ODESSA, Texas (September 13, 2024) – UT Permian Basin Head Coach Kris McCullough is still looking for his first win as a Falcon against a team from Colorado, and he will have a great chance this weekend as UTPB plays host to Adams State University. "Week 2" of the regular season will see the Falcons and the Grizzlies kick off starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 14, from Astound Broadband Stadium.

Just like last week at Colorado State University Pueblo, this will be the first ever matchup between UTPB and its opponent.

UTPB is coming off a tough 40-23 defeat at CSU-Pueblo in its first road game of the season last weekend. The Falcons scored on their very first offensive play from scrimmage, but the ThunderWolves responded with 23 unanswered points to end the first half and held on for the victory.

It was the end of a 10-game regular-season winning streak for the Falcons.

The reigning Lone Star Conference Receiver of the Year, senior Jeremiah Cooley, continued his strong start to the season as he caught five passes for 89 yards and two touchdowns. That brings his season totals to 13 catches for 205 yards and three touchdowns in just two games.

Junior Malik Allen, meanwhile, is coming off a performance on Saturday in which he recorded his second-career interception as a Falcon and blocked two CSUP extra point kicks, one of which was returned 98 yards by UTPB for two points.

Junior defensive back Kamron Lee leads the Falcons' defense so far with 11 tackles.

In 2023, UTPB fell in its second game of the season, 35-27, at Western Colorado University, and bounced back with a huge 86-7 win over Southwest Baptist University the following week. The points were the second highest total in school history.

The Falcons will hope to follow a similar script this week as they welcome in an Adams State squad that fell 46-36 at home against Western New Mexico University in its season opener last weekend. It was the seventh straight loss for the Grizzlies dating back to last season.

GRIZZLIES UNDER THE LENS
Adams State football welcomes seven new coaches and a roster featuring 60 new players this season. Adams State finished the 2023 season with an overall record of 3-8, including a 2-7 mark in RMAC conference play. The Grizzlies began their 2023 season on a high note, securing a 35-16 victory over Lincoln University—their first season-opening win since 2014. After a Homecoming win against Fort Lewis, they improved to 2-2 on the season. Adams State scored 187 total points over the course of the season, averaged 157.55 passing yards per game, and generated 267.3 total yards of offense per game. This season, the team is looking to leverage the transfer players they acquired during the off season.

RMAC PRESEASON POLL
In the 2024 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Preseason Coaches' Poll, Adams State Football was picked to finish in eighth place. Last year's national runner-up, Colorado School of Mines, was picked to finish first with a total of 79 total points. Western Colorado and CSU Pueblo came in second and third, respectively, with 74 and 66 points. Behind the Thunderwolves, in order, was Colorado Mesa, Black Hills, and then South Dakota Mines in the sixth position. Chadron State held the seventh spot, followed by New Mexico Highlands in ninth place and Fort Lewis in the 10th and final position.

ASU HEAD COACH
Jarrell Harrison is entering his eighth year as a member of the Adams State Athletic Family. Fall 2024 will be his fourth season as Head Football Coach. Harrison joined Adams State football in 2016 as a Running Backs Coach and Special Teams Assistant. He was promoted to interim head coach on January 5, 2021. Through his four seasons as the Head Football Coach, Harrison has compiled a 6-27 (22.2%) overall record and a 5-22 (22.7%) RMAC record. Harrison makes history for Adams State University as he becomes the first African American to lead the football program.

Coach Harrison's playing career started at City College of San Francisco where he was a team captain and All-American free safety in 2008. His playing career continued at the University of Missouri where he was a two-year starter for the Big 12 title-contending Missouri Tigers. In 2010, the Tigers reached No. 6 in the country in the BCS Poll and Coach Harrison was third on the team in tackles with 69 and making Honorable Mention All-Big 12.

GAME INFORMATION
The first game this season at Astound Broadband Stadium for the Falcons will be a White Out. It will also be the Falcon Fiesta for Mexican Heritage Month and Educator Appreciation Day.

To follow the action for the Falcons all season long, please check out our Live Events page for all of the video and live stats details: https://utpbfalcons.com/coverage.
 
2024 Football Media Guide
Week 2 Game Notes
KQRX 95.1 FM, 95X
FloSports
UTPB Live Stats