CSU Pueblo Rises to No. 3 After 38-31 Win
The Thunderwolves beat Black Hills State 38-31 despite a late Yellow Jackets scoring run and three turnovers.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
CSU Pueblo football defeated Black Hills State 38-31, moving up to No. 3 in national rankings. Black Hills State scored 21 consecutive points in the second half, but CSU Pueblo answered with 14 unanswered points to secure the win.
Why it matters
The victory lifts CSU Pueblo's national standing in Pueblo, Colo., where the program is based. The game showed how close the contest was, with Black Hills State converting fourth downs repeatedly and CSU Pueblo committing turnovers.
CSU Pueblo overcame three turnovers and a 21-point Black Hills State run, scoring 14 unanswered points to finish with a 38-31 win. Quarterback Navi threw two interceptions in the game, bringing his total to five including the three he had thrown before this contest.
The players
CSU Pueblo Thunderwolves
The football program of Colorado State University Pueblo, competing in NCAA Division II.
Black Hills State Yellow Jackets
The football program of Black Hills State University, based in Spearfish, South Dakota.
Navi
The quarterback for CSU Pueblo who threw two interceptions in this game.
The details
Black Hills State kept CSU Pueblo's offense off the field by controlling possession and converting fourth downs five or six times. CSU Pueblo defenders missed tackles that allowed the Black Hills State quarterback to extend drives.
Timeline
Nov. 6, 2026: CSU Pueblo defeated Black Hills State 38-31.
Next game: CSU Pueblo faces South Dakota Mines.
Season Trajectory
The move to No. 3 in the NCAA Division II national rankings places CSU Pueblo among the top contenders in the division this season. The win demonstrates the team's ability to recover from turnovers and a late deficit against a competitive opponent.
The ranking move affects playoff positioning and the postseason picture for CSU Pueblo in the NCAA Division II season. Fans tracking the team should note the upcoming game against South Dakota Mines, which will shape the team's standing.
The takeaway
Turnovers and defensive lapses can quickly erase a lead, but a team that answers with its own scoring run can still control the outcome. CSU Pueblo's ability to respond after a 21-point deficit is the key lesson from this win.
What happens next
CSU Pueblo next faces South Dakota Mines, the team's upcoming opponent.
Further reading
For more college football coverage, see Football on the Pueblo sports page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOAA.
