Sul Ross State University Lobos Football: A Legacy of Gridiron Grit
Sul Ross State University, nestled in Alpine, Texas, boasts a rich athletic history embodied by its intercollegiate teams, the Sul Ross State Lobos. Among the 12 varsity sports, football holds a special place, marked by moments of glory, dedicated coaches, and memorable rivalries. The Lobos compete in the Lone Star Conference (LSC) as part of NCAA Division II.
The Home Field Advantage: Jackson Field
Since 1924, the Lobos have played their home games at Jackson Field, a stadium that also hosts the Alpine High School Fighting Bucks. Named after J.D. Jackson, a prominent Big Bend rancher, the stadium provides a seating capacity of 3,000 passionate fans.
The Battle of I-20: A Storied Rivalry
One of the most anticipated games each season is the "Battle of I-20" against McMurry University. This rivalry has a long and competitive history, dating back many years. As of the 2023 season, McMurry leads the series 48-43-2. The Lobos secured a victory in the 2019 match-up, winning 21-7.
Coaching Legends and Key Figures
The Sul Ross football program has been shaped by dedicated coaches who have left an indelible mark on the university.
Paul Pierce: Pierce rebuilt the football program after WWII. During his time coaching, he guided the Lobos to 18 consecutive wins, four conference championships, and two bowl games, including the 1949 Tangerine Bowl.
Read also: The rise and fall of Dread Pirate Roberts
Barry Derickson: The Lobos are currently led by Head Coach Barry Derickson.
Notable Athletes
The Sul Ross football program has produced several athletes.
Norm Cash: Cash was selected All-Lone Star Conference in both football and baseball. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears as a running back in 1955, but declined to play pro football.
Gene Alford: Alford played quarterback for the Portsmith Spartans NFL from 1931-33 and Cincinnati/St.
Dominique Carson: During his final season with the Lobos, Carson led all NCAA Division III players with 2368 all purpose yards.
Read also: Sul Ross State University History
A Glimpse into the Recent Past
In 2007, Mike Flynt, a 59-year-old, joined the Sul Ross football team, showcasing the unique stories that can unfold in college athletics.
A Comprehensive Look at Team Statistics
Here's an overview of team statistics, including scoring, rushing, passing, total offense, returns, turnovers, penalties, punting, time of possession, and conversions.
SCORING
- Points Per Game
FIRST DOWNS
- Rushing
- Passing
- Penalty
RUSHING YARDAGE
- Yards gained rushing
- Yards lost rushing
- Rushing Attempts
- Average Per Rush
- Average Per Game
- TDs Rushing
PASSING YARDAGE
- Att-Comp-Int
- Average Per Pass
- Average Per Catch
- Average Per Game
- TDs Passing
TOTAL OFFENSE
- Total Plays
- Average Per Play
- Average Per Game
RETURNS
- KICKOFF RETURNS: #-YARDS
- PUNT RETURNS: #-YARDS
- INT RETURNS: #-YARDS
- KICKOFF RETURN AVERAGE
- PUNT RETURN AVERAGE
- INT RETURN AVERAGE
TURNOVERS
- FUMBLES-LOST
PENALTIES
- PENALTIES-YARDS
- Average Per Game
PUNTING
- PUNTS-YARDS
- Average Per Punt
- Net punt average
TIME OF POSSESSION/GAME## CONVERSIONS
- 3RD-DOWN CONVERSIONS
- 3rd-Down Pct
- 4TH-DOWN CONVERSIONS
- 4th-Down Pct
SACKS BY-YARDS## MISC YARDS## TOUCHDOWNS SCORED## FIELD GOALS-ATTEMPTS## PAT KICKS-ATTEMPTS## ATTENDANCE
- Games/Avg Per Game
- Team
- Opponents
RECEIVING
- No.
- Total
- Opponents
PUNT RETURNS
- No.
- Total
- Opponents
INTERCEPTIONS
- No.
- Total
- Opponents
KICK RETURNS
- No.
- Total
- Opponents
FUMBLE RETURNS
- No.
- Total
- Opponents
- Total
- Opponents
PUNTING
- No.
- Total
- Opponents
Read also: The Norma Ross Walter Scholarship Details
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