Trio of Lobos Named Preseason All-Mountain West

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — Three Lobos, offensive lineman Aaron Jenkins, running back Tyrone Owens and defensive lineman Garrett Hughes were all named preseason All-Mountain West in a vote by members of the league’s media.  It’s the first time that three Lobos were named to the preseason team since 2013, and the first time that three non-special teams players were named to the team since 2007.
 
Only San Diego State has more players named to the team, and UNM tied for the most offensive players (two) with Colorado State and San Diego State.
 
Owens was one of two Lobos to rush for 1,000 yards last season, rushing for 1,097 yards, and his 8.0 yards per carry last year is the best among any returning running backs in 2017.  Owens had help in getting those yards following Aaron Jenkins, a two-year starter who is a junior like Owens.  Defensively , Hughes led the Lobos with 6.5 sacks and overall he had 28 tackles.
 
In addition to the preseason All-Mountain West teams, the 2016 predicted order of finish was released, and despite the Lobos tying for the 2016 Mountain Division title and missing out on the championship game due to a tiebreaker that ultimately didn’t involve UNM, the Lobos were predicted to finish fifth in the league’s Mountain Division.  That matches up with last year, as UNM was also picked fifth.  Boise State garnered 21 of 28 possible first place votes and was picked first (161 points) followed by Colorado State (six first place votes, 135 points), Wyoming (one first place vote, 114 points), Air Force (82), New Mexico (68) and Utah State (28).  San Diego State was the unanimous choice in the West Division for the second straight year with 168 points, followed by Hawai’i (135), UNLV (105), Nevada (79), San José State (54) and Fresno State (76). 
That the Lobos have defeated seven bowl teams in the last two seasons and were named by SportsOnEarth are one of college football’s most entertaining teams.   The national recognition from SportsOnEarth continues a recent trend of New Mexico football hitting the national spotlight, whether it’s three major articles in USA Today over the past year, including one to kick off the 2016 bowl season, or national interviews with Bob Davie on Sirius/XM, on UNM’s seven appearances on ESPN last season.
 
Lobo Football not only is one of college football’s most entertaining teams, but it’s probably the most affordable and best value.  Season tickets can be purchased for as low as $86 for a great six-game home schedule that features New Mexico State as well as bowl teams in Colorado State and Air Force.  There are also new corporate plans available for businesses to take advantage of and bring a group out to Dreamstyle Stadium.  To purchase new season tickets, call 505-925-LOBO, log on unmtickets.com or visit the Dreamstyle Arena Ticket Office Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Mountain Time.