Following an impressive performance in Week 1, the New Mexico Lobos look to bring their momentum into a Week 2 matchup versus their only FCS opponent on this season’s schedule, the Mercyhurst Lakers.
Despite a dominant 38-7 victory over Central Michigan, Head Coach Jason Eck shared this week that he believes there are still improvements that can be made going into Saturday’s matchup. However, Eck shared these improvements come from “self-inflicted” things, which are correctable.
Mercyhurst, set to face just their second FBS opponent in the Division I era, is looking for their first win of the season. The Lakers are coming off a heavy 51-14 loss to New Mexico State, but regardless, Eck and the team share the same belief that it’s crucial to hold every opponent to the same standard.
Injuries could play a factor in the result of this game as several key contributors for the Lobos are questionable to play, such as offensive lineman Jaymar Tasi, wide receiver Massiah Mingo and tight end Trip Walsh. However, Mercyhurst is also dealing with an impactful injury as junior starting quarterback Alex Gevaudan has been ruled out for this week's matchup following an injury sustained in their last game.
After looking at the start of the seasons for both UNM and Mercyhurst, there are a few keys to success the Lobos should look to capitalize on.
Establish offense early
Following a 205-yard rushing game from UNM last week, all three Lobo quarterbacks who saw the field were able to claim some of the credit to great offensive line play. Quarterback Luke Moga said “the O-line was great all night,” which ultimately allowed the Lobos to impose their will offensively.
Moga also specifically spoke about freshman offensive lineman Danzel Newell’s impressive performance after he stepped in at offensive tackle, following the injury to fellow offensive lineman Jaymar Tasi.
“I didn’t notice him at all, which is a really good thing,” Moga said of how Newell fell into the role.
With a performance from the offensive line similar to Week 1, the Lobos will have an opportunity to build on their success on the ground with contributions from running backs Scottre Humphrey, Kiefer Sibley, Darrion Bowers and Cameron Mathews, who rushed for a combined 143 yards on 28 carries against Central Michigan.
The running backs weren’t the only contributors on the ground as quarterback Toa Fa’avae was the second-leading rusher with 45 yards on 7 carries, and quarterback James Laubstein led the team in touchdowns with 2 rushing TDs.
Capitalize on Mercyhurst’s defensive struggles
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Through the first two weeks, Mercyhurst is allowing over 500 yards per game, with over 200 both on the ground and in the air.
The Lobos had 10 different players contribute to their receiving yards in Week 1, a statement towards the depth in the wide receiver room, with seven of these players being wide receivers, two of them being tight ends, and one being a running back.
With the Lobos likely to utilize Moga, Fa’avae and Laubstein again, Mercyhurst’s recent
struggles are likely to allow the Lobo quarterbacks to capitalize both on the ground and in the air.
This matchup could create a game which allows lots of chunk plays, while also allowing a
handful of different receivers to get on the stat sheet, similar to Week 1.
Limit self-inflicted wounds
Coach Eck spoke about a few specific things he felt the team could clean up to “continue to grow as a football team.”
Eck addressed the couple of drives that finished close to the red zone, but ended up as field goals.
“In that 35 to 20 (yard) area I think we’ve got to be better, and have a way to get the ball pushed down and create some more touchdowns out of those (drives),” Eck said.
Alignment was also something Eck addressed the team needs to get cleaned up.
“The one explosive play (Central Michigan) had, the touchdown, (was because) we’re not getting aligned,” Eck said.
Quarterback Toa Fa’avae put it simply, saying that the key to winning is “not letting the Lobos beat the Lobos.”
Create turnover opportunities
Mercyhurst has thrown 2 interceptions in each of their first 2 games, and with UNM coming off of a game where they forced 2 turnovers themselves, this matchup will allow the Lobos to continue to create opportunities for changes in possession.
Safety Austin Brawley stated the key to creating turnovers is “flying around on defense,” adding that ”if you fly around, do your job, the plays are going to come to you.”
The Lakers face an additional challenge this week as Gevaudan is listed as out against the Lobos. With potentially both backup quarterback Tyler Tusai and third-string Anthony Wolter getting snaps this week, Brawley believes the Lobos will have an opportunity to “fly around and get some turnovers this weekend.”
Ultimately, the Lobos’ focus for this week is emphasized on establishing their offense, limiting self-inflicted errors and forcing turnovers. If executed well, the Lobos could be going into next week starting off 2-0 for the first time since 2021.
Angel Martinez is a freelance reporter for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on X @DailyLobo
