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Redshirt senior Jhurell Pressley leaps into the end zone as the ball slips from his fingers at University Stadium Nov. 21. The Lobos seniors played a pivitol role in securing UNM's first bowl game since 2007. 

Redshirt senior Jhurell Pressley leaps into the end zone as the ball slips from his fingers at University Stadium Nov. 21. The Lobos seniors played a pivitol role in securing UNM's first bowl game since 2007. 

Football: Seniors help turn program around

Irreplaceable.

That’s the main word head coach Bob Davie used when describing this year’s senior class for New Mexico. It’s hard to find another word as appropriate because of what those seniors had to endure earlier in their careers.

Most of the time, UNM was outmatched against its competition and the results showed. The Lobos went just 11-26 under Davie to start his tenure, but they became more competitive as the years went on.

The team finally turned the corner this season, becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 2007. UNM’s 20 seniors played a big part in turning the program around, even more so the eight seniors remaining from Davie’s initial recruiting class.

“It feels good to be coach Davie’s first recruiting class and the first class that will come out that he actually recruited,” senior running back David Anaya said. “It feels awesome to be a part of a turnaround to see a program come up from the bottom.”

More so than making a bowl game, this year’s senior class wanted to turn the program around. UNM scored two of the biggest upsets in program history earlier this season when it upset Utah State and Boise State in back-to-back weeks.

The Lobos were also came just two wins away from winning the Mountain West Mountain Division. Instead, that honor went to Air Force, who UNM will be hosting this Saturday for the season finale.

“It feels good. That’s was one thing that we all wanted to do coming in here,” senior cornerback Cranston Jones said. “That was our mindset coming in here and change things around. To say that we got it done before we left is a big accomplishment.”

This year’s Air Force squad is once again having a strong season, despite losing several key contributors along the way. The Falcons (8-3, 6-1 Mountain West) come into University Stadium on a five-game winning streak. All three of Air Force’s losses came against bowl-eligible teams (Michigan State, Navy and Colorado State).

The biggest difference the last two weeks for the Falcons is the passing game. Air Force has traditionally relied on its own version of the triple option offense to win games. However, in wins over Utah State and Boise State, the Falcons averaged 275 passing yards on just 16.5 attempts.

“It doesn’t surprise me that they are throwing it more because they definitely have weapons there,” Davie said.  “But, they have been successful the last two weeks and they’ve thrown it more. So, it is something we absolutely have to be prepared for.”

Air Force’s defense is one of the best in the country. The Falcons rank 12th overall in total defense, allowing just 312.2 yards per game. Even more concerning for UNM is the fact that Air Force on average gives up just 117.9 rushing yards.

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The Lobos ( 6-5, 4-3 MW) will need to watch out for Falcon safety West Steelhammer. He leads Air Force in tackles with 68 and has a team-high four interceptions.

“They’re very disciplined. They’re up the field and are hard-nosed,” quarterback Lamar Jordan said. “They’re going to smack you in the mouth.”

Thomas Romero-Salas is the culture editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at culture@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @ThomasRomeroS.

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