New Mexico football looks to get back over .500 for the first time since it won the home opener — and win back-to-back games for the first time this season — when it takes on Louisiana-Monroe on Saturday
New Mexico (3-3, 2-1 Mountain West) will host the Warhawks (2-4, 1-2 Sun Belt) at University Stadium, in a non-conference match nestled between eight Mountain West contests.
The outcome could have big implications as the Lobos try to take another step toward becoming bowl-eligible, while also trying to avoid looking ahead to the next opponent.
Head coach Bob Davie said he hopes the notion of the matchup being a “trap” game isn’t an issue, but it is something the staff has talked to the team about.
“I guess it is worth talking about, but I’m more interested in us,” he said. “I’d rather focus on us being mature... I hope we can fight through, just because of our past experiences.”
The team has been struggling to get healthy and will be missing several key pieces again. In Tuesday’s press conference, Davie said the defense will be without a trio of seniors.
Cornerback Isaiah “I.B.” Brown is sidelined due to an apparent foot injury, while Davie said safety Ryan Santos and offensive lineman Garrett Adcock will be out of the lineup after suffering concussions.
Injuries have had the greatest impact on Adcock, as the fifth-year senior announced he has decided to walk away from the game completely.
“I have made the decision to retire from football after suffering my second concussion this season,” Adcock said in the release. “Despite the abrupt end to my career as a Lobo, I will be a Lobo for life.”
Junior quarterback Lamar Jordan led the team for most of the 45-40 victory over Air Force last week, but was replaced by Austin Apodaca when he went down with a hamstring injury.
Jordan and Apodaca both practiced earlier in the week, and Davie said the plan will be for both quarterbacks to play this weekend.
Against Air Force, the defense made some critical mistakes again, but stepped up to shut down the Falcons on its final two drives when the team needed it most.
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Senior linebacker and team captain Dakota Cox said the team still needs to improve on some things, but that can be said every week. He said the team has a chance to build on success, focus on the details and take advantage of a good opportunity Saturday.
“Every team we play presents different challenges,” Cox said. “Louisiana-Monroe has a lot of talent and a lot of athletes. They have a good scheme — so we just have to go out and execute.”
Louisiana-Monroe enters Saturday on the heels of a 40-34 triumph over Texas State. The team’s starting quarterback was also knocked out the game, but its backup stepped in to throw a couple of touchdowns to help guide the Warhawks to victory.
Saturday’s kickoff is scheduled for 7:08 p.m., with the first 5,000 attendees receiving a Lobo spirit sleeve for this week’s fan giveaway.
Robert Maler is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers cross country, football, tennis and track and field. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @robert_maler.
