rushes, 62 yards
Receiving
Andre Jones
3 receptions, 87 yards, 2 TD
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
13/21, 194 yards, 2 TD
Rushing
Kory Harris
13 rushes, 159 yards, TD
Receiving
Matt Zubiate
2 receptions, 86 yards, TD
With the win, the Falcons improved to 6–1 overall, breaking the record for most wins in a single season, and improved to 4–0 in LSC play, tying the record for most conference wins in a single season.
At No. 19 Angelo State [ edit ]
UT Permian Basin Falcons at Angelo State Rams – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Falcons
0
14
14 0 28
No. 19 Rams
3
17
3 0 23
at LeGrand Sports Complex , San Angelo, Texas
Date : October 21Game time : 6:00 p.m. CDTGame weather : SunnyGame attendance : 4,828Referee : Wayne ElliotsBox score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
ASU – Bradley Larson 48-yard field goal, 7:32. Rams 3–0. Drive: 7 plays, 30 yards, 3:27.
Second quarter
ASU – Andrew Pitts 59-yard blocked field goal return (Bradley Larson kick), 12:31. Rams 10–0.
TPB – Jeremiah Cooley 16-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 8:52. Rams 10–7. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:34.
ASU – Gerald Gardner 8-yard run (Bradley Larson kick), 4:15. Rams 17–7. Drive: 10 plays, 75 yards, 4:37.
TPB – Deon Cook 32-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 0:41. Rams 17–14. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 3:34.
ASU – Bradley Larson 36-yard field goal, 0:00. Rams 20–14. Drive: 6 plays, 58 yards, 0:36.
Third quarter
TPB – Laquan Wells 7-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 10:20. Falcons 21–20. Drive: 8 plays, 49 yards, 3:09.
ASU – Bradley Larson 27-yard field goal, 4:56. Rams 23–21. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 5:18.
TPB – Laquan Wells 14-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 2:42. Falcons 28–23. Drive: 4 plays, 75 yards, 2:14.
Fourth quarter
Statistics
TPB
ASU
First downs
21
16
Total yards
366
280
Rushing yards
163
158
Passing yards
203
122
Turnovers
0
2
Time of possession
35:39
24:21
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
21/27, 203 yards, 4 TD
Rushing
Kory Harris
9 rushes, 79 yards
Receiving
Deon Cook
5 receptions, 65 yards, TD
Angelo State
Passing
Gerald Gardner
17/29, 122 yards, 2 INT
Rushing
Brayden Wilcox
10 rushes, 80 yards
Receiving
Kel Williams
4 receptions, 46 yards
Western Oregon Wolves at No. 22 UT Permian Basin Falcons – Game summary
Quarter
Total
Wolves
3
0
0 13 16
No. 22 Falcons
0
21
7 0 28
at Astound Broadband Stadium, Midland, Texas
Date : October 28Game time : 6:00 p.m.Game weather : SunnyGame attendance : 5,127Referee : Jason HickeyBox score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
WOU – Charlie Shulkin 39-yard field goal, 5:55. Wolves 3–0. Drive: 15 plays, 58 yards, 7:04.
Second quarter
TPB – Kenny Hrncir 5-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 10:43. Falcons 7–3. Drive: 9 plays, 82 yards, 4:24.
TPB – Ben Patterson 70-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 2:45. Falcons 14–3. Drive: 5 plays, 90 yards, 1:47.
TPB – Ben Patterson 11-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 0:56. Falcons 21–3. Drive: 4 plays, 61 yards, 0:33.
Third quarter
TPB – Laquan Wells 7-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 10:07. Falcons 28–3. Drive: 11 plays, 53 yards, 4:53.
Fourth quarter
WOU – Brenden Hodge 74-yard pass from Gannon Winkler (Charlie Shulkin kick), 3:20. Falcons 28–10. Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:42.
WOU – Austin Bacher 23-yard run (pass failed), 1:44. Falcons 28–16. Drive: 5 plays, 48 yards, 1:36.
Statistics
WOU
TPB
First downs
17
24
Total yards
328
487
Rushing yards
113
108
Passing yards
215
379
Turnovers
1
3
Time of possession
29:46
30:14
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Western Oregon
Passing
Gannon Winkler
15/28, 204 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Austin Bacher
17 rushes, 99 yards, TD
Receiving
Brenden Hodge
7 receptions, 139 yards, TD
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
23/37, 379 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing
Kenny Hrncir
11 rushes, 46 yards, TD
Receiving
Ben Patterson
6 receptions, 142 yards, 2 TD
At Western New Mexico [ edit ]
No. 18 UT Permian Basin Falcons at Western New Mexico Mustangs – Game summary
Quarter
Total
No. 18 Falcons
7
28
7 14 56
Mustangs
0
0
0 3 3
at Ben Altamirano Field, Silver City, New Mexico
Date : November 4Game time : 1:00 p.m. CDT/12:00 p.m. MDTGame weather : Sunny, 62 °F (17 °C)Game attendance : 678Referee : Rex RoseBox score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
TPB – Deon Cook 29-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 3:15. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 8 plays, 86 yards, 3:30.
Second quarter
TPB – Ben Patterson 24-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 13:31. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 8 plays, 85 yards, 2:43.
TPB – Deon Cook 16-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 8:53. Falcons 21–0. Drive: 9 plays, 69 yards, 3:34.
TPB – Gunnar Abseck 5-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 6:32. Falcons 28–0. Drive: 4 plays, 18 yards, 0:37.
TPB – Traylen Suel 35-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 0:21. Falcons 35–0. Drive: 7 plays, 68 yards, 1:58.
Third quarter
TPB – Kory Harris 12-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 4:38. Falcons 42–0. Drive: 15 plays, 78 yards, 7:38.
Fourth quarter
TPB – Nemier Herod 73-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 12:07. Falcons 49–0. Drive: 2 plays, 69 yards, 0:45.
TPB – Wilson Batiste 1-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 6:37. Falcons 56–0. Drive: 6 plays, 73 yards, 2:36.
WNM – Tanner Bobic 42-yard field goal, 3:01. Falcons 56–3. Drive: 4 plays, -5 yards, 1:29.
Statistics
TPB
WNM
First downs
31
8
Total yards
631
93
Rushing yards
407
16
Passing yards
224
77
Turnovers
1
2
Time of possession
31:11
28:49
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
14/21, 219 yards, 5 TD
Rushing
Nemier Herod
10 rushes, 121 yards, TD
Receiving
Gunnar Abseck
4 receptions, 53 yards, TD
Western New Mexico
Passing
Hunter Davis
12/21, 77 yards, 2 INT
Rushing
Marcus Higgs
7 rushes, 22 yards
Receiving
Deuce Zimmerman
2 receptions, 35 yards
No. 23 Central Washington [ edit ]
No. 23 Central Washington Wildcats at No. 17 UT Permian Basin Falcons – Game summary
Quarter
Total
No. 23 Wildcats
0
14
0 0 14
No. 17 Falcons
14
0
21 7 42
at Astound Broadband Stadium, Midland, Texas
Date : November 11Game time : 2:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Cloudy, 50 °F (10 °C)Game attendance : 6,477Referee : Kerry KelarekBox score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
TPB – Kenny Hrncir 2-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 9:23. Falcons 7–0. Drive: 9 plays, 66 yards, 4:05.
TPB – Kenny Hrncir 1-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 0:19. Falcons 14–0. Drive: 4 plays, 69 yards, 1:36.
Second quarter
CWU – Tyler Flanagan 2-yard run (Josh Jones kick), 7:02. Falcons 14–7. Drive: 6 plays, 70 yards, 2:52.
CWU – Darius Morrison 6-yard pass from Kennedy McGill (Josh Jones kick), 0:16. Tied 14–14. Drive: 8 plays, 65 yards, 4:07.
Third quarter
TPB – Jeremiah Cooley 66-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 14:24. Falcons 21–14. Drive: 2 plays, 75 yards, 0:36.
TPB – Jeremiah Cooley 28-yard pass from Kenny Hrncir (Rafael Vargas kick), 10:23. Falcons 28–14. Drive: 5 plays, 63 yards, 2:04.
TPB – Kory Harris 34-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 3:05. Falcons 35–14. Drive: 9 plays, 87 yards, 4:53.
Fourth quarter
TPB – Kenny Hrncir 9-yard run (Rafael Vargas kick), 11:17. Falcons 42–14. Drive: 12 plays, 67 yards, 5:50.
Statistics
CWU
TPB
First downs
16
23
Total yards
321
502
Rushing yards
140
329
Passing yards
181
173
Turnovers
4
2
Time of possession
27:32
32:28
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Central Washington
Passing
Kennedy McGill
9/16, 148 yards, TD
Rushing
Kennedy McGill
13 rushes, 64 yards
Receiving
Zach Matlock
3 receptions, 62 yards
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
10/20, 173 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing
Kory Harris
16 rushes, 116 yards, TD
Receiving
Jeremiah Cooley
2 receptions, 94 yards, 2 TD
With the win, the Falcons finished the regular season going a perfect 8–0 in conference play to win the LSC title for the first time in program history.
No. 21 Bemidji State (NCAA Division II First Round)[ edit ]
NCAA Division II First Round No. 21 Bemidji State Beavers at No. 12 UT Permian Basin Falcons – Game summary
Quarter
Total
No. 21 Beavers
0
7
3 0 10
No. 12 Falcons
0
0
0 3 3
at Astound Broadband Stadium, Midland, Texas
Date : November 18Game time : 1:00 p.m. CSTGame weather : Cloudy, 57 °F (14 °C)Game attendance : 2,697Referee : Cecil HarrisonBox score , Recap
Game information
First quarter
Second quarter
BSU – Mike Wandmaker 15-yard pass from Brandon Alt (Marko Jovisic kick), 2:03. Beavers 7–0. Drive: 12 plays, 57 yards, 5:13.
Third quarter
BSU – Marko Jovisic 20-yard field goal, 4:12. Beavers 10–0. Drive: 11 plays, 49 yards, 5:41.
Fourth quarter
UTPB – Rafael Vargas 44-yard field goal, 0:41. Beavers 10–3. Drive: 12 plays, 46 yards, 1:41.
Statistics
BSU
TPB
First downs
15
17
Total yards
220
264
Rushing yards
69
111
Passing yards
151
153
Turnovers
1
2
Time of possession
28:18
31:42
Team
Category
Player
Statistics
Bemidji State
Passing
Brandon Alt
19/24, 151 yards, TD, INT
Rushing
Ali Mohamed
19 rushes, 38 yards
Receiving
Dhel Duncan-Busby
3 receptions, 43 yards
UT Permian Basin
Passing
Kenny Hrncir
15/37, 153 yards, 2 INT
Rushing
Kenny Hrncir
24 rushes, 72 yards
Receiving
Jeremiah Cooley
3 receptions, 38 yards
Scores against non-conference opponents
1
2
3
4
Total
Opponents
14
21
10
7
52
UT Permian Basin
39
72
56
45
212
Scores against the Lone Star Conference
1
2
3
4 OT
Total
Opponents
30
48
20
51 6
155
UT Permian Basin
51
84
66
89 7
297
Scores against all opponents
1
2
3
4 OT
Total
Opponents
44
69
30
58 6
207
UT Permian Basin
90
156
129
127 7
509
LSC Offensive Player of the Week
Kenny Hrncir (week 4 vs. West Texas A&M)[ 22]
Nemier Herod (week 7 vs. Eastern New Mexico)[ 23]
Kenny Hrncir (week 8 vs. Angelo State)[ 24]
Kenny Hrncir (week 9 vs. Western Oregon)[ 25]
Kenny Hrncir (week 11 vs. Central Washington)[ 26]
LSC Defensive Player of the Week
Hayden Kelly (week 6 vs. Midwestern State)[ 27]
Hayden Kelly (week 11 vs. Central Washington)[ 26]
LSC Special Teams Player of the Week
Sergio Landeros (week 5 vs. Texas A&M–Kingsville)[ 28]
^ Young, Jensen (June 24, 2024). "UTPB promotes Kenny Hrncir to Co-Offensive Coordinator, Hrncir played QB for the Falcons in 2023" . KOSA-TV . Retrieved June 27, 2024 .
^ Hogue, Cory (December 22, 2022). "Kris McCullough to be named UTPB head football coach" . Dave Campbell's Texas Football . Retrieved July 18, 2023 .
^ Hadorn, Christopher (December 22, 2022). "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: McCullough hired as UTPB head coach" . Midland Reporter-Telegram . Retrieved July 18, 2023 .
^ Scheide, Lee (January 4, 2023). "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: McCullough introduced as UTPB's next head coach" . Odessa American . Retrieved July 18, 2023 .
^ Hogue, Cory (November 11, 2023). "UTPB wins first LSC title in program history" . Dave Campbell's Texas Football . Retrieved November 12, 2023 .
^ Doreen, Stewart (November 17, 2023). "UTPB makes Midland home during historic football season" . Midland Reporter-Telegram . Retrieved November 17, 2023 .
^ Aaron Gelvin and Jenna Elique (November 28, 2022). "UTPB Head Football Coach Justin Carrigan to become Deputy Athletic Director" . KWES-TV . Retrieved October 14, 2023 .
^ "LSC Football Preseason Poll announced" . July 27, 2023. Retrieved August 21, 2023 .
^ Hadron, Christopher (September 2, 2023). "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: UTPB flirts with 100 points in McCullough's debut" . Midland Reporter-Telegram . Retrieved September 3, 2023 .
^ OA Sports (September 16, 2023). "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: UTPB puts up 86 points in road win at Southwest Baptist" . Odessa American . Retrieved September 17, 2023 .
^ Bauer, Michael (October 2, 2023). "COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: UTPB looking ahead after historic victory" . Odessa American . Retrieved October 4, 2023 .
^ Smith, Kayler (October 16, 2023). "UTPB football cracks into Top-25 for first time in school history" . Your Basin . Retrieved October 16, 2023 .
^ "Augustana Takes Down Minnesota State" . American Football Coaches Association . October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 25, 2023 .
^ Smith, Kayler (November 10, 2023). "UTPB football seeks first conference title in program history" . Your Basin . Retrieved November 11, 2023 .
^ Hadron, Christopher (November 11, 2023). "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Cooley's catches lead UTPB to conference title" . Midland Reporter-Telegram . Retrieved November 11, 2023 .
^ LeRoy, Oscar (November 16, 2023). "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: UTPB's Hrncir, Cooley lead LSC award winners" . Midland Reporter-Telegram . Retrieved November 17, 2023 .
^ "2023 LSC football all-conference awards revealed" . November 16, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023 .
^ "Teams announced for 2023 NCAA Division II Football Championship" . NCAA.com . NCAA. November 12, 2023. Retrieved November 12, 2023 .
^ Bauer, Michael (November 17, 2023). "COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: UTPB ready for first playoff game" . Odessa American . Retrieved November 17, 2023 .
^ "2023 Football Schedule" . UTPB Athletics. Retrieved July 18, 2023 .
^ Hadron, Christopher (September 23, 2023). "COLLEGE FOOTBALL: UTPB rallies to beat West Texas A&M in OT" . Midland Reporter-Telegram . Retrieved September 23, 2023 .
^ "LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 4" . Lone Star Conference. September 25, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2023 .
^ "LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 7" . Lone Star Conference. October 16, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2023 .
^ "LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 8" . Lone Star Conference. October 23, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2023 .
^ "LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 9" . Lone Star Conference. October 30, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023 .
^ a b "LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 11" . Lone Star Conference. November 13, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023 .
^ "LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 6" . Lone Star Conference. October 9, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2023 .
^ "LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 5" . Lone Star Conference. October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 27, 2023 .