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@ThomasRomeroS
Tackling is one of the most basic concepts in football — yet it’s one that New Mexico has failed to execute this season. Against Colorado State, UNM’s dearth of tackling revealed itself once again.
The Rams (6-5, 4-2 Mountain West Conference) took full advantage of the Lobos’ shortcoming in a 66-42 victory at University Stadium on Saturday.
“Defensively, I feel for our guys, I really do,” head coach Bob Davie said. “I’ve been doing this game a long enough time that — it’s going to take time. The reality of what this is is pretty apparent.”
CSU’s sophomore running back Kapri Bibbs was the major beneficiary as he ran for 291 yards on 38 carries with six touchdowns. Bibbs’ six touchdowns tied the Mountain West Conference record for rushing touchdowns in a single game. Nevada’s Stefphon Jefferson had six on Sept. 22 of last year.
To keep pace with Bibbs, Rams quarterback Garrett Grayson torched the Lobos’ secondary for 302 yards, completing 20 of 28 passing attempts with three scores.
UNM senior defensive end Jacori Greer credited CSU’s offensive line for the effectiveness of the Rams’ offense.
“He (Bibbs) was a strong guy, good runner, physical,” Greer said. “To be honest, it wasn’t him — it was his offensive line. Their whole line, they worked good together and they’re solid with no real weakness … they wore us down.”
Without a defense to speak of, UNM’s offense kept the score close until the fourth quarter.
After Bibbs gave CSU a 52-42 lead to start the final quarter, UNM responded by going four-and-out. On fourth-and-2, junior tailback Crusoe Gongbay was stuffed for just a 1-yard gain, giving the Rams a short field to work with.
“We had to do that,” Davie said. “I didn’t think about punting the ball and giving it back. They were going to take it and score on us.”
CSU took advantage when Bibbs scored from 26 yards out for a 59-42 lead with 9:30 remaining.
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UNM (3-7, 1-5 MWC) tried to respond, but its drive stalled after getting to CSU’s 25-yard line. Junior quarterback Clayton Mitchem’s pass on fourth-and-18 was incomplete to Marquis Bundy.
The Lobos’ final defensive series saw five straight Bibbs runs that went for 65 yards and the record-tying sixth score on an 18-yard run for a 66-42 lead in the last minute. Bibbs ran through UNM defenders left and right on that final series, having scored all of CSU’s touchdowns in the second half.
In the first half, sophomore quarterback Cole Gautsche showed off his improved passing skills by completing five of his first six passes for 115 yards and two scores. He struggled after his hot start, completing just two of four passes with two interceptions late in the second quarter. UNM went into halftime down 31-21.
Gautsche didn’t return to the game after halftime because he was either ill or concussed, Davie said.
“Cole made some great throws,” Davie said. “He felt like he was in control and everyone has seen his development.”
With the loss, UNM is no longer bowl-eligible. This will mark the sixth straight year that the Lobos have been ineligible for a bowl berth.
“It’s frustrating especially because this year and last year was the closest we’ve ever been,” Greer said. “At the same time, we’re young and we’re building something. It’s going to take time but we’re getting there.”
The Rams finished with 649 total yards of offense and converted 8 of 11 third down attempts.
Mitchem and Gautsche combined to throw for 249 yards on 11 of 17 attempts with two scores and two interceptions. Wide out Tyler Duncan caught four passes for 95 yards and a score.
Gongbay led UNM with 98 rushing yards on 12 carries, Gautsche had 63 yards on 11 rushes, and senior running back Kasey Carrier ran just six times for 13 yards. The Lobos finished with 291 yards on the ground.
