LAS CRUCES - Paul Baker didn't get the memo that the UNM football team belonged to Rodney Ferguson.
The 5-feet-7-inch, 198 pound Baker, who is known for his nimble running style, rammed out 146 yards on 37 rushes Saturday against the New Mexico State Aggies.
"I've been here long enough," Baker said. "I'm ready for the game every game. No matter what happens, I'm here to do that."
Behind a struggling pass offense that only netted 42 yards through the air, Baker was the Lobos' workhorse when Ferguson left the game with a banged-up shoulder in the second quarter.
Even with the struggles in the passing game, Baker said Brad Gruner managed the game well.
"I am proud of him," Baker said. "He stayed in the game with us and fought as well as anybody on the team."
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Gruner, who is a redshirt freshman, made his first career start in place of Donovan Porterie, who is out the rest of the season with torn ligaments in his knee.
But the Lobos, despite Ferguson's absence for much of the second half, rode Baker for 37 carries.
Baker's touches were a career high, and his 146 yards was the second highest total yardage in a game since the New Mexico Bowl in December.
The Lobos fell to a quick 14-0 deficit in the first quarter, but Baker showed no signs of frustration.
"There wasn't a panic," Baker said. "We knew New Mexico State was going to come and swing at us. We just had to weather the storm and fight back."
Baker and the UNM offense outscored the Aggies in the second half by 18 points. He helped the Lobos score 19 fourth-quarter points.
With 4:14 left, down by two and inside the Aggie's 20-yard line, Baker swerved to the right and scored on a 3-yard scamper.
The touchdown gave the Lobos a 28-24 lead and clinched the game.
But Baker never imagined scoring the game-winner, especially in a rivalry game.
"It really wasn't a thought for me," he said. "I knew I just had to keep slugging at them, keep carrying the ball. I am just glad we matched the Aggies' intensity."
Ferguson said the Lobos are fortunate to have such depth in the tailback position.
"He did a real good job today, and he did what he was supposed to do," Ferguson said. "We have been playing together for five years now. I know what he can do. It's nice to know that the offense won't suffer when one of us goes down."
