The Lakers might’ve been in town on Saturday, but it was the Lobos who put on showtime.
The New Mexico Lobos dominated the Mercyhurst Lakers, probably making them wish there was a mercy rule as the Lobos blew them out 70-7 on Sept. 12. Like last week, the Lobo defense was once again on full display, making big plays all day, which helped the offense get set up in excellent field position for most of the game.
“[The] defense is playing their a ----- off, they’re playing really well,” Lobo quarterback Luke Moga said.
The Lobo defense forced a total of 6 turnovers throughout the game, picking off Mercyhurst’s quarterbacks Anthony Wolter and Tyler Tusai four times combined while also getting home to the two recording 5 sacks. The cherry on top for the defense was the 4 fumbles they forced, 2 of which they recovered.
The Lobo offense fed off the energy the defense created, as after the first quarter ended with both teams tied up at 7 apiece, the Lobo offense took off and never looked back; New Mexico scored 42 points in the second quarter, which set a record for the most points in a quarter for the program.
Out of the 10 touchdowns the Lobos scored on the day, seven of them came from the ground. Scottre Humphrey once again led the way for the ground game for the Lobos, amassing 110 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 carries, averaging a very impressive 7.3 yards per carry.
Humphrey was followed by Kiefer Sibley, who had 4 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown, averaging an even more impressive 12 yards per carry.
Through the air, the Lobos had 178 yards and 3 touchdowns between Moga and Toa Fa’avae. Similar to last week, Moga looked slightly more impressive between the two quarterbacks, but that is not saying much as both only threw for a combined 18 passes.
Looking at both games the Lobos have played so far this year, the team has outscored their opponents 108-14. Lobo Head Coach Jason Eck acknowledged the importance of winning games in this fashion.
“It’s good for morale,” Eck said. “[It’s] a big step having a game like this where everybody can play.”
With the win, the Lobos now advance their record to 2-0 on the year. The team will now look to face their toughest opponent yet as they travel up to Norman, Okla., to take on the 21st-ranked Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, Sept. 19.
Rodney Prunty is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be contacted at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @rprunty05
