The Angelo State Rams entered the NCAA Division II playoffs knowing it had a defense capable of winning the national title. The only question was whether the offense could produce enough points. Unfortunately for ASU fans, the offense could not score enough to keep the Rams season alive in a 24-14 defeat at home against Bemidji State in the first round of the NCAA Division II playoffs.

The loss marks the Rams' first defeat in the opening round of the DII playoffs since a 45-14 loss to Northwest Missouri State in 2005. The Beavers advance to the second round and will travel to play Western Colorado next week. A number two seed in Super Region Four, the Mountaineers defeated Lone Star Conference member Central Washington 28-21 in the first round.

ASU’s offense produced a paltry 90 yards through three quarters before gaining 141 yards, mainly through the air, to overcome a 10-point deficit. The Rams pulled within 17-14 with 5:57 remaining in the fourth quarter, but Bemidji State freshman quarterback Connor Carver put the game on ice with a 59-yard touchdown run with just over two minutes remaining in regulation.

While the Rams will enter the offseason with a disappointing loss, ASU was undoubtedly the best team in the LSC this year. The Rams went undefeated, winning the outright conference title for the second time in the last three seasons and earning their third appearance in the DII playoffs in the previous four years.