The seniors on the Lobo football team will strive for yet another record-setting performance tomorrow as they conclude their regular season and UNM football careers.
The Lobos return home tomorrow to host their final conference opponent of the season. A Lobo victory over the Wyoming Cowboys could clinch second place in the conference.
This season set a school record as the fourth consecutive season the Lobos have been bowl eligible.
The stakes are high for a surprising Wyoming team that is contradicting preseason predictions. Wyoming was projected to finish last in the conference this season. But the Cowboys sit in fourth place in the MWC, and the team is one of three in the league eligible for a bowl game.
Tomorrow's game will be the regular season finale and a chance to guarantee a bowl game. Head coach Rocky Long said the Lobos do not need any extra motivation for tomorrow's game.
"Our players know the importance of this game, especially the seniors who are playing their last home game," Long said. "I know they would like to extend the season."
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Twenty Lobo seniors will suit up and run through the tunnel for the last time tomorrow at University Stadium. Among the 20 seniors, nine are starters, including several playmakers.
They have grown with the UNM football program during one of the most successful periods in the history of UNM football. Long said all of the seniors played a role in the program's improvement.
"Most of them have been here a long time, so they have been involved in the whole process of building a team," Long said.
Long said contributions vary among players, but every contribution from this group of seniors is crucial to the team.
"Some of them have been critical to our success on the field, and I think all of them have been critical to us getting better," Long said. "This senior class is just like our whole football team. They leave their egos at home and work really hard."
The Lobos lead the MWC in total defense, rush defense and are second in pass defense efficiency. The seniors are a crucial part of the defensive success.
Cornerback Brandon Payne leads the MWC and the NCAA in pass breakups this season, including the first pick of the season for Heisman candidate Alex Smith from Utah.
Senior linebackers Fola Fashola, Chrishone Harris and Nick Speegle have applied pressure to opposing offenses all season. With the help of safety Josh Bazinet, this defensive powerhouse has earned second place in the MWC and fifth place nationally in turnover margin.
The seniors leave with the strongest fan support in UNM history. Attendance has improved greatly, setting school attendance records three of the past four years. Average attendance at University Stadium this season is 37,769. The fans will set the attendance record again if 24,561 attend tomorrow's match up.
Offensive guard Bryan Humphreys said he recognizes the pressures of the regular season finale of his career.
"I am definitely going to have a big desire to win in front of the home crowd," Humphreys said. "This is probably going to be the last game of my career besides a bowl game, so I need to stay focused and come out with a big win."
