The University of New Mexico Lobos out-gained the Wyoming Cowboys 372 to 345 yards, posted nearly the same number of first downs and only turned the ball over once, but UNM could not convert enough drives into points as the Lobos fell 23-10 at War Memorial Stadium on Saturday.
The ability to convert on third down and keep drives alive is critical to the success of a football team. Although UNM finished with more yards than Wyoming, the Lobos managed to covert just four of 11 third down opportunities compared to 11 of 18 for the Cowboys.
Sheriron Jones completed nine of 17 passes for 143 yards, and Tevaka Tuioti completed five of 10 passes for 60 yards and the lone touchdown score on the Day for UNM. Not terrible numbers for the quarterback tandem, but not efficient enough to beat a Wyoming team that entered the game with a 4-2 record (1-1 in conference)
Ahmari Davis rushed for a team-high 86 yards on 14 carries, while Jodan Kress led UNM in receiving with 94 yards on four receptions.
Wyoming’s stout rushing attack and UNM’s inability to stop the run proved to be a deciding factor in the game.
Xazavian Valladay and quarterback Sean Chambers combined to rush for 243 yards and two touchdowns to lead Wyoming. It was only the second 100-yard game for Valladay on the season and the first time in his career in which he topped 30 rushing attempts.
Valladay’s other career-best performance came at the hands of the Lobos, with the 6-0 196 pound native of Matteson, IL rushing for 192 yards and two touchdowns at DreamStyle Stadium last November.
With the loss, the Lobos fall to 2-5 on the season and 0-3 in Mountain West Conference play. UNM will look to break their losing streak this Saturday afternoon against Wyoming at DreamStyle Stadium.