by Phil Parker
Daily Lobo
Coming off a dominant effort against Texas State-San Marcos last weekend, the Lobos will try to improve their record to 2-0 on Saturday when they travel to Lubbock, Texas to square off against the Red Raiders.
Last year UNM was crushed 49-0 by Texas Tech in front of Albuquerque fans and a national television audience.
Despite last year's blowout, sophomore rusher DonTrell Moore said this weekend's game is not about redemption.
"It's a different year with a different team," he said Tuesday at a media luncheon. "We can't really dwell on last year, so we have to prepare accordingly."
For other Lobos, however, the loss still stings.
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"[Saturday] is a big game," said receiver and punt returner Dwight Counter. "What they did to us last year was embarrassing. I still have a bad taste in my mouth."
Last year the Red Raiders passing attack overwhelmed the Lobos. Quarterback Kliff Kingsbury threw the ball 59 times, completing 41 for a total of 407 yards and six touchdowns. Kingsbury's gone now, but UNM head coach Rocky Long was impressed when he watched tape of new Tech starter B.J. Symons.
"I was hoping there would be a big downturn with the new quarterback," Long said. "But there isn't."
Long said that Symons has an arm similar to Kingbury's, but that Symons is a better runner. The Lobo defense will have to contend with a young quarterback who can pass as well as rush the football.
Last week's win seems to bode well for the Lobo's chances in Lubbock. Senior quarterback Casey Kelly threw the ball with ease against the Bobcats, completing 12 of 16 passes for 165 yards and three scores.
Against the Red Raiders the Lobos will look to continue their solid play. Texas Tech is coming of a 58-10 home victory over SMU Saturday. There were over 44,000 Red Raider fans in attendance, so there is no doubt TTU head coach Mike Leach and his men will have a home field advantage this weekend. Kick off will be at 6 p.m. CST.
