San Diego State Defeats UNM in Finale 35-10
Box Score | 2017 Season Statistics
SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The Lobos made another valiant fourth quarter comeback attempt, but UNM couldn’t overcome a 21-0 deficit and lost its season finale to San Diego State 35-10 at SDCCU Stadium in San Diego. The loss dropped UNM to 3-9 for the season, and the Lobos ended the season on a seven-game losing streak.
Down 21-0 in the third quarter, UNM made a game of it after a fumbled punt that was forced by Romell Jordan and recovered by Patrick Reed. That play led to a 46-yard Jason Sanders field goal that made it 21-3. On the next drive for UNM, Tevaka Tuioti, on in relief of starting quarterback Lamar Jordan, hit Jay Griffin IV near the SDSU sidelines, and from there it was all Griffin. He juked a defender, escaped a tackle and then cut across the field, weaving his way for a 62-yard touchdown that gave UNM life at 21-10 in the third quarter.
Here’s a recap of today’s @UNMLoboFB game. #GoLobos pic.twitter.com/OECWEwVMSZ
— New Mexico Lobos (@UNMLOBOS) November 25, 2017
UNM then had a shot to get even closer, getting inside the red zone to the San Diego State 18-yard line early in the fourth quarter, but Sanders was wide right from 35 yards out, leaving the game at 28-10. From there, the Aztecs were able to salt the game away with a 47-yard touchdown pass to to Fred Trevillion and then a 60-yard run by Juwan Washington.
San Diego State jumped out to a 7-0 lead on its opening drive, getting a key 41-yard run by Rashaad Penny, who had his fourth straight 200-yard rushing game. That drive went 86 yards over eight plays and was capped by Christian Champman’s 9-yard pass to Kehale Warring.
Wow, 62-yards for the Lobos. @UNMLoboFB gets into the end zone after this evasive run. pic.twitter.com/cLagnRPhym
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) November 24, 2017
The game stayed that way at 7-0 for most of the rest of the half until a 20-yard Penny run with 54 seconds left, making it 14-0 at the break. Penny then scored from 51 yards out on the opening drive of the third quarter, giving SDSU wrap-around touchdowns and a 21-0 lead. It stayed that way until the fumbled punt, which kick-started UNM’s comeback attempt.
Postgame Notes: San Diego State 35, New Mexico 10
This was the 41st meeting between the two teams.
San Diego State now leads 26-11
San Diego State now leads 14-8 in San Diego
San Diego State leads 12-7 in Albuquerque
San Diego State has won six straight in the series
San Diego has now won four straight in San Diego
Starting lineup changes for UNM from published two-deep
Offense: None
Defense: Bijon Parker started at free safety, moving Jake Rothschiller back to nickel
*New Mexico’s captains were Lamar Jordan, Blaise Fountain, Alex Hart and Jake Rothschiller
*Steven Steel of Rio Rancho, New Mexico carried the New Mexico flag onto the field
*New Mexico won the toss for the ninth time this season, and is went 8-4 on coin tosses.
TEAM NOTES:
*The Lobos wore their white helmets with white tops and white pants for the second time this season. The outfit matches the road game on September 14 against Boise State.
*New Mexico rushed for just 82 yards, its lowest output in the Bob Davie era. The previous low was at Texas Tech in Bob Davie’s third game.
*New Mexico’s third quarter touchdown was just the sixth on the road this season, and just the fifth on offense. Touchdown drives on the road this season were by Tevaka Tuioti (2), Coltin Gerhart (2) and Lamar Jordan (1). Elijah Lilly also had a kickoff return for a touchdown to account for the other touchdown.
*The turnover battle ended up tied at 2-2, making UNM 2-0 when winning the turnover battle in 2017 and 1-9 when not. The only win was at Tulsa.
*UNM rushed for 2,825 yards for the season, the first time in the Bob Davie era UNM didn’t break 3,000.
INDIVIDUAL NOTES
*Jason Sanders went 1-for-2 on field goals and finished his career tied for ninth in career made field goals with 25. He also finished sixth in field goal percentage at 25-for-35 (71.4%)
*Sanders ended his career with a school record 111 extra points. His only career miss was blocked.
*Corey Bojorquez averaged 47.0 yards on seven punts, giving him a season average of 47.3, a New Mexico record. He also finished his career with an average of 45.1, also a UNM record.
*Jay Griffin IV finished with 110 yards receiving, UNM’s first 100-yard game since Dameon Gamblin had 131 against Tulsa in 2015.
*Jordan Flack’s second quarter interception was his first of his career, and UNM’s sixth of the year. It was the first interception by a position other than safety all season.
*Patrick Reed’s fumble recovery on a punt was his first of his career.
*Zahneer Shuler, who moved from running back to tight end prior to the season, had his first two career carries.
*Jay Griffin IV’s 62-yard touchdown was his third 60+ yard scoring play of the season.