It didn’t take long for New Mexico to find its offensive identity on Saturday.
UNM established its run game early, making several big plays on the way to a 38-28 win at Wyoming. It’s the first time that the Lobos won their Mountain West conference opener since 2005.
The Lobos (2-2, 1-0 MW) had no problem running the ball against the Cowboys. UNM rushed 47 times for 302 yards, for an average of 6.4 yards per carry, including touchdown runs of 56 and 43 yards.
“I thought today was a key game for us more than just the first conference game,” Head Coach Bob Davie said. “Just to get back to our identity and see if we could have success with our identity. The most pleasant thing was we were able to do what we do.”
While UNM had its way on the ground, Wyoming (0-4, 0-1 MW) wasn’t able to establish its own rushing game. The Lobos held the Cowboys to just 42 yards on 30 attempts, including just 49 yards from running back Brian Hill.
“The whole game plan coming in was we couldn’t let No. 8 (Hill) get started,” Davie said. “If you let him get started you’re going to have a hard time. I thought we played the run really well.”
The Lobos were able to build a double-digit lead early and held it for virtually the entire game. UNM’s largest lead was 28-7 after running back Richard McQuarely hit paydirt from three yards out in the second quarter.
UNM clinched the game in the fourth quarter thanks to an interception by linebacker Dakota Cox that led to a 22-yard field goal from kicker Jason Sanders for a 38-21 lead.
“Honestly, it just happened real fast,” Cox said. “I was just jumping back in coverage and looking for crosses or anything. It came right to me and I just snagged it. I could hear the sideline and the crowd when it happened; it just felt like slow motion.”
Quarterback Lamar Jordan showed off his abilities in the win. Jordan rushed for a team-high 147 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown. He also completed 5 of 8 passes for 107 yards with a 64-yard score to wide receiver Carlos Wiggins.
Tailback Jhurell Pressley ran for 103 yards on 17 attempts with a score. McQuarley had only five touches, but gained 55 yards and scored two touchdowns.
“That’s probably our best position group, our running backs,” Jordan said. “When you have special guys like that, they can break for 60 yarders; you have to give them touches.”
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Wyoming had trouble running the ball, but it did have success with the passing game. Quarterback Cameron Coffman completed 30 of 42 passes for 366 passing yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Wide receiver Tanner Gentry hauled in nine catches for 130 yards and a score.
“This is a great momentum push for us,” Cox said. “It builds confidence up for the defense and the offense, just the whole team in general.”
Thomas Romero-Salas is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @ThomasRomeroS.
