No. 13 Central Washington dominated early and pulled away late for a 42-13 win over UT Permian Basin, strengthening its position atop the Lone Star Conference. The Wildcats leaned on a strong running game and a defense that produced a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown.

By the Numbers
  • Central Washington improved to 6-2 overall and 6-0 in conference play; UT Permian Basin fell to 5-3 and 4-2.
  • Ryder Bumgarner rushed for 113 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Justin Brennan completed 17 of 26 passes for 168 yards and two touchdowns, and added a rushing score.
  • Omar Lazcano returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown.
Yes, But

The Wildcats controlled most of the game, but left points on the field with a missed 38-yard field goal and a red-zone interception. UT Permian Basin also cut the lead to 28-13 in the fourth quarter before Central Washington’s defense shut the door.

State of Play
  • Central Washington is unbeaten in six conference games and has another road matchup next.
  • The Wildcats visit Eastern New Mexico on Halloween; the Greyhounds are 0-8 overall and 0-6 in conference play.
What's Next

Central Washington travels to Portales, New Mexico, to face Eastern New Mexico next Saturday at 1 p.m. Pacific time.

Bottom Line

A convincing win kept Central Washington’s conference record perfect, with its defense and ground game proving decisive—even as red-zone mistakes remain an area to clean up.