ASU Football advances to NCAA Division II, Lone Star Conference Playoff Semifinals

ASU prevails over No. 5-ranked Colorado School of Mines in the first round

Quarterback Payne Sullins threw for three touchdowns

SAN ANGELO, Texas – Angelo State University's football team has advanced to the NCAA Division II, Lone Star Conference Championship Game after defeating the No. 5-ranked Colorado School of Mines 24-17 in the first round of the playoffs on Saturday.

ASU quarterback Payne Sullins threw for three touchdowns in the victory, including the game-winning score to wide receiver Noah Massey with 3:09 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Rams, who entered the game averaging 39.5 points per game, were held in check by the ASU defense, which forced four turnovers, including two interceptions by cornerback Kris Brown.

ASU will now face No. 2-ranked Midwestern State in the LSC Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 3, at Comerica Bank Stadium in Frisco, Texas.

The Rams will be making their first appearance in the LSC Championship Game since 2019, when they lost to MSU 35-21.

ASU is 9-3 this season and has won six of its last seven games.

The Rams are led by Sullins, who has thrown for 2,600 yards and 26 touchdowns this season.

ASU also has a strong running game, led by running back Alfred Reynolds, who has rushed for 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns this season.

The Rams' defense is led by Brown, who has six interceptions this season, and linebacker Xavion Alford, who has 80 tackles.

MSU is 10-2 this season and has won its last seven games.

The Mustangs are led by quarterback Zach Purcell, who has thrown for 2,200 yards and 22 touchdowns this season.

MSU also has a strong running game, led by running back Kevin Brown, who has rushed for 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns this season.

The Mustangs' defense is led by linebacker Xavier Benson, who has 75 tackles this season, and defensive end Adam Jones, who has 10 sacks.

The LSC Championship Game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.