The University of New Mexico Lobos won 21-16 against the San Diego State University Aztecs on Friday, Nov. 8. The Lobos sandwiched a disappointing mid-quarter performance with an exciting beginning and end, ultimately securing the conference win.
The Lobos are now 4-6 overall. They only need two more wins to be bowl-eligible this season.
UNM lead an explosive first quarter with two huge plays by running back Eli Sanders. Sanders had two rushing touchdowns of over 50 yards — one being a devastating 68 yards that left the Aztecs scrambling. Sanders finished the game with 16 carries for 173 yards and two touchdowns — a testimony to the Lobos’ fiery offense.
The Lobos played great offense but even better defense, keeping the Aztecs to a field goal in the first quarter as the scoreboard bled 14-3 Lobos.
However, in the second and third quarters, the Lobos played sloppily.
In the second quarter, the Lobos recycled an unsuccessful three-man-front defense against the Aztecs, allowing 10 unanswered points.
To make matters worse, UNM lost its first-string cornerbacks to injuries during the game, which affected the Lobos’ coverage of the Aztecs’ wide receivers.
The Lobos carried the same woes into the third quarter that they faced in the second. UNM was plagued by penalties, with two pass interference calls on defensive back Nigel Williams in the third. UNM left Friday night with 104 penalty yards and eight penalties.
After another disappointing quarter, the Lobos needed to adjust their schemes to better fit against the Aztecs. When the Lobos entered the fourth quarter, they found themselves down 16-14 after they were unable to score.
Lobo fans shrieked and covered their eyes as wide receiver Michael Buckley dropped a dime end zone pass, giving up a touchdown. They watched as quarterback Devon Dampier was sacked the next play. Although the Lobos’ outlook was bleak, they were still determined to win.
The Lobos scored a touchdown to take the lead late, which ultimately secured their win 21-16 over a conference rival. The Lobos accomplished no small feat; they were a 15-point underdog speculated to lose.
Now, the Lobos will leave the Aztecs in the past and gear up to face Washington State University at home on Saturday, Nov. 16.
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Izabella Kubiak-Reseigh is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. She can be reached at sports@dailylobocom or on X @kubiakizabella
