The head coach said New Mexico’s 21-9 win over UTSA was one of the biggest wins for the program since he took over. The Lobos were 16.5-point underdogs heading into the game.
However, Davie said he doesn’t think the win will be the turning point for the program but didn’t deny the significance of the victory heading into Friday’s game against San Diego State.
“I think sometimes that we get too dramatic about that, both myself, coaches, media and fans. I don’t think it’s ever just one thing. It’s the totality of what we’re doing. It’s still young players. We still are who we are,” Davie said at the weekly coaches luncheon Monday. “There’s no question you see what just winning a game does as far as just momentum. So much of this game is momentum. We have a chance to gain more credibility and more momentum with this.”
The win also gave UNM back-to-back road victories. It’s the second time in seven years that the Lobos earned consecutive road wins, both happening under Davie. Earlier in the season, UNM beat in-state rival New Mexico State 38-35 in Las Cruces.
Quarterback situation
Once again, quarterback Cole Gautsche will get the start this week against SDSU despite the fact he played only the first two series against UTSA before getting replaced by signal-caller Lamar Jordan. The redshirt freshman Jordan led UNM to the comeback victory over the Roadrunners.
“I’m not sure it really matters. If I had to say right now it would be Cole. I thought Cole did some outstanding things,” Davie said. “I think Lamar has flourished coming off the bench, getting a chance to see what teams are doing early in the game.”
Jordan has yet to start a game this season but has led UNM (2-3, 0-1 Mountain West) to both wins this season. He also engineered the game-winning drive at NMSU three weeks ago.
Davie said he feels its best for Jordan to come off the bench so he can get a feel for the game.
“And I think it’s good for Lamar to have a chance to just kind of see that. Hear the coaches on the head sets. Talk about the checks. Just get a feel for the rhythm of the game,” Davie said. “Make no mistake about it, Cole Gaustche running the triple option is still ahead of Lamar Jordan because of the number of reps he’s had.”
Gongbay out
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Davie said running back Crusoe Gongbay suffered a severe foot injury against UTSA and might be out for the rest of the season.
The senior leads the team in attempts with 64, gaining 354 yards while scoring three touchdowns this season.
If Gongbay is done for the year, the Lobos will be without a primary dive back. Davie said it will be a running back-by-committee situation to take over those snaps. He added that running back Romell Jordan will get a chance to play.
“That’s a huge blow. Crusoe is a great leader. He’s one of our better backs. He can carry the ball between the tackles, he’s strong and he’s tough,” running back David Anaya said. “It has to take a pretty significant injury to keep Crusoe down.”
Thomas Romero-Salas is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @DailyLobo.
Football
Vs. San Diego State
Friday, 7:30 p.m.
University Stadium
TV: ESPNU
