After three straight losses, Northeastern State University head coach Darrin Chiaverin wants to see a response from his team.

Three weeks ago, NSU was leading by two scores against D1 Northern Colorado, before a last-second rally prevented the upset. The Mountain West Conference team needed a late touchdown and an onside recovery to pull off the come-from-behind win.

A week later, the RiverHawks took a loss against one of the top FCS D1 teams in Stephen F. Austin.

With the No. 6 ranking, SFA took care of business with over 60 points in the win.

Returning home, NSU was looking to get back into the win column, but the University of Texas-Permian Basin capitalized on a dominant second half to give NSU a loss on homecoming.

“We have to find a way to get back on track. It is disappointing to lose Homecoming, but they made the plays; they have a good team and a good program,” Chiaverini said.

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NSU’s Braylon Hardrick rushes University of Texas-Permian Basin quarterback Nate TenBarge, Saturday, Oct. 3.

The first half was promising enough for the RiverHawks. NSU jumped out to a 14-7 lead after quarterback Donnie Smith led back-to-back touchdown drives.

Smith had a solid passing game to open the game, throwing for 167 yards and an interception in the first half. However, the turnovers started piling on after halftime.

The Falcons were hawking the ball and produced four interceptions in the second half, including one that was ripped out of the arms of a RiverHawk receiver.

Defensively, the RiverHawks were solid but got worn down as the game went on. NSU was especially proficient on third down, only allowing a third-down conversion on 4-of-12 attempts, including just 1-of-6 in the first half.

“We have to get back to order. You get knocked down in the game of life and the game of football; football is just a microcosm for life and I want to see the character of this team,” Chiaverini said. “We didn’t play a good enough game today. We got beat by a good football team and I want to see what we’re made of.”

The path forward isn’t any easier for the RiverHawks. NSU hits the road Saturday, Oct. 10 to play their third and final D1 opponent in West Florida.

“We have a tough opponent next week; we have to try and find a way to do better on offense, defense and special teams,” Chiaverini said.

The RiverHawks kick off at West Florida at 4 p.m. in Pensacola, Florida.

Source: Yahoo Sports