The UNM football offense had two big drives, but the rest was all defense. Senior defensive end Jaymar Latchison made it clear who came out on top when it was over.
“The defense definitely won,” Latchison said. “The offense did better, but the defense still won.”
The controlled scrimmage had the offense start at different spots on the field. Scenarios included red zone situations, a four-minute drill where the offense would have to try to run out the clock and a two-minute drill where they needed to produce a quick score.
Head coach Mike Locksley said he was pleased with the overall defensive effort.
“We created some turnovers, we had some big stops in some 3rd down and 4th down situations,” he said. “Obviously, we still have a lot of work to get in here in the next couple of weeks before the opener, but I like the direction that it is heading, and I like the energy they’re playing with and getting after people.”
The most impressive group on defense was the front line, who dominated the run game only allowing 1.9 yards per carry.
“I’ve been really pleased with that group,” Locksley said. “We had a couple short yardage situations again today and they have consistently pushed the pocket and have made plays for us in the backfield.”
During training camp, the team focused on stopping the run game, Latchison said. The Lobos start the season against Colorado State, a team to which the Lobos gave up 328 rushing yards last year. On average, the Lobos gave up more than 250 rushing yards per game last year, more than any Division I team in the nation.
“We’ve been focusing getting ready for Colorado State, because last year they ran all over us, so we know they’re going to come out and try to run it again,” Latchison said. “I think we’re ready to shut it down when Colorado State hits this field.”
Locksley said he needs the Lobos to make big plays to help the defensive backs, who were exposed at times during the scrimmage.
“We did give up some big plays, and that’s the quickest way to get beat in the secondary,” he said.
Linebacker Spencer Merritt, who led the team with seven tackles, said improvement comes with experience.
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“We’ve got some young guys out there that are trying to figure it out,” he said. “You just have to be disciplined.”
Merritt had a solid performance for the defense and topped it off with a late interception off of B.R. Holbrook, which he returned 39 yards for a touchdown.
“We’ve been playing the same offense for a couple of weeks, so I kind of saw it coming,” Merritt said. “I had a good break on the ball and, luckily, I caught it.”
