by Matthew Kappus
Daily Lobo
In a game with five lead changes, the UNM football team held the advantage when it mattered most Thursday at University Stadium.
Rodney Ferguson ran for two touchdowns on 146 total yards, and John Sullivan kicked four field goals in the Lobos' 34-31 win against Air Force.
Ferguson's first strike came on the Lobos' first possession when he cracked the end zone to put UNM up 7-0.
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The Falcons answered back two possessions later after a Donovan Porterie pass to Marcus Smith slipped into the hands of a Falcon defender at the Lobo 40-yard line.
A 26-yard end around by Falcon Jim Ollis led to a one-yard carry for Chad Hall, which tied the game at 7-7 in the end of the first quarter.
Hall, who had 97 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the night, gave Lobo linemen headaches with runs from the backfield and receptions in the open field.
"When they ran the play action, it was probably the best play action you'll ever see," UNM defensive end Tyler Donaldson said.
The Falcons used misdirection against the Lobos.
After a UNM field goal, Air Force took the lead on a lateral to Ty Paffett for a 21-yard
touchdown run.
Air Force, which came into Thursday's game tied with the Lobos for second in the Mountain West Conference with one conference loss, made the Lobos pay for their turnovers.
Porterie fumbled deep in Lobo territory, and shortly after, Hall scored on an 18-yard run that put the Falcons up 21-10.
UNM responded to Air Force turnovers and turned them into points.
Nicky Lawson forced an Air Force fumble on a kickoff late in the first half to set Porterie up to throw the game-tying touchdown to Chris Mark.
The fumble was one of five on the night for the Falcons.
Ferguson said the Lobos had to capitalize on their opponents mistakes to win.
"If somebody gives you some money, you're going to have to take it, and that's what they gave us," Ferguson said.
The Lobos cashed in on opportunities all night.
After Hall's 32-yard third quarter touchdown gave the Falcons a 31-28 lead, UNM took control of the game.
Sullivan converted two more field goals, and the defense
recovered another fumble to seal the 34-31 victory.
With the win, UNM improved to 6-2 overall and 3-1 in the MWC. Air Force fell to 6-3, 5-2 in the conference.
Football at TCU
Nov. 3, 3:30 p.m.
Fort Worth, Texas
