Some people will say “UNM has no business winning this game,” or the ever
popular, “The Lobos were very lucky.” Blah… Blah… Blah… Blah… Blah…
And you know what? They might be right, however, in the end the Lobos did
win this game. They did it the way the Lobos always seem to win football games.
They get dirty, they play physical, and they adapt, overcome, and improvise… To
quote Dom who quotes Al Davis, “Just Win Baby!”
The game started off with both teams trading possessions, nothing special
in each play as both defenses came out solid. While that was expected from the
New Mexico defense the same cannot be said about SDSU as they ranked on the
bottom end of the scale when it comes to defenses. But stats don’t always tell
the tale.
On their second possession UNM scored on a John Sullivan 31 yard attempt
as the drive stalled out on a trick play where Jermaine McQueen received the
ball on a reverse with a wide open path to the end zone. SDSU safety Ray Bass
was having none of it as he took a perfect angle using his speed to drop McQueen
for a loss. Still UNM had the field goal and it looked like UNM’s offense was
ready to start rolling.
Things really looked good for UNM as the Lobo defense stuffed SDSU
forcing a punt that was blocked by UNM’s Chris Hernandez. Rout on
right…
Wrong! UNM’s offense seemed to be moving in reverse while SDSU mounted a
12 play drive to tie the game up early in the 2nd quarter. Where was
this porous SDSU defense that Lobo fans had heard about. Looks like Aztecs came
to play as Donovan Porterie was intercepted on the ensuing drive, with SDSU
getting the ball on the Lobo 5 yard line. Three plays later SDSU QB Kevin
O’Connell went over the pile for a 10-point lead and UNM a little stunned, as
the “pushover” was pushing back!
With the half running out the Lobos found themselves with the ball and
2:40 left in the half and the whole field to go Donovan Porterie went to work
hitting 7 out of 10 passes for 88 yards and a touchdown reception by Travis Brown that was simply marvelous as Brown jumped higher and reached over the SDSU
receiver to snare the touchdown.
One of many
receptions by Travis Brown
While the halftime score was tied it should be mentioned that midway in
the 2nd quarter Rodney Ferguson had a 29-yard touchdown run called
back on a holding penalty.
After yet another long and boring half time the Lobo offense must have
fallen asleep as the fire that was displayed prior to the half was not evident
for UNM early in the 2nd half. While SDSU scored on a quick 6-play
drive capped off by SDSU QB Kevin O’Connell scoring his 2nd TD of the
night on a nice 23 yard run.
The amazing 4th quarter started with UNM moving the ball on a
10-play drive resulting in another John Sullivan field goal.
After stopping the SDSU offense three and out the Lobos looked to have
some momentum built up, when Donovan Porterie 1st overthrew his
receiver up the sideline and was picked off, seemingly killing all Lobo
momentum.
The Lobo defense was having none of that as they once again stuffed the
Aztecs giving the Lobo offense another shot, unfortunately, UNM wasn’t able to
mount an offense and was forced to punt once again asking their defense to get
the ball back with only 5:43 on the clock.
SDSU converted two first downs as the Lobo defense was unable to stop the
combination of O’Connell and Brandon Sullivan as they carved up the Lobo
defense. The heartbreaker on 3rd and 11 when O’Connell was able to
sprint up the sideline and stretch the ball out for a 1st
down.
Four plays later was when the magic happened. O’Connell on
3rd and 11 pulled the
ball down and sprinted for an easy first down… He didn’t slow up however, and
Lobo LB Herbert Felder reached out and poked the ball out of O’Connell’s hand
for a fumble that was eventually recovered by OJ Swift giving the Lobos life
with 1:46 to go.
Porterie steps onto the field and quickly completes 3 passes for 35
yards. Porterie follows that up with 2 consecutive QB scrambles setting up a
4th and 1 on the Aztec 15, and when you need a yard give it to the
big fella! Give it to Rodney… Who bumps, thumps, spins, and picks up 6. 2 plays
later :16 seconds left on the clock and a time out in their pocket the Lobos
hand the ball off to Rodney who blows 3 defenders away on the goal line for the
game winner!
AP
Random
Thoughts
Click to listen to our crazy
thoughts after Saturday's game
John Sullivan quietly goes 2-2 with clutch nice distance field
goals.
Two tricks… No treats for the Lobos as the fake punt and reverse go for
negative yardage.
You have to love the way the Lobos never quit!
Did you happen to see Travis Brown’s catch batting the ball to himself? I
don’t want to put pressure but Travis’ TD and this catch were catches that could
land him in the “League”
Why does Mike Tuohy and Tyler Donaldson always seem to be held but never
receive the calls, while Chris Mark was called for that BS off the ball
hold?
Rocky lost his first challenge of the year. What is that rule
again?
Ian Clark looks great running back punts, just like Marcus looked good
running back kicks.
Finally,
Lobo fans, your boys earned a hard won tough victory sprinkling a little bit of
luck, some hard work, and grit and determination. Enjoy it because Air Force is
coming to town!