The University of New Mexico football team lost to Colorado State University 36-7 at University Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 16, which is their second-biggest loss of the season. UNM has now lost their last five games, including all three conference games that they have played so far, making their record 2-5.
The victory for CSU happened against a Lobos squad without quarterback Terry Wilson, who didn’t play in the contest due to a dislocated elbow, according to head coach Danny Gonzales. Freshman quarterback C.J. Montes took Wilson’s place; prior to Saturday’s game, Montes had only played briefly in the loss against San Diego State University on Oct. 9, attempting one pass and rushing for -1 yards.
UNM started the game with the ball, opening with a three-and-out drive. After a defensive stop, Montes threw an interception at the CSU 28-yard line, allowing the Rams to gain early momentum.
CSU then marched down the field on a 12-play, 72-yard drive that resulted in running back David Bailey carrying in a 2-yard touchdown run, giving the Rams the early lead of 7-0 at the end of the first quarter.
More poor offensive play by the Lobos gave CSU opportunities to score in the second quarter, but UNM’s defense continued to show grit and toughness by only allowing two field goals and forcing a three-and-out by the Rams. UNM was able to score a touchdown with a 63-yard punt return by wide receiver Luke Wysong, making the score 13-7 at the end of the first half.
UNM didn’t score any more points in the game as the Rams’ offense began to pick apart the UNM defense in the second half. CSU scored 23 points in the second half on two touchdowns, one by Bailey and another by tight end Gary Williams after a 43-yard pass from quarterback Todd Centeio, and three field goals, all by kicker Cayden Camper.
Montes, who had 11 passing yards and two interceptions, was eventually pulled at the end of the fourth quarter for quarterback Isaiah Chavez, who completed his one pass of the day for five passing yards.
Colorado State registered six sacks on the day, exposing the weak offensive line that the Lobos have suffered from the whole season. While the UNM defense did get four sacks on Centeio, they allowed 163 rushing yards.
After the contest, Gonzales said that changes were needed offensively if the Lobos have any chance of winning in the future.
“We have got to do some things to give them a chance,” Gonzales said. “Schematically, (we have to) come up with better smoke and mirrors until we can establish something on offense.”
Gonzales also said the Lobos’ passing game needs to be better.
“(Montes’) 3-of-19 throwing the ball makes it really hard to run the ball because they can load up the box,” Gonzales said. “When they outnumber you and you’re getting out-physicaled, that’s a bad combination.”
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UNM football will play next at the University of Wyoming against the Cowboys on Oct. 23.
Spencer Butler is a beat reporter at the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @SpencerButler48
