It's Homecoming Week and UNM redshirt freshman quarterback Brad Gruner's first home start.
Gruner will make his second career start Saturday and will look for his second career win.
In his first collegiate start last week against NMSU, Gruner trudged through a dismal first half of offense, helping the Lobos storm back to beat the Aggies with 25 second-half points.
On paper, Gruner's passing numbers against the Aggies may not excite Lobo fans - 7-of-16 for 55 yards, one touchdown and one interception - but head coach Rocky Long said Gruner's toughness and perseverance overshadowed UNM's passing woes.
During a drive that eventually pulled the Lobos within two points at 24-22, Gruner scampered on a quarterback keeper for 46 yards that set up a Jermaine McQueen touchdown reception.
But Long was more impressed with a play most fans probably overlooked.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
"I'll tell you what was a better run," he said. "It was about a three-yard run for a first down, because he dipped his shoulder and ran over three guys. That was probably as good as (the 46-yarder)."
Gruner's teammates seemed to rally behind him, too.
"To see our new quarterback in there, get all the jitterbugs out - that was pretty good," offensive tackle Sylvester Hatten told GoLobos.com.
But Gruner isn't satisfied.
He said the passing game needs to get better.
"I got game experience," he said. "I had a few first-game jitters, as everyone can see. But we have to stay more focused in conference play."
Gruner said he is optimistic and confident heading into the Lobos' second conference game, against the Wyoming Cowboys on Saturday.
Wyoming returns seven starters on defense and employs a similar defensive set as the Lobos.
"They run a 3-2; we run a 3-3-5," Gruner said. "But the Cowboys do not blitz as much as we do."
Gruner said he hopes to end what has become a pattern for UNM.
The Lobos have lost the last three Homecoming games, including a 14-10 loss to Wyoming in 2006.
And the Cowboys will look to spoil the Lobos' fun again.
Gruner said that if UNM is going to prevent that from happening, the Lobos will need to come out with a sense of urgency on offense.
"We have to come out fast," he said. "The offense can't have another first half with just three pass attempts. We have to get it going."
