Lobos rides big 3rd quarter to rivalry win over Aggies
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
LAS CRUCES — “The Roaster” is coming back to Albuquerque.
New Mexico scored 21 third quarter points en route to a 42-18 win over rival New Mexico State, the program’s third straight victory in the long-standing Rio Grande Rivalry.
By winning at Aggie Memorial Stadium, the Lobos now retain possession of “The Roaster,” a 30-pound, table-top chile roaster trophy with wooden stands on each side and branding from both schools.
The traveling trophy was started by students from UNM and NM State ahead of last season’s edition of the Rio Grande Rivalry.
“When you bring it down on the bus, the goal is to bring it back on the bus,” second-year head coach Jason Eck said Monday.
After leading 14-3 at the half, UNM got two turnovers — an interception by safety Tavian Combs and a fumble recovery by defensive end Elijah Brody — converted into touchdowns to take a 28-3 lead. Running back Kiefer Sibley’s 3-yard rushing score made it 35-3 entering the fourth quarter, effectively putting the game out of NM State’s reach.
UNM is now plus-14 in the turnover margin, the best mark in the country at the time of publication. The Lobos have not turned the ball over on offense through four games.
NM State’s 19-game turnover-forcing streak ended Saturday. The Aggies scored both their touchdowns in the fourth quarter.
Turning point: On first-and-15 deep in NM State territory, defensive tackle Jalen McIver forced a fumble from quarterback Trey Hedden, one that was recovered by Brody. Three plays later, UNM took a 28-3 lead off quarterback James Laubstein’s 3-yard rushing touchdown.
Key stat: Beyond a 3-0 day in the turnover margin, UNM rushed for 251 yards against an NM State defense that entered Saturday allowing 118.8 per game.
First downs: After largely struggling against Oklahoma, UNM running backs Scottre Humphrey and Kiefer Sibley combined to rush for 159 yards and three touchdowns.
Short of the sticks: Wide receiver Troy Omeire’s messy start to the season only got messier after he left Saturday’s game in the second quarter with an undisclosed injury. The UNLV transfer caught two passes for 22 yards against the Aggies.
Add-ons: Former Aggies Diego Pavia and Shiyazh Pete were in attendance for Saturday’s game … NM State paid tribute to legendary former linebacker Fredd Young, who died at the age of 64 on Sept. 15 … NM State announced a crowd of 25,024 at Saturday’s game.
Next up: New Mexico (3-1) hosts UTEP (1-2) next Saturday (Oct. 3) at 2 p.m. in University Stadium. The game will be broadcast on MW+, the Mountain West’s subscription-based streaming service.
Sean Reider covers college football and other sports for the Journal. You can reach him at sreider@abqjournal.com or via X at @lenaweereider.
More UNM football coverage
*
Who's starting for the Lobos against NM State?
*
Three things to watch for as UNM takes on NM State in the Rio Grande Rivalry
Lobos need to limit explosive passing plays and try to create a few of their own
*
23 years in, UNM’s Red Rally still fans the flames of the Rio Grande Rivalry
Annual pep rally saw hundreds of students come out to watch 25-foot Aggie burned in effigy
*
Practice report: Notes, quotes as Lobos prepare for rival New Mexico State
After a difficult outing at Oklahoma, UNM receiver Troy Omeire aims to regain his form against New Mexico State in Las Cruces
*
Steve Alford, former Lobos coach, will retire after this season at Nevada
In 6 seasons at UNM, Alford won four MW championships, two league tourney titles and made three NCAA Tournament appearances
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos