Was it the much-needed bye week or the much-anticipated return of its former head coach that galvanized the UNM football team’s fading spirits?
Either way, the Lobos, who entered the second portion of their season, were not first-half-of-the-season bad Saturday against bidding-for-a-bowl San Diego State. To no one’s surprise, the Aztecs eventually opened a sizeable lead, in part thanks to a huge gaffe by UNM’s secondary in the final five seconds of the first half.
Ignoring that, the Lobos flew around the field and made so far unstoppable running back Ronnie Hillman look human. The team that showed up Saturday was competitive enough to beat a team inferior to SDSU. Am I saying the Lobos are competitive enough to save head football coach Mike Locksley’s job? Well, let’s not go that far.
As Locksley noted, though, the defense gelled, picking up where it left off against New Mexico State in Las Cruces. There, the unit didn’t allow an offensive touchdown.
“The last two games, I thought they played the best consecutive games of defense,” Locksley said. “Still too many big plays. Our guys have got to be in better position, but I think the thing we’re doing a little better is stopping the run. With the talented running back they have, we wanted to make them one-dimensional.”
Not counting a half-ending heave-ho that resulted in a touchdown catch by SDSU wide receiver DeMarco Sampson, the Lobos didn’t surrender to the Aztecs. They halted Hillman. Drawing comparisons to former SDSU tailback Marshall Faulk — and not just because they share birth dates — Hillman had a hellish night. The “Reggie Bush of Orange County” rushed for just 64 yards on 18 carries and didn’t score a touchdown in Lobo country, a far cry from his 131-yard average.
Provided that the Aztecs are not overrated — an inconceivable thought after taking into account their 27-25 win over then No. 25 Air Force — “average” was the best-suited word to describe their output. SDSU missed on a handful of deep passes, as quarterback Ryan Lindley overshot his receivers on at least two memorable occasions.
Despite that, the UNM defense stiffened.
Even factoring in the points, the Aztecs’ 17 meager ones marked a Lobo opponents’ lowest first-half total at University Stadium.
Stilled and stuffed offensively, UNM managed just a pair of first-half field goals, but the offensive line held its ground against Long’s patented Chinese-fire-drill, 3-3-5 scheme.
Then again, the former UNM head coach didn’t put a number on his Alma mater. For the better part of the night, SDSU was discerning about sending blitzes, though when it did come, the packages were coyly disguised.
To that end, Long’s returning visit to University Stadium was a muffled one. So much for that riotous welcome-home reunion. Quite subdued, hardly anyone weathered the cold night and watched the Aztecs slowly, methodically pull away from the Lobos.
These days, UNM football tickets have about as much value as war bonds. Mistaking us for fans, despite the obvious credentials dangling from mine and Daily Lobo Sports Editor Ryan Tomari’s neck, a man came up to a group of us at the west parking lot behind the press box. He offered our group two tickets. Not bothering to take the time to sell them, presuming he could, the man gave away the tickets for free, bumping up Saturday’s attendance from 16,486 to an impressive 16,488.
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Too bad few witnessed arguably the Lobos’ best performance of the season, considering the quality of the opponent. The further into the season UNM goes without winning, the more it can expect a surf-sized crush of apathy.
Frolicking in the stands for part of the second half, there wasn’t much to hear. Even after a big play, fans reacted to the action with mild disinterest.
Just as Locksley said the team is “desperate for a win,” the Athletics Department has to be desperate to procure a treatment for its flailing fan base. This week, fans received an $8 discount on cherry level tickets if they brought canned-food items to the ticket office.
Judging by Saturday’s attendance, there must be a lot of hungry people in Albuquerque.
The marketing gig didn’t seem to help, nor did the Lobos’ particularly inspired play.
Even with the sparks of life seen Saturday night, this season is a lost cause. Not then, not now, could Long remedy the attendance problem that exists on south campus.
Hit with the “miracle worker” tag, Locksley was supposed to elevate the program, and the “damn fans” would follow.
Instead, at the end of Saturday night, it was just a damn shame.
