Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
The Daily Lobo The Independent Voice of UNM since 1895
Latest Issue
Read our print edition on Issuu
8309_locksleynmbowlf.jpg

NM Bowl Running Diary

So much for that riveting regional affair between BYU and UTEP.

Turns out, this year’s New Mexico Bowl installment was a dud compared to last year’s overtime shootout between Wyoming and Fresno State. Between the hash marks, the game was decidedly over at the end of the first quarter, with the Cougars possessing a 17-3 lead.

That didn’t stop a host of media outlets from covering the game. Hard-pressed to accommodate the innumerable credential requests, New Mexico Bowl officials tried their best to make sure everybody had a space to function.

Let me be the first to thank all involved for their hard work (and that’s not sarcasm). It’s not every day that I’ll get the unforgettable privilege of watching a game at University Stadium from the sidelines. It’ll be a once-and-a-lifetime experience.

Braving the nippy conditions, I decided to keep a running diary of Saturday’s events, few of which focus on the game. Enjoy:

12:12 It wouldn’t be college football bowl season without mention of … Mike Locksley? Wait, what? That’s right, folks. Even though he has yet to take his team to a bowl game, here we are still talking about him during postseason play. Just before kickoff, I get word that ESPN is reporting that Locksley is among at least three candidates to replace Maryland’s Ralph Friedgen. I understand that Locksley was a coordinator at Maryland, but the guy is 2-22 as a head coach. Please, Mike, let me in on your secret.

12:15 And the New Mexico Bowl starts with a bang. Right before the singing of the National Anthem, the speaker system goes kaput, leaving voices inaudible. While staff frantically fidgets with the mic, the fans bust out in a chorus, and the day is saved.

12:40 This has all the makings of a laugher. There’ll be no repeat for “most exciting bowl” of the college football season.

12:50 BYU tailback JJ Di Luigi takes a handoff for a three-yard run, which might seem hum-drum, but it prompts a discussion about how BYU (named after Brigham Young) is the “I can’t tell what ethnicity that name belongs to” flagship university for its most racially ambiguous names: For you, readers, I compiled a short list of other notable names: Bronco Mendenhall, Austin Collie, Jimmer Fredette, Steve Young and Ty Detmer. I’m sure there are more, but that’s all I could think of offhand.

1:05 A group of six BYU fans wave a Cougar flag in a crush of orange on the west side of the stadium. Need I remind them they’re sitting with people wearing blazing orange jersey, sweaters and shirts? Interesting, to say the least. That’s like chanting “Go Broncos” smack dab in the middle of the Black Hole in Oakland. I’m just saying. It’s better to be same than sorry.

1:09 Former UNM backup quarterback Tate Smith darts down the sideline and into the locker room. Now a Miner, Smith has to be counting his lucky stars that he decided to transfer schools. Then again, maybe not. Look at the score.

1:21 After another BYU score, making it 31-3, a member of the media asks if the New Mexico is ESPN and UNM’s “love child.” Not quite. A little history lesson: The New Mexico Bowl is actually Gov. Bill Richardson’s brainchild. New Mexico Sports Authority, an agency created by Richardson, helped spawn the idea, after pitching it to Western Athletic and Mountain West Conference commissioners.
3:10 The back line judge flags BYU for phantom pass interference. Only explanation: The guy is trying to earn his money. There is not much for these refs to do, other than pray for a swift conclusion to this all-out assault.

Enjoy what you're reading?
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Subscribe

3:22 Defensive end Obi Bernard’s interception leads some UTEP faithful to spray silly string all over the stands. Yep, this is their BCS national championship.

3:26 UTEP wide receiver Russell Carr makes a leaping, out-of-bounds catch in the back of the south end zone. From the stands, someone yells “nice catch.” Carr says “thanks” before flipping the ball to the referee. On the next play, quarterback Trevor Vittatoe is picked off. So much for that. My defensive MVP vote might just be the Miners’ offensive unit. It now has given up three turnovers. Time to head back to the box. My work here is done.

3:46 And it’s over. BYU rolls, 52-24. Now here comes the pièce de résistance. Whoa, look at that lovely looking New Mexico Bowl trophy. Meanwhile, N.M. Bowl Executive Director Jeff Siembieda asks BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall if he expected to be here. That’s like asking Mike Tyson if he expected to beat up Urkel from “Family Matters.” No, BYU didn’t expect to be at this bowl game.

This is the same program that was compelled enough to undertake independent status in football next year. In any case, with Saturday’s win, Mendenhall has matched Locksley’s win total at University Stadium. Maybe the New Mexico Bowl wasn’t that bad after all.

Comments
Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Daily Lobo