Texas A&M proved Texas still has New Mexico's number when it comes to football, defeating UNM 28-22 Saturday at University Stadium.
A&M became the second Texas-based team to beat the Lobos in consecutive weeks, with TCU pounding out a 26-3 victory against over UNM on Aug. 30.
The Aggies jumped to a 14-0 lead off two early Donovan Porterie interceptions.
Texas A&M defensive back Jordan Peterson returned Porterie's first interception for a 48-yard score to put the Aggies up 7-0.
Porterie threw another interception on UNM's next possession. This time it was cornerback Arkeith Brown who returned the pick to the Lobos' 20-yard line.
Texas A&M capitalized as Aggie quarterback Jerrod Johnson connected with Jeff Fuller from 21 yards out to make it 14-0.
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"(I) thought we made some improvements," head coach Rocky Long said. "It's always frustrating when you don't play well."
Once again, the offense caused most of the Lobos' problems. However, UNM tailback Rodney Ferguson charged on the ground, running for 135 yards off 19 carries and two rushing touchdowns, the first coming off a 45-yard touchdown dash that cut the deficit to 14-7.
Heading into the third quarter down 21-10, the Lobo defense kept UNM within striking distance, holding Texas A&M's offense to 236 total offensive yards.
But it was the Lobos' inability to sack A&M quarterback Jerrod Johnson that got them in trouble. Johnson's mobility in and out of the pocket allowed him to avoid rushers and create plays for the Aggies' offense.
Still, the Lobo defense held Texas A&M to seven points in the second half and Johnson to 124 passing yards on 10 completions. Johnson managed to throw three touchdowns and didn't turn the ball over.
Defensive back Ian Clark had a big game on special teams. Clark had two punt returns in the third-quarter, one for 32 yards and another for 34 yards.
Although Clark set up the Lobos' offense with good field position, both drives failed to produce any points.
By the time the Lobos' offense finally livened up in the fourth quarter, it was too late. Two late touchdowns and two failed two-point conversions pulled the Lobos within six at 28-22, but with 34 seconds left, the Lobos' last gasp was suffocated when the Aggies smothered a Lobo onside-kick attempt.
Porterie, who was coming off a neck injury last week, finished the game 22-of-35 for 154 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions.
Nose tackle Wesley Beck said the Lobos still have faith that Porterie can get the job done.
"We are still behind our quarterback," he said. "We got to have a total team effort to win games."
