The University of New Mexico Lobos battled in a heated football game against crosstown rivals the New Mexico State University Aggies on Saturday, Sept. 28. The Lobos proved too much to handle for NMSU as they dominated on the field with a relentless rushing attack.
The Lobos had a total of 331 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground. The defense performed when needed, assisting the Lobos with their first win of the season and defeating the Aggies 50-40.
The first quarter was a feel-it-out quarter for both sides. The Lobos’ defense came out and forced a quick three-and-out, getting the ball to their offense. Their first offensive possession looked to be in jeopardy early, as the Lobos found themselves in a third-and-20.
In a play by the Lobos, quarterback Devon Dampier and the offense maintained control over the field, with Dampier throwing a 44-yard pass to wide receiver Caleb Medford to keep the drive going.
That splash play was huge for the Lobos as they continued to drive into Aggie territory. The Lobos capped off the drive with a touchdown run by running back NaQuari Rogers. NMSU responded to the Lobos’ score as they found the end zone themselves on their next possession, getting an 84-yard run for a score.
The rest of the first quarter was uneventful, and both teams were tied at 7 going into the second quarter.
Both teams’ first possessions of the second quarter ended up in punts. Following another stop by the Lobo defense on NMSU's second drive, the Lobo offense found its groove. On the second offensive possession for the Lobos, Dampier zipped a 41-yard pass to wide receiver Nic Trujillo with yet another splash play the Lobos capitalized, and Dampier ran the ball into the end zone to finish the drive.
The next time the defense took the field, it stood tall and forced the Aggies off the field again. The offense kept the momentum going, as the Lobos drove down the field with ease and Dampier scored another rushing touchdown with under 20 seconds to go in the half.
The Aggies did not go into the half empty-handed, as they stole 3 points just at the end of the quarter. The Lobos led 21-10 going into halftime.
The second half was a scoring frenzy for the Lobos. To start the third quarter, they came out with another scoring drive as Dampier and the offense drove down the field once again. Dampier then found his way into the end zone for the third time in the game.
On the next Aggies drive, the Aggies responded quickly and cut the game to 10. On the following Lobo possession, they extended the lead as they settled for 3. They rode a 30-17 lead going into the fourth.
When the fourth quarter started, no punches were held back by either team. The Aggies scored 3 points right back on their following possession, keeping the deficit within 10. The Lobos responded by finding the end zone again.
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Dampier set the Lobos up with another chunk play to Medford and Rogers punched it in for a score. The Lobos missed on the extra point attempt, but it did not matter, as the rest of the game was a back-and-forth scoring affair.
The Lobos landed the finishing blow up 43-33, with two minutes left to play. Rogers — for the third time in the game — found the end zone, running it in from 29 yards out. NMSU did get a late score, but it was just for show, as the Lobos ultimately won the game.
The Lobos’ victory over NMSU certified head coach Bronco Mendenhall’s first win with the Lobos. Before coming to UNM, Mendenhall had not coached a game since a hiatus in 2021.
A major factor that helped the Lobos get the win was Rogers, who was the workhorse for the run game. Rogers carried the ball 21 times for 122 yards and had three touchdowns to finish the night.
The Lobos’ turnaround in performance can be attributed to confidence, cornerback Noah Avinger said.
“The biggest thing was just keeping our confidence high. Just seeing we are capable and we can be consistent,” Avinger said.
This week, the Lobos get to ride high on this victory and rest up. The week after, they have an in-conference meeting with the Air Force Academy Falcons at University Stadium on Oct. 12.
Rodney Prunty is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @rprunty05
Maria Fernandez contributed reporting to this story.
