The countdown to kickoff on the big screen at University Stadium continues to tick away — New Mexico football is on the horizon.
The Lobos are closing in on two weeks worth of fall camp practices ahead of their season opener at home against Central Michigan on Sep. 5 at 8:00 p.m. Few questions linger regarding a conference championship-caliber roster, but a profound one remains unanswered: quarterback.
UNM held their second scrimmage of fall camp Thursday evening, this time at University Stadium, as the team gets accustomed to the environment of playing at home. All five rostered quarterbacks saw action, though the red jerseys (meaning the wearer can be tackled) were worn by Luke Moga and Toa Fa’avae.
It’s a three-man race between Moga, Fa’avae and James Laubstein for the starting quarterback position. Though Head Coach Jason Eck said he hasn’t made any decisions yet regarding a winner, it’s worth noting that Laubstein took all three drives with the first-team offense during the scrimmage.
Unofficial scrimmage stats:
Laubstein: 1-of-5 passing (20%) | 5 yards | 21 rushing yards | 1 rushing TD
Moga: 11-of-15 passing (73%) | 100 yards | 4 rushing yards
Fa’avae: 3-of-6 passing (50%) | 45 yards | 1 passing TD | 1 INT | 12 rushing yards
Both Moga and Fa’avae worked with the first- and second-team offenses, and all three quarterbacks were tasked with two-minute drills, red zone and moving the ball in regular game setting situations.
“I thought he played better today than the last scrimmage,” Eck said of Moga. Wide receiver Shawn Miller and Moga appeared to be on the same page from the start — Moga dropped a beautiful ball in the bucket to Miller for over 20 yards on the third play of his opening drive. The duo later connected three separate times for 27 yards on Moga’s final possession.
“I think the offense had one of their better days,” Miller said. “My goal is just making sure I’m capitalizing on my opportunity and doing my job the best way I can.”
Miller, who has worked on getting back to his normal self after undergoing surgery on his hand in the offseason, has been catching fire as of late. A handful of unusual drops early on in camp feel like decades ago, and it appears he’s set to take on a large role on offense.
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Toa Fa’avae’s performance in the first scrimmage raised eyebrows. His ability to escape the pocket and find first-downs on the ground made him effective, but Eck wants to see less turnover-worthy plays from him.
“Toa had a nice drive but he’s gotta keep protecting the football,” Eck said. “He was a little reckless at times.”
Fa’avae tossed a jump ball to tight end Trey Moore — who came down with it in between multiple defenders — off his back foot for 33 yards before delivering a strike to Zhaiel Smith for a nine-yard touchdown. Though Eck’s desire for less turnovers wasn’t satisfied when safety CJ McBean picked off Fa’avae with safety Tavian Combs barring down on him.
“I still think he’s pretty close,” Eck said of Fa’avae’s position in the quarterback race. “I would’ve loved to see him make another big jump like he did last week…he did good things but I don’t think it was probably quite the dramatic (jump like) last week.”
Make no mistake, Fa’avae’s untapped potential has been evident despite the turnovers. He’s very well still in the mix for the starting gig.
James Laubstein’s unofficial stats won’t flatter anyone without more in-depth context. Laubstein faced the first-team defense for the majority of the scrimmage, and was effective as a runner during the red zone period, where he slipped past a linebacker for a 4-yard touchdown.
The offense saw a heavy dose of Scottre Humphrey early on, and Darren Agu’s first-down sack to start Laubstein’s second drive eventually led to a three-and-out. Laubstein scrambled for a first-down during his final possession, but a sack by Jalen Charles followed by back-to-back offensive penalties would quickly sputter Laubstein’s final drive.
UNM is expected to announce a starter at some point next week. Jack Layne continues to rehab from an elbow injury he suffered at the beginning of last season. His availability for Week 1 is in doubt.
Observations & standouts
Wide receivers KJ Cherry and JT Jeter — who scored an 11 yard touchdown — were consistent targets for quarterbacks Cade Mitchell and Gabriel Motschenbacher.
Freshman tight end Trey Moore continues to make highlight level-plays every week. His development is worth keeping an eye on during this season and beyond.
Running back Darrion Bowers had his best day of camp by showcasing his agility and pass-catching ability. He delivered a jaw-dropping juke that left his teammates fired up.
McBean and cornerback Joshua Barnes both notched interceptions. Safety Xavier Rivera-Rogers and cornerback Eric McClain both had textbook pass breakups as well.
Freshman safety Marco Beltran Jr. tackled running back Cameron Mathews for a loss on fourth-and-1 to seal a drive defensively.
Edge Garcia is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @ByEdgeGarcia
