Inexperience proved to be the chink in the armor of the UNM men's rugby team on Saturday when it faced last year's national champion in UNM's first-ever nationally televised game.
Air Force's rugby team, known for its demanding conditioning program and ability to outperform its opponents, seemed cold at the beginning of the match as UNM took control of the ball early.
However, an early penalty by one of UNM's forwards afforded Air Force a penalty kick, which was converted to give the Falcons a 3-point lead.
UNM seemed unfazed, though, marching down the field on the ensuing kick-off. Forward Mike Maday, who has been a mainstay among UNM's big men this year, capped the drive with a 5-yard plunge into the try zone. The extra point kick was converted, giving the Lobos a 7-3 lead.
"We have a lot of young guys on our squad, but we knew we had to play with heart today to compete with these guys," said Scott Kinsella, the Lobos' captain. "We tried to jump out early and stay there."
With momentum on their side, the Lobos blocked a desperate Air Force drive deep in their territory. Looking to capitalize on their field position, the Lobos unleashed a barrage of long passes into their backfield in hopes that one of their faster players would find a break in the defense.
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A UNM player was called off sides as the ball was switching hands, allowing Air Force some breathing room.
After a sustained drive, the Falcons were stopped in the red zone by a stingy UNM defense. However, they stole the ball from the Lobos on the next play and, relying on the experience of their All-American backfield, steadily drove the ball to their first try of the game. Air Force 's kicker then found his mark on the extra point kick, giving his team an 11-7 lead late in the first half.
Then, breaking their otherwise intimidating poker faces, the Falcons stopped to revel in their success, but the Lobos had different plans.
UNM took the ensuing kickoff the length of the field, and forward Matt Munoz snuck around the large ruck pile building in the Falcon's red zone for the Lobos' second try of the game and a 14-11 lead after the extra point kick was called good.
The game was taped by the Fox Sports Network as part of a new program to air college sports and was the first time UNM has had national coverage.
"It really says something of our program that people are standing up and recognizing our efforts," said head coach Shannon Robinson of the game which will be aired several times this month on the cable channel.
Air Force's conditioning seemed to play a factor at the beginning of the second half with the Falcons easily controlling the ball for the first five minutes of play.
An Air Force back, taking advantage of a mismatch coverage by one of UNM's junior players, broke free for a 30-yard run and a 21-11 lead after yet another successful extra point kick.
The Falcons then took the kickoff and slowed the pace of the game, relying on a number of set plays to wear down and confuse the Lobo defenders.
A reverse play to the weak side of the field resulted in the Falcon's second try of the second half, giving them a commanding 28-10 lead.
UNM tried to slow Air Force's growing momentum late in the game, with Lobo back Nick Tipton forcing his way into the try zone, but the extra point kick failed.
Air Force began to run past the UNM players, scoring yet another easy try and converting the extra point kick.
Robinson said the game was a good challenge for the young UNM team, and it says a lot about the future of the organization that they put up such a good fight.
"This game helped us gauge our improvement and determine where we are as a team, " he said. "Our inexperience may be a factor now, but it will be an asset years down the road as these players mature."
