The University of New Mexico Lobos returned to University Stadium for their homecoming game against the University of Nevada Wolf Pack, after back to back losses to conference opponents on the road.
This time, the Lobos narrowly snatched victory from the Wolf Pack, winning 24-22 on Saturday, Oct. 18.
The Lobos started hot out of the gate scoring their first opening drive points of the season, with a 16-play, 75-yard drive in the first quarter and ended with a two-yard touchdown by running back D.J. Mckinney, giving the Lobos an early 7-0 lead.
New Mexico led 14-12 at halftime, despite having two turnovers that resulted in nine points for Nevada. A muffed punt in the first quarter led to Nevada’s first points, a 33-yard field goal. At the end of the first half, running back Damon Bankston fumbled, setting up a short field for the Wolf Pack, leading to a three-yard touchdown from Nevada running back Caleb Ramseur. Nevada failed to convert on the two-point try afterwards.
Coming out of halftime, the Lobos reignited as they stopped Nevada on a fourth down. Afterwards, Lobo quarterback Jack Layne scrambled for a nine-yard gain on third-and-eight setting up a 22-yard rushing touchdown by D.J. McKinney and putting the Lobos up 21-12 in the third quarter.
UNM tried to pull away in the second half, but Nevada kept it close; trailing 24-22 with six minutes left in the fourth quarter. UNM was able to put the game away in the end as they sealed it with a successful fourth down conversion.
Lobo Head Coach Jason Eck was proud of his team’s performance, and said there are things to build on but also things to clean up.
“The last two series I thought were awesome, stopping them on fourth down and standing by the defense after we miss the field goal. And good job finishing the job on offense. Dominated the rushing battle 210 to 42,” Eck said. “We got to clean some things up, we gave them nine points off cheap turnovers, that is something they keep getting better at.”
Lobo linebacker Mercury Swaim had himself a day, with four total tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.
“It was awesome. I would probably give thanks to coach for giving me the opportunity and my lord and savior, Jesus Christ,” Swaim said. “It was a really big thing for me, hard work coming to fruition and play and contributing to the team. Anytime I can get on the field and make a positive impact for my team. I want to do that.”
Now at 4-3 with their first conference win of the season, the Lobos will draw another Mountain West foe in Utah State University at home next Saturday on Oct. 25, and a familiar face on the opposing sideline — Utah State Head Coach and last season’s Lobo Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall.
“This is a big game, two teams are 4-3, both won this week, both contended for a bowl game,” Eck said. “You get the plot of the coach who was here left, it’s a huge game.”
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Alex Joe is a freelance videographer for the Daily Lobo. You can reach him at sports@dailylobo.com or on X at @DailyLobo
