CANYON, Texas – The Buffaloes registered 651 yards of total offense with 214 of them coming on the ground on Saturday afternoon as they rolled past the Mustangs of Midwestern State, 56-42 in Lone Star Conference action at Memorial Stadium in Wichita Falls, Texas. WT is now 6-2 in league action, marking their most victories in LSC play since the 2012 season.
 
WT began play after receiving the opening kickoff from the Mustangs, but their initial drive stalled after a short completion and an incomplete pass. The next Buffalo possession ended in points for the Mustangs as an errant snap near the goal line turned into an MSU fumble recovery for a score for the early 7-0 lead.
 
The Buffs responded with a significant drive, highlighted by RJ Martinez's 20-yard touchdown pass to Zach Phipps, tying the game at 7-7 with 8:38 remaining. WT advanced again on a subsequent possession with a 41-yard touchdown pass from Martinez to Drew Zamar, taking a 14-7 lead at 4:38. However, a late touchdown by Midwestern State evened the score at 14 before the first quarter concluded.
 
WT seized momentum in the second quarter, turning a one-touchdown deficit into a decisive 35-21 lead by the end of the period. Martinez orchestrated a dynamic offensive drive, connecting with Trevin Edwards on multiple occasions, including a series of completions that culminated in a touchdown with 5:36 remaining. The Buffs' defense held firm against Midwestern State's advances, highlighted by Ashton Reynolds' quarterback hurry that contributed to a missed field goal attempt by the opposition. Jayden Hibbler capped the quarter with a 15-yard touchdown run, extending the advantage as the Buffs lead 35-21 going into halftime.
 
West Texas A&M responded decisively to an early second half score by the Mustang, Martinez orchestrating a methodical drive capped by Hibbler's 20-yard rushing touchdown at 9:28, extending their lead. Martinez further solidified the Buffs' advantage with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Phipps at 5:30, following a crucial 31-yard connection with Phipps to convert a first-and-long situation. Despite penalties, the Buffs' offensive efficiency proved formidable, closing the third quarter with a 49-28 lead.
 
The Buffs opened the fourth quarter with a decisive 45-yard pass from Martinez to Jamir Roberts, setting up a short touchdown run by Gene Sledge at the 13:03 mark to make it 56-28. Midwestern State wouldn't go down without a fight as they responded with two touchdowns, narrowing the gap, but WT maintained control with a strong defensive stand, including an interception by Hunter Corbin.
 
Martinez led the team with an impressive 437 passing yards on 32-of-41 attempts, throwing five touchdowns. Phipps was a key target, recording five receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns. Hibbler paced the ground game with 135 rushing yards on 21 carries, adding two rushing touchdowns. Defensively, Reynolds contributed significantly with seven total tackles and one sack.
 
The Buffs close the season inside of Bain-Schaeffer Buffalo Stadium next Saturday, hosting the #16 Rams of Angelo State on Senior Day with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m. in Canyon.