On a windy fall day in October, University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico was the site for the 104th meeting of the Battle for I-25 between New Mexico State University and the University of New Mexico.
After losing the opening coin toss, and receiving the ball first, the Lobos stormed down the field for an early 7 to 0 lead. QB Cole Gautsche threw a beautiful pass to TE Mat McBain for the score.
New Mexico’s defense played phenomenal most of the first quarter, only allowing one big conversion on 3rd down. QB Travaughn Colwell was able to get off a 33 yard screen pass to RB Germi Morrison to setup a 25 yard field goal for the Aggies, making the score 7 to 3. That would be the closest the score would be the rest of the game.
The second quarter opened with another long, strong drive by the Lobos. The drive began with receptions by RB Kasey Carrier and RB Jhurell Presley, Gautsche was able to escape for a few big gains on an option keeper and a broken play. Followed by passes to TE Andrew Aho and WR Ridge Jones to get the offensive in the redzone. Four straight runs by Carrier got the Lobos in the endzone, to lead 14 to 3. The halftime lead was still 11 as the teams traded field goals before halftime, 17 to 6.
The Aggies adjusted their offensive scheme at halftime and opened the second half with another field goal scoring drive built on 8 straight passing plays to lessen UNM’s lead, 17 to 9. RB Crusoe Gongbay continued his streak of games with great kickoff returns, breaking this one for a 99 yard score, etching his name in the NCAA record books and crushing the Aggies momentum out of halftime. The Lobos opened the fourth quarter with a rush heavy drive, ending with a Carrier touchdown. Presley, Carrier and FB Chase Clayton all contributing on the 15 play 72 yard drive.
New Mexico State continued their pass heavy attack the rest of the game in an attempt to draw even with the Lobos. The result was two drives ending in interceptions by the Lobos defense. FS Jalam Merritt grabbed one in the endzone and WR Cameron DeBesse, son of Offensive Coordinator Bob DeBesse, snatched one playing with the second string defense on the final drive of the day for the Aggies. The backup offense added a field goal to end the game 34 to 9. The first win in the rivalry for head coach Reginald Tomlinson and 10th win for the Lobos in the series since 2000.
Coach Tomlinson was pleased with his team beating their rival today, “We played a great all round game today. The defense played bend but don’t break defense and got some takeaways and the offense held the ball for long drives and got the ball in the endzone.” Next up for the Lobos is a road matchup against Mountain West Conference foe Wyoming. The Cowboys picked up their first win of the season last week at home against UNLV.
Player of the Game: Kasey Carrier 24 carries 97 yards 2 TDs
Around the Country Updates:
– QB Blake Bell lead #4 Oklahoma over #5 TCU with a 264 yard passing day with 90 yards rushing and 3 total touchdowns; 45 to 20.
– #23 Georgia held on to beat #21 Tennessee at home after a 14 point surge in the fourth quarter; 31 to 17.
– Michigan holds on to the Little Brown Jug with a decisive win over Minnesota, despite Junior QB Devin Gardner going down in the first half with a season ending wrist injury; 41 to 17.
Mountain West Top 25 Update:
– #18 Boise State continues their winning streak with victories against Fresno State and Southern Miss.
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