2023 UT Permian Basin Falcons football team explained

Year:2023
Team:UT Permian Basin Falcons
Sport:football
Conference:Lone Star Conference
Short Conf:LSC
Afcarank:18
Record:10–2
Conf Record:8–0
Head Coach:Kris McCullough
Hc Year:1st
Off Coach:Ryan Lusby
Oc Year:1st
Cooff Coach1:Blake Crandall[1]
Cooc1 Year:1st
Off Scheme:No-huddle spread option
Def Coach:Dionte Dean
Dc Year:1st
Def Scheme:3–4/3–3–5 hybrid
Stadium:Astound Broadband Stadium
Ratliff Stadium
Champion:LSC champion
Bowl:NCAA Division II First Round
Bowl Result:L 3–10 vs.

The 2023 UT Permian Basin Falcons football team represented the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB) in the 2023 NCAA Division II football season as a member of the Lone Star Conference (LSC). They were led by first-year head coach Kris McCullough.[2] [3] [4] The Falcons finished the regular season 10–1, going 8–0 in LSC play to win the conference title for the first time in program history.[5] The Falcons received a bid for the NCAA Division II playoffs for the first time in program history, being selected as the third seed in Super Region 4.

The Falcons played most of their home games at Astound Broadband Stadium in Midland, Texas while Ratliff Stadium in Odessa, Texas only hosted one home game.[6]

Offseason

Coaching changes

On November 28, 2022, head coach Justin Carrigan announced that he would be stepping down as the program's head coach. The following day it was announced he would be stepping into an administrative role, being named the university's deputy athletic director.[7]

Preseason

LSC media poll

The LSC media preseason poll was released on July 27, 2023. The Falcons were predicted to finish seventh.[8]

LSC media poll
1 Angelo State 241 (25)
2 Central Washington 198 (1)
3 Texas A&M–Kingsville 174
4 Midwestern State 147
5 West Texas A&M 123
6 Western Oregon 118 (1)
7 UT Permian Basin 98
8 Eastern New Mexico 59
9 Western New Mexico 57

Season summary

The Falcons opened the season on September 2, hosting NAIA from the Sooner Athletic Conference. In McCullough's debut, UTPB won 96–0, breaking the program record for most points scored in a single game.[9] Two weeks later, against of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, the Falcons defeated the Bearcats 86–7, the second-most points scored in a single game in program history.[10] On September 30, the Falcons defeated no. 16, 29–17, for the program's first win over a ranked opponent.[11]

On October 14, the Falcons defeated, 52–29, improving to 6–1 overall, breaking the program record for most wins in a single season. In the D2 Football poll released the following Monday, October 16, the Falcons were ranked no. 25, marking the first time in program history that the Falcons were ranked in a national poll.[12] In the next game, on October 21, the Falcons defeated no. 19 to improve to 5–0 in LSC play, breaking the program record for most conference wins in a season. The Falcons would be ranked in the AFCA poll released the following Monday, on October 23, at no. 22, marking the first time in program history that the Falcons were ranked in the AFCA poll.[13] In the regular season finale the Falcons hosted the no. 23 with both teams entering the game with a 7–0 record in LSC play, meaning the winner of the game would win the conference title.[14] UTPB won the game 42–14 to win the LSC title for the first time in program history.[15] Head coach Kris McCullough was named LSC Coach of the Year while quarterback Kenny Hrncir was named LSC Offensive Player of the Year.[16] Additionally, Jeremiah Cooley won Receiver of the Year, Dominique Varela won Defensive Lineman of the Year, and Hayden Kelly won Linebacker of the Year.[17]

UT Permian Basin was selected for the Division II playoffs, marking the program's first appearance in the playoffs.[18] The Falcons faced Bemidji State from the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in the first round of the playoffs.[19]

Schedule

Schedule Source:[20]

Rankings

See also: 2023 NCAA Division II football rankings.

Game summaries

Texas College

Statistics TCTPB
First downs 18 31
Total yards 2 564
Rushing yards -36 254
Passing yards 38 310
Turnovers 4 1
Time of possession 27:45 32:15
Team Category Player Statistics
Texas College Passing Isiah Saddler 8/28, 38 yards, 3 INT
Rushing Tamauge Sloan 12 rushes, 18 yards
Receiving Terrell Hookfin 2 receptions, 19 yards
UT Permian Basin Passing 19/25, 284 yards, 6 TD
Rushing Kory Harris 8 rushes, 75 yards, TD
Receiving Brock Johnson 2 receptions, 70 yards 2 TD

At Western Colorado

Statistics UTPWCU
First downs 24 15
Total yards 472 175
Rushing yards 178 112
Passing yards 294 63
Turnovers 2 2
Time of possession 35:33 24:27
Team Category Player Statistics
UT Permian Basin Passing Kenny Hrncir 20/52, 294 yards, 2 TD, INT
Rushing Kenny Hrncir 12 rushes, 105 yards
Receiving Ben Patterson 3 receptions, 70 yards, TD
Western Colorado Passing Drew Nash 14/27, 63 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Deyvon Butler 15 rushes, 81 yards
Receiving Andrew Montez 4 receptions, 30 yards, TD

At Southwest Baptist

Statistics TPBSBU
First downs 27 8
Total yards 574 197
Rushing yards 219 21
Passing yards 355 176
Turnovers 1 5
Time of possession 31:58 28:02
Team Category Player Statistics
UT Permian Basin Passing Kenny Hrncir 15/20, 291 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing Kory Harris 18 rushes, 80 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Deon Cook 2 receptions, 116 yards
Southwest Baptist Passing Collin Sutton 10/21, 139 yards, INT
Rushing Abel Carter 10 rushes, 25 yards
Receiving Kylan Herrera 1 reception, 67 yards

West Texas A&M

Statistics WTTPB
First downs 20 25
Total yards 380 498
Rushing yards 183 179
Passing yards 197 319
Turnovers 0 2
Time of possession 33:40 26:20
Team Category Player Statistics
West Texas A&M Passing Kanon Gibson 23/26, 197 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Kanon Gibson 14 rushes, 123 yards, TD
Receiving Isai Smallwood 5 receptions, 64 yards, TD
UT Permian Basin Passing Kenny Hrncir 19/40, 319 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing Kenny Hrncir 20 rushes, 105 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Jeremiah Cooley 5 receptions, 120 yards, TD
The Falcons trailed 10–24 entering the 4th quarter but outscored the Buffaloes 24–10 in the final quarter of regulation to tie the game 34–34 and force overtime. UTPB's final drive started with Rafael Vargas recovering his own onside kick. The Falcons converted twice on fourth down, converting a 4-and-1 and a 4-and-10, capping the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run by quarterback Kenny Hrncir. UTPB received the ball first in overtime. Facing a 4th-and-4 at the West Texas A&M 19-yard line, the Falcons went for it, gaining 18 yards, then scored a touchdown to go up 41–34. The Buffaloes would respond with a touchdown on the ensuing drive and opted to try a two-point conversion to win the game. Kanon Gibson attempted a pass on the conversion but the ball was batted out of the end zone, securing the 41–40 win for the Falcons.[21]

No. 16 Texas A&M–Kingsville

Statistics TAKTPB
First downs 14 16
Total yards 241 342
Rushing yards 97 222
Passing yards 144 120
Turnovers 2 1
Time of possession 23:25 36:35
Team Category Player Statistics
Texas A&M–Kingsville Passing Kannon Williams 10/16, 130 yards, INT
Rushing Christian Anderson 16 rushes, 59 yards, TD
Receiving Jason Gaines 2 receptions, 71 yards
UT Permian Basin Passing Kenny Hrncir 10/24, 120 yards, INT
Rushing Kory Harris 19 rushes, 104 yards, TD
Receiving Jeremiah Cooley 3 receptions, 61 yards

At Midwestern State

Statistics TPBMSU
First downs 19 19
Total yards 381 334
Rushing yards 149 249
Passing yards 232 85
Turnovers 3 0
Time of possession 26:15 33:45
Team Category Player Statistics
UT Permian Basin Passing Kenny Hrncir 14/27, 232 yards
Rushing Nemier Herod 14 rushes, 81 yards, 2 TD
Receiving Ben Patterson 4 receptions, 100 yards
Midwestern State Passing James Cooper Jr. 7/11, 47 yards
Rushing Devin Cross 19 rushes, 131 yards
Receiving Jalen Austin 2 receptions, 17 yards

Eastern New Mexico

Statistics ENMTPB
First downs 14 29
Total yards 345 677
Rushing yards 181 458
Passing yards 164 219
Turnovers 1 0
Time of possession 26:45 33:15
Team Category Player Statistics
Eastern New Mexico Passing Mario Sanchez 7/16, 164 yards, 3 TD
Rushing Ja'Calvin Newsom 3 rushes, 62 yards
Receiving Andre Jones 3 receptions, 87 yards, 2 TD
UT Permian Basin Passing Kenny Hrncir 13/21, 194 yards, 2 TD
Rushing Kory Harris 13 rushes, 159 yards, TD
Receiving Matt Zubiate 2 receptions, 86 yards, TD
With the win, the Falcons improved to 6–1 overall, breaking the record for most wins in a single season, and improved to 4–0 in LSC play, tying the record for most conference wins in a single season.

At No. 19 Angelo State

Statistics TPBASU
First downs 21 16
Total yards 366 280
Rushing yards 163 158
Passing yards 203 122
Turnovers 0 2
Time of possession 35:39 24:21
Team Category Player Statistics
UT Permian Basin Passing Kenny Hrncir 21/27, 203 yards, 4 TD
Rushing Kory Harris 9 rushes, 79 yards
Receiving Deon Cook 5 receptions, 65 yards, TD
Angelo State Passing Gerald Gardner 17/29, 122 yards, 2 INT
Rushing Brayden Wilcox 10 rushes, 80 yards
Receiving Kel Williams 4 receptions, 46 yards

Western Oregon

Statistics WOUTPB
First downs 17 24
Total yards 328 487
Rushing yards 113 108
Passing yards 215 379
Turnovers 1 3
Time of possession 29:46 30:14
Team Category Player Statistics
Western Oregon Passing Gannon Winkler 15/28, 204 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Austin Bacher 17 rushes, 99 yards, TD
Receiving Brenden Hodge 7 receptions, 139 yards, TD
UT Permian Basin Passing Kenny Hrncir 23/37, 379 yards, 3 TD, INT
Rushing Kenny Hrncir 11 rushes, 46 yards, TD
Receiving Ben Patterson 6 receptions, 142 yards, 2 TD

At Western New Mexico

Statistics TPBWNM
First downs 31 8
Total yards 631 93
Rushing yards 407 16
Passing yards 224 77
Turnovers 1 2
Time of possession 31:11 28:49
Team Category Player Statistics
UT Permian Basin Passing Kenny Hrncir 14/21, 219 yards, 5 TD
Rushing Nemier Herod 10 rushes, 121 yards, TD
Receiving Gunnar Abseck 4 receptions, 53 yards, TD
Western New Mexico Passing Hunter Davis 12/21, 77 yards, 2 INT
Rushing Marcus Higgs 7 rushes, 22 yards
Receiving Deuce Zimmerman 2 receptions, 35 yards

No. 23 Central Washington

Statistics CWUTPB
First downs 16 23
Total yards 321 502
Rushing yards 140 329
Passing yards 181 173
Turnovers 4 2
Time of possession 27:32 32:28
Team Category Player Statistics
Central Washington Passing Kennedy McGill 9/16, 148 yards, TD
Rushing Kennedy McGill 13 rushes, 64 yards
Receiving Zach Matlock 3 receptions, 62 yards
UT Permian Basin Passing Kenny Hrncir 10/20, 173 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
Rushing Kory Harris 16 rushes, 116 yards, TD
Receiving Jeremiah Cooley 2 receptions, 94 yards, 2 TD
With the win, the Falcons finished the regular season going a perfect 8–0 in conference play to win the LSC title for the first time in program history.

No. 21 Bemidji State (NCAA Division II First Round)

Statistics BSUTPB
First downs 15 17
Total yards 220 264
Rushing yards 69 111
Passing yards 151 153
Turnovers 1 2
Time of possession 28:18 31:42
Team Category Player Statistics
Bemidji State Passing Brandon Alt 19/24, 151 yards, TD, INT
Rushing Ali Mohamed 19 rushes, 38 yards
Receiving Dhel Duncan-Busby 3 receptions, 43 yards
UT Permian Basin Passing Kenny Hrncir 15/37, 153 yards, 2 INT
Rushing Kenny Hrncir 24 rushes, 72 yards
Receiving Jeremiah Cooley 3 receptions, 38 yards

Statistics

Scoring

Scores against non-conference opponents
Scores against the Lone Star Conference
Scores against all opponents

Weekly awards

Kenny Hrncir (week 4 vs. West Texas A&M)<ref>Web site: Lone Star Conference . LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 4 . September 25, 2023 . October 27, 2023.

Nemier Herod (week 7 vs. Eastern New Mexico)[22]

Kenny Hrncir (week 8 vs. Angelo State)[23]

Kenny Hrncir (week 9 vs. Western Oregon)[24]

Kenny Hrncir (week 11 vs. Central Washington)[25]

Hayden Kelly (week 6 vs. Midwestern State)[26]

Hayden Kelly (week 11 vs. Central Washington)[25]

Sergio Landeros (week 5 vs. Texas A&M–Kingsville)[27]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: . Young . Jensen . UTPB promotes Kenny Hrncir to Co-Offensive Coordinator, Hrncir played QB for the Falcons in 2023 . June 24, 2024 . June 27, 2024.
  2. Web site: . Hogue . Cory . Kris McCullough to be named UTPB head football coach . December 22, 2022 . July 18, 2023.
  3. News: . Hadorn . Christopher . COLLEGE FOOTBALL: McCullough hired as UTPB head coach . December 22, 2022 . July 18, 2023.
  4. News: . Scheide . Lee . COLLEGE FOOTBALL: McCullough introduced as UTPB's next head coach . January 4, 2023 . July 18, 2023.
  5. . Hogue . Cory . UTPB wins first LSC title in program history . November 11, 2023 . November 12, 2023.
  6. News: . Doreen . Stewart . UTPB makes Midland home during historic football season . November 17, 2023 . November 17, 2023 . subscription.
  7. Web site: . Aaron Gelvin and Jenna Elique . UTPB Head Football Coach Justin Carrigan to become Deputy Athletic Director . November 28, 2022 . October 14, 2023.
  8. Web site: LSC Football Preseason Poll announced . July 27, 2023 . August 21, 2023.
  9. News: . Hadron . Christopher . COLLEGE FOOTBALL: UTPB flirts with 100 points in McCullough's debut . subscription . September 2, 2023 . September 3, 2023.
  10. News: . OA Sports . COLLEGE FOOTBALL: UTPB puts up 86 points in road win at Southwest Baptist . September 16, 2023 . September 17, 2023.
  11. Web site: Odessa American . Bauer . Michael . COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: UTPB looking ahead after historic victory . October 2, 2023 . October 4, 2023.
  12. Web site: Your Basin . Smith . Kayler . UTPB football cracks into Top-25 for first time in school history . October 16, 2023 . October 16, 2023.
  13. Web site: . Augustana Takes Down Minnesota State . October 23, 2023 . October 25, 2023.
  14. Web site: Your Basin . Smith . Kayler . UTPB football seeks first conference title in program history . November 10, 2023 . November 11, 2023.
  15. News: Midland Reporter-Telegram . Hadron . Christopher . COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Cooley's catches lead UTPB to conference title . November 11, 2023 . November 11, 2023 . subscription.
  16. News: Midland Reporter-Telegram . LeRoy . Oscar . COLLEGE FOOTBALL: UTPB's Hrncir, Cooley lead LSC award winners . November 16, 2023 . November 17, 2023 . subscription.
  17. Web site: 2023 LSC football all-conference awards revealed . November 16, 2023 . November 17, 2023.
  18. Web site: Teams announced for 2023 NCAA Division II Football Championship. November 12, 2023. November 12, 2023. NCAA.com. NCAA.
  19. News: . Bauer . Michael . COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: UTPB ready for first playoff game . November 17, 2023 . November 17, 2023.
  20. Web site: UTPB Athletics . 2023 Football Schedule . July 18, 2023.
  21. News: . Hadron . Christopher . COLLEGE FOOTBALL: UTPB rallies to beat West Texas A&M in OT . September 23, 2023 . September 23, 2023.
  22. Web site: Lone Star Conference . LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 7 . October 16, 2023 . October 27, 2023.
  23. Web site: Lone Star Conference . LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 8 . October 23, 2023 . October 27, 2023.
  24. Web site: Lone Star Conference . LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 9 . October 30, 2023 . November 10, 2023.
  25. Web site: Lone Star Conference . LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 11 . November 13, 2023 . November 17, 2023.
  26. Web site: Lone Star Conference . LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 6 . October 9, 2023 . October 27, 2023.
  27. Web site: Lone Star Conference . LSC Football Weekly Release - Week 5 . October 2, 2023 . October 27, 2023.