Coming into Saturday’s game, the biggest question surrounding the Colorado State University-Pueblo Thunderwolves was how they were going to respond after losing to Fort Lewis last week. They responded, and in a big way, winning 41-13 over Chadron State.

After the defense forced a three and out to start the game, it didn’t take the Thunderwolves long to score on their first offensive play of the game, a 59 yard touchdown pass from Chris Bonner to Kieran Duncan. Duncan, who missed last week’s game due to injury, finished the game with 105 yards and a touchdown on four receptions.

The first quarter scoring didn’t stop there; CSU-Pueblo put points on the board on their next three drives, twice with touchdowns. Running back Cameron McDondle scored on a 29 yard run to put the Thunderwolves up 14-0. Chadron State would answer with a field-goal, but the Thunderwolves came back with a 70 yard drive, capped off by another Bonner touchdown pass. This time it was for 15 yards to Trent Thompson to make it 21-3. Bonner would finish the game with 325 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Also making his return from injury was wide receiver Paul Browning. Browning had four receptions for 71 yards.

The Thunderwolves offense will get most of the glory from today’s winning game, but their defense stepped up in every key moment. Any time Chadron State’s offense would start to build some momentum, the CSU-Pueblo defense would force a field-goal or a turnover. Eagles quarterback Jonn McLain threw for 303 yards, with two interceptions, and he was sacked four times.

For Chadron State, their biggest strength is their running attack led by Michael Madkins and Cody Paul. But the Thunderwolves slowed both Madkins and Paul down, allowing only a combined 85 yards between the two and 135 rushing yards for the Eagles as a team.

Madkins would score the only touchdown of the game for Chadron State midway through the fourth quarter on a three yard run, but the game was already out of reach.

While the Thunderwolves’ 42 game winning streak ended last week, they have started a new one and will look to extend it next week on the road against the conference-leading Colorado School of Mines. The game will be broadcast on Altitude Sports and Entertainment at noon Saturday, Oct. 25.