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| Angelo State Athletics |
The meeting will be the first between the Blazers and Rams.
Angelo State began playing football in 1964 and won the NAIA National Championship in 1978. The Rams have made nine bowl/playoff appearances, but hasn't enjoyed success in recent seasons. The Rams were 5-6 in 2011, 5-5 in 2010 and 6-4 in 2009.
2011 recap
Angelo State started the 2011 season with three straight victories before losing four straight games to sit with a 3-4 record. The Rams ended their losing streak with a win over Texas A&M — Commerce, before finishing the final three games of the season with a 1-2 record.
Offensively, the Rams averaged 389.4 yards per game, 234.4 of which came through the air.
Historically slow starters, the Rams were outscored 221-196 through the first three quarters before outscoring opponents 98-53 in the fourth quarter.
Senior Tristan Carter led the way on the ground, finishing the season with 926 yards and 11 touchdowns. Freshman Blake Smith added 402 yards and four scores.
The Rams featured a two quarterback system in 2011. Jake Strickler appeared in 8 games and completed 85 of 156 attempts for 889 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions; Blake Hamblin appeared in six games and completed 118 of 198 passes for 1,443 yards, nine touchdowns and three interceptions. Hamblin started the first six games of the season before an injury sidelined him and gave way to Strickler, who started the final five games of the year.
Receiving, five different receivers recorded at least 20 receptions; C.J. Akins led the team in receptions, yards and touchdowns (36, 648 yards, 2 TDs).
Defensively, the Rams intercepted 8 passes the entire season and recovered 17 fumbles.
2012 preview
The Rams open the season with a pair of home games against Western State of Colorado and Chadron State before facing the Blazers Sept. 15 at Cowboys Stadium.
Blake Smith returns to be the primary running back, while Blake Hamblin returns for his junior football season. C.J. Akins returns for his senior season.
The Rams were picked to finish the season sixth in the Lonestar Conference this season. Midwestern State was picked to finish first, followed by Abilene Christian, West Texas A&M, Texas A&M-Kingsville and Tarleton State.
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