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UT Rio Grande Valley Dominates East Texas A&M in Southland Conference Showdown
EDINBURG, Texas – In an impressive display of talent, the UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros triumphed over East Texas A&M, securing a 33-14 victory in their Southland Conference regular-season finale. With this win, the Vaqueros improved their season record to 9-3, finishing tied for third place in the conference standings with Lamar.
Key Performances
Standout Players Shine
Eddie Lee Marburger showcased his exceptional passing skills, completing 17 of 22 throws for 141 yards and throwing two touchdown passes. Nathan Denney was a force on the ground, amassing 158 rushing yards, leading to a dominant Vaqueros offense. Meanwhile, Brysen Gardner consistently delivered, successfully converting all four of his field-goal attempts, which contributed significantly to the team’s final score.
Defensive Highlights
The Vaqueros’ defense also made crucial impacts, highlighted by Logic Hudgens’ electrifying 52-yard pick-six late in the first quarter. This momentum shift helped propel UT Rio Grande Valley to a commanding 20-7 lead at halftime.
The Game’s Flow
First Half Dynamics
East Texas A&M initiated the scoring with a strong opening drive, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by EJ Oakmon after an exhaustive 18-play, 80-yard effort. However, the Vaqueros quickly responded. Following Hudgens’ interception return, Marburger connected with Ismael Smith Flores on a 20-yard touchdown, putting UTRGV ahead.
Second Half Strategies
As the game progressed into the fourth quarter, Marburger solidified his role as a game-changer by throwing a 4-yard touchdown pass to Kyran Lee, further extending the lead for the Vaqueros.
East Texas A&M’s Struggles
East Texas A&M, now with a 3-9 overall record and a 3-5 conference record, struggled to maintain consistency. Quarterbacks Eric Rodriquez and Jack Jacobs combined for 187 yards on 20 completions out of 40 attempts, with Rodriquez throwing two costly interceptions. Jacobs managed to find Tyler Daniels for a 24-yard touchdown pass late in the game, but the team’s four losses in five games indicate pressing concerns moving forward.
Conclusion
The UT Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros have proven themselves as a competitive force in the Southland Conference, closing out the regular season with a three-game winning streak. As they look toward potential postseason opportunities, their recent performances highlight their robust offense and tenacious defense. In contrast, East Texas A&M will need to recalibrate and address their struggles to build a more formidable team for the next season.
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