In a compelling display of athleticism, the University of New Mexico Lobos triumphed over New Mexico State Aggies with a score of 50-40 during the latest installment of the Rio Grande Rivalry. This victory marked the 114th meeting between the two teams. The Lobos showcased a powerful ground game, rushing for a total of 331 yards and achieving seven rushing touchdowns, a feat that included an impressive 50-yard end-around touchdown by Javen Jacobs. This performance led the Lobos to amass 579 yards of offense, with the 50 points scored marking the highest total for UNM at Aggie Memorial Stadium in the last 30 years.
The Lobos maintained control throughout the contest, never trailing and only experiencing a tie on one occasion at 7-7 early in the first quarter. Throughout the game, the Lobos’ offensive line proved formidable, allowing no negative offensive plays until the closing moments when quarterback Devon Dampier took two kneel-downs to seal the victory. Multiple players contributed significantly to the rushing success, with Devon Dampier and NaQuari Rogers each scoring three touchdowns, while Jacobs added one. Of note, Rogers emerged as a crucial player, finishing with 122 yards on 21 carries, which included a career-best three touchdowns.
The game commenced with the Lobos taking a 21-10 lead into halftime. The momentum shifted in the third quarter when UNM orchestrated a 75-yard drive, culminating in Dampier’s 24-yard touchdown run. Despite a failed two-point conversion attempt, the Lobos increased their lead to 27-10. The Aggies responded with a touchdown, narrowing the score to 27-17, but the Lobos countered with a 20-yard field goal by Luke Drzewiecki to extend their lead to 30-17 by the end of the third quarter.
Defensively, the Lobos held strong against the Aggies’ first-and-goal situation, limiting them to a short field goal and setting the score at 30-20. Following this, Rogers’ second rushing touchdown stretched the lead to 36-20. Although UNM missed an extra point, the Aggies managed to score again but failed to convert a two-point attempt, leaving the score at 36-26.
In a crucial moment for the Lobos, Nigel Williams recovered an onside kick, setting up a pivotal third-and-9 situation at midfield. Jacobs electrified the crowd by executing an end-around play for a touchdown, sealing the game for UNM. The Aggies would score once more, narrowing the deficit to 50-33, but the Lobos effectively managed the clock and concluded the game with Dampier’s kneel-downs.
UNM’s victory was particularly significant as it represented the program’s 500th win. Following this game, the Lobos will enjoy a week’s rest before returning to action against Air Force.
National Recognition for Academic Excellence: Aaron Rodriguez Named Semifinalist for Campbell Trophy
In a noteworthy announcement, the National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame revealed a record-setting 203 semifinalists for the 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy®, which honors college football’s premier scholar-athlete. This record surpasses the previous year’s 201 nominees, highlighting an impressive roster of candidates from all NCAA divisions and the NAIA. The collective GPA of the semifinalists averages an exceptional 3.63, with over half having already completed their bachelor’s degrees.
Amid this prestigious recognition, New Mexico’s own punter Aaron Rodriguez was honored as a semifinalist—an achievement occurring just before the Lobos’ Rio Grande Rivalry game against New Mexico State. Rodríguez, a figure of distinction within the Mountain West Conference, is in his super senior year, studying nursing. As part of his academic commitments, he was unable to travel with the team to Las Cruces on the Friday before the game, as he participated in the Nursing School “Pledge Ceremony.” This ceremony marks a significant milestone in nursing education, symbolizing the commencement of professional medical training.
Notably, Rodriguez had previously graduated with a degree in psychology and has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the field as a three-time member of the Ray Guy Award Watch List. He stands on the brink of becoming the fourth Lobo in history to achieve over 10,000 punting yards in his career.
The Campbell Trophy®, celebrating its 35th year, commends not just athletic accomplishments, but also academic success and exemplary leadership, defining the essence of a well-rounded scholar-athlete.
Rodriguez Impresses with Punting Skills Following Nursing Ceremony
Following his nursing school ceremony, Aaron Rodriguez showcased his exceptional punting ability in the game against New Mexico State. His performance earned him the Mountain West Special Teams Player of the Week accolade. Rodriguez’s punting prowess was highlighted by an impressive average of 45.8 yards over four punts, a statistic that significantly contributed to UNM’s tactical advantage early in the game.
His initial punt brilliantly capped at the two-yard line, a strategic maneuver that thwarted the Aggies’ offense, who later failed to convert a 57-yard field goal attempt, keeping the game tied at 7-7. Rodriguez’ next punt set a season-long mark at 56 yards, once again restricting the Aggies deep within their territory, allowing the Lobos to establish a lead they would not relinquish.
Other standout performances within the Mountain West included Ashton Jeanty of Boise State earning offensive honors, defensive player Jalen Catalon of UNLV, and freshman of the week Caden Chittenden also from UNLV. Following a much-deserved break, New Mexico will prepare to host the Air Force on Saturday, October 12, scheduled for a 5 PM start and will be broadcast on truTV/MAX.
Women’s Soccer: Lobo Offense Dominates Nevada for 5-2 Victory
The Lobo women’s soccer team demonstrated offensive dominance in a recent match against Nevada, securing a decisive 5-2 victory. The Lobos struck early, scoring two goals within the first six minutes and swiftly adding a third within 29 minutes. This match marked an impressive display of teamwork and skill.
Presley Devey took the spotlight, netting a hat trick, while Nicole Anderson contributed significantly with a brace, signaling a career high. Devey’s remarkable achievement made her the first Lobo to accomplish a hat trick since Jadyn Edwards did so against Cal State Bakersfield in 2022. Anderson’s goals not only marked her first multi-goal game, but they also included the game-winning score, further emphasizing her critical role in the team’s success.
The scoring commenced at the 4:11 mark when Morgan Juran assisted Devey near the top of the box. Devey executed a perfect shot to the top right corner of the net. Moments later, benefiting from a turnover, Devey extended her tally to two, capitalizing on a fortunate deflection that resulted in the score reaching 2-0 within just a couple of minutes.
The Lobos maintained pressure with multiple scoring chances before Anderson found the back of the net at the 28:33 mark through a header following a corner kick situation, showcasing her keen awareness on the field. UNM dominated the first half, leading in shots 16-4, demonstrating a solid offensive strategy as they pursued additional goals.
The second half saw Anderson add to her tally, scoring her first brace at 54:46, elevating the score to 4-0. Shortly thereafter, Devey scored from the penalty spot, notching her hat trick and demonstrating her scoring abilities. Despite Nevada’s attempts to mitigate the score with two late goals, the Lobos firmly controlled the match.
With a total of 26 shots during the match, 12 of which were on target, the Lobos capitalized on opportunities and showcased their offensive capabilities. The victory over Nevada not only highlighted the team’s skill set but also marked a promising continuation of their season.
The Lobos, currently standing at 5-2-2 overall with a conference record of 1-1-0, will next face off against Boise State on the road for a crucial matchup.
Volleyball: UNM Defeats San Diego State in Five-Set Thriller
The New Mexico volleyball team secured an inspiring victory against San Diego State, overcoming a difficult start in the fifth set. After a back-and-forth match, the Lobos staged an impressive 9-0 run to claim a thrilling 3-2 victory (25-22, 27-25, 14-25, 16-14). This game marked a significant milestone for the Lobos, as they extended their winning streak over the Aztecs to six matches, equalling their longest consecutive wins against SDSU in program history.
Coach Jon Newman-Gonchar praised the team’s resilience and determination, emphasizing the importance of battling until the end, particularly in the intense fifth set. The match exhibited a dynamic flow, including a critical 9-0 run by UNM in the second set, showcasing their tenacity in reclaiming momentum. The Lobos managed to secure the first two sets, but SDSU fought back to force a fifth set, resulting in heightened anticipation among fans.
This match also marked the first five-set clash between the two teams since 2018, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry. “Seeing our teams fight back in the service line and defensively was impressive,” Coach Newman-Gonchar stated, expressing pride in their performance.
With this victory, the Lobos improved their overall record to 8-4 and 1-1 in the Mountain West Conference, setting the stage for their next challenge as they look to continue their momentum moving forward.