The New Mexico Lobo football team delivered their best defensive game of the season, limiting the No. 3 ranked rushing attack of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane to just 155 yards on 31 carries in a 16-13 win on Saturday afternoon.
Third-string quarterback Colton Gerhart led the Lobos with 156 yards on 24 carries while adding 108 yards on nine of 14 passing through the air. The struggling UNM ground game that led the nation in rushing yards per game in 2016 got on track this week, with 338 yards on 59 combined rushes.
Although UNM’s return to form in the ground game was a major factor in the contest, the defense and special teams play by New Mexico were the reason for UNM’s win. The Lobos entered the game ranked 97th out of 127 FBS schools in total defense, yet they held the Golden Hurricane potent rushing attack to their lowest yardage total of the season.
After rushing for 262 and 152 yards respectively in his last two games, senior tailback D’Angelo Brewer finished the game with 131 yards on 16 carries. Quarterback Chad President finished the game with negative four yards on the ground on six carries, a stark contrast to the 12/130/1 line the sophomore quarterback from Temple, TX posted last week against Toledo.
Special teams star Jason Sanders deserves a game ball from UNM head coach Bob Davie for his stellar play, making all three field goal attempts on the day, including a game-winning 53-yard kick as time expired.
The Lobos will look to continue their winning ways next Saturday at home against the Air Force Falcons at Dream Style Stadium, while the Golden Hurricane continue their 2017 season with a home matchup against Navy.
With the win, the Lobos move to 2-2 on the season, and 0-1 in Mountain West Conference play.