PUEBLO, Colo. – Western State Colorado University was unable to pull off the upset Saturday against No. 24 Colorado State University – Pueblo. The Mountaineers fell to the Thunderwolves, 40-7.
 
Western (1-8, 1-8 RMAC) made the largest impact on the game in special teams. The Mountaineers blocked an extra point for the second time this season and Rodray Perkins entered the record book for his kickoff returns.
 
Perkins recorded 181 yards on six kickoff returns, including a 77-yard return. His six returns ties for the second most in Western history, while his 181 kickoff return yards also ranks second best. Perkins' 77-yard return is sixth best in the Mountaineer record book.
 
Perkins now has 1,269 career kick return yards, which ranks second most in school history. The junior is just 125 yards away from passing Jimmy Evans (1997-2000) for the most kick return yards in Western history.
 
The Mountaineer defense forced two fumbles and recorded one interception against CSU-Pueblo (7-2, 7-1 RMAC).
 
After falling behind 20-0 in the first half, the Mountaineers forced a fumble on the Thunderwolves' first possession of the second half. Defensive lineman Victor Alvarez recovered the fumble and took it 55 yards for the score.
 
Western was unable to complete the comeback, falling to the Thunderwolves 40-7.
 
Zach Griggs got the Mountaineers into the redzone during the first half, taking the snap out of the wildcat formation and running 65 yards to the CSU-Pueblo 20-yard line. Griggs led Western in rushing yards with 77.
 
Lane Farris led the Mountaineers in tackles with 10. It's the third time this season Farris has recorded double digit tackles.
 
Western has two games remaining in the 2017 season. Both games will be played at home with the first coming against No. 18 Humboldt State University at 1 p.m. next Saturday.