The No.19-ranked WTAMU Buffalo football team opened their season against the Colorado State University-Pueblo Thunderwolves on Sept. 1 at Kimbrough Memorial Stadium. The Thunderwolves kicked a 40-yard field goal with five minutes remaining to take a 26-24 lead. The Buffs offense stalled around the CSU-Pueblo 40-yard line on the next drive, allowing the Thunderwolves to run out the rest of the clock.
WT scored on their first play from scrimmage. After the defense forced a fumble, senior Tommy Hampton ran it in from 24 yards out, giving the Buffs a 7-0 lead at just 2:15 into the game. The Buffs and Thunderwolves went into the half tied at 17-17. Junior Khiry Robinson broke the tie with a 33-yard run with 6:43 left in the third, giving WT a 24-17 advantage. CSU-Pueblo would score nine unanswered points, including two 40-yard field goals to take the 26-24 win.
“The only thing that was going through my mind was ‘touchdown’ and ‘I have to score to help my team win’,” Robinson said of his touchdown.
Robinson is a transfer student from Blinn Junior College; he is originally from Belton, Texas. He has a good appreciation for the legacy that comes with playing for the Buffs.
“It felt good just being on a team that has a great tradition of winning and sending athletes to the NFL,” Robinson said.
The Buffs offense went for 556 total yards; however inconsistency and four turnovers prevented WT from pulling away. Junior quarterback Tanner Marsh went 15 of 24 for 236 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Robinson had eight carries for 116 yards and one touchdown.
WT’s next game will be Sept. 17 against Texas A&M-Kingsville at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.
Photos courtesy of Eternal Flame!
