We may not have the most talented football team
on the
field, but we are the toughest, and I would take my guys in a fist
fight over
anyone else. Coach Rocky Long
Once
again that rang true as the University of New Mexico
Lobos used their nasty physicality and tenacity to defeat the
University of
Arizona Saturday night 36-28 as the Lobos improved their record to 1-2.
Make
no doubt about it, Arizona is a very good and they are
a very talented team. They have some serious speed, some slick wide
receivers a
good QB, and solid RB’s. In a track meet they would kick UNM’s butt.
However,
the Lobos weren’t running track, they were playing football. Rocky Long
Football!
Rocky
Long football isn’t very complex the way I see it. Hit
them in the mouth. Get physical and be aggressive. Blitz your opponent,
cause
turnovers, and hit them more. On offense, have a bruising running back,
give
him the rock and let him grind out yardage while your 300lb Hitmen pave
the
way. Toss in a few passes a few little trick plays, and win the game.
Arizona
RB Nic Grigsby was quoted in an Arizona paper last
week saying that last season’s 29-27 victory over U of A was a “fluke”
and in a
way he was partially correct. Last season the Lobos threw the ball
around “Air
Porterie” style as he finished with 327 yards and 3 TD’s and the Lobos
won in a
shoot out. I guess that is kind of a “fluke” for the Lobos…
This
year the Lobos went back to basics as discussed above,
while there was more points scored it was the Lobos being tougher than
the
Wildcats. It was hard hitting plays by the Lobo defense forcing
fumbles, and
forcing interceptions. It was Lobos smashing Arizona’s Willie Tuitama
to the
ground on a regular basis while holding Arizona to 67 yards rushing.
The Lobos
did give up some points through the air and it wasn’t perfect, but it
seemed
like every Arizona WR was subjected to Lobo punishment every time they
touched
the ball! That is Rocky Long football!
On
offense, the tandem of Rodney Ferguson and Paul Baker
were too much for Arizona, as Ferguson and Baker combined 218 yards and
a pair
of TD’s. It wasn’t as much the amount of yards as they way Ferguson
would lower
his shoulder and smash into linebackers and DB’s. If he wasn’t dusting
them off
he was using his off hand to shove them away. Meanwhile Baker who is a
smaller
back is quicker than Ferguson but just as tenacious. He doesn’t fear
contact
and when he’d get to the 2nd level he would find ways to
squeeze out
more yardage.
You
have to give it up to The Hitmen! Talk about paving the
way. They were awesome giving up 2 sacks and opening up holes for 221
yards of
rushing. They were physical up front and were doing the job!
Hey!
Does anyone remember when we had a bad field goal
kicker? Nah, I don’t remember either. How about James Aho? The Roswell
native
went 5 for 5 for the three pointers and it was literally from 3 point
range as
4 out of the 5 treys were from downtown (42,43,46,48)
Defensively
I don’t even know where to begin…
Brett Kennedy’s INT started everything off as he leaped up
for a sweet interception kept his feet and set the Lobos up in good
field
position.
That
started the turnover department going for the Lobos as
Glover Quin later in the game caught an INT as Tuitama was under
pressure. It
was Ian Clark getting a sack and a fumble. Clint McPeek, Zach Arnett,
and
Carmen Messina didn’t want to be overlooked as they also forced fumbles.
Speaking
of McPeek, I think he spent more time in the
Arizona offensive backfield then their running backs.
Has anyone noticed that the 3 Lobo position players don’t hit
very softly? McPeek, Clark, and Jake “La Familia” Bowe bring it! You
can put
together a highlight reel of these 3 guys hits this year!
Hey
Frankie! How about Frankie Solomon. #96 stepped up in a
big way in the backfield. I always love when you get these guys on TV
that go,
“#96 that is a weird number for a safety. That is usually a defensive
lineman
and look how small he is.” My answer to them is #96 is a D-lineman
number and I
cant’ remember which AZ WR came up the middle but he found out that
Frankie
will hit you like a D-lineman! Not to mention fight off the bigger
receivers
for pass break ups.
Not
to be outdone Frankie Baca also had a solid game, and I
his name is Blake Ligon… Not sure how that fits into my “Hey Frankie”
thing but
what the hell I wanted to give Blake a Red Menace Shout Out as he
deserved it!
Speaking of Shout Outs: Seth Johannemann much love bro!
During every kick off Seth was getting The Red Menace fired up!
Offensive Player of the Game
#12
James Aho
You
go 5 for 5 in pressure packed situations with 4 of those
being longer than 40 yards and I would say you have earned your worth
as a
kicker!
Defensive Player of The Game
#91
Brett Kennedy
Yes guys like
Clint McPeek, Ian Clark, and Jake Bowe
had huge days, but in the end it was the athletic interception by Brett
Kennedy
that ignited the 2008 Lobo football team. No bigger an interception has
been
made!