Complete Release in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
ALBUQUERQUE – BYU quarterback Brandon Doman completed a 15-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Ord with 3:36 remaining in the fourth quarter to give 17th-ranked Brigham Young University a narrow 24-20 victory over the University of New Mexico on Saturday afternoon in Albuquerque, N.M. Doman set up the game-winning touchdown with his 14-yard option keeper on a fourth-and-11 play from the New Mexico 29-yard line. New Mexico had taken a 20-17 lead with 6:09 remaining in the game on a 19-yard touchdown pass off a reverse pass from wide receiver Derrick Shepherd to running back Javier Hanson.
New Mexico (2-4; 1-2 MWC) had two more chances after Ord’s touchdown reception, but was unable to advance beyond its own 39-yard line. Quarterback Casey Kelly was intercepted by cornerback Jernaro Gilford on third-and-one with 2:59 remaining, but got the ball back on its 14-yard line with 1:09 left after forcing BYU (6-0; 2-0 MWC) to punt. The Lobos’ upset bid ended when Kelly’s fourth-and-13 pass to Hanson fell incomplete.
UNM executed its gameplan well in the first half as it used a strong running game to grind out the clock and keep the Cougars’ potent offense off the field. Down 3-0 starting the second quarter, New Mexico ran 6:10 off the clock on a 14-play, 80-yard drive capped by running back Jarrod Baxter’s one-yard touchdown plunge. BYU regained the lead, 10-7, four minutes later when Doman hit Rod Wilkerson for a 28-yard touchdown pass on a wide receiver screen. New Mexico answered right back when Vladimir Borombozin capped a 13-play, 76-yard drive with a 20-yard field goal to tie the game at 10 at the half. The Lobos regained the lead in the second half, 13-10, 11 minutes into the third quarter when Borombozin connected on a 23-yard field goal. Doman led the Cougars on a 10-play, 80-yard drive to start the fourth quarter, giving BYU a 17-13 lead on a 27-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Mike Rigell. The two teams reeled off three straight touchdown drives to start the fourth quarter with each one covering at least 10 plays and 80 yards.
The Lobo defense held the vaunted Cougar offense to 365 yards, 201 yards below their season average, and just three of 14 on third down, but had trouble containing Doman who eluded defenders throughout the game with his speed and athleticism. Doman rushed for 37 yards on 12 carries to go along with his three touchdowns and 258 yards on 22 of 41 passing. He was also instrumental in the Cougars’ three fourth down conversions, all coming on scoring drives. New Mexico recorded just one sack on the day, with a minute remaining in the game, matching its lowest total of the season. Ned Stearns filled in admirably for BYU leading rusher Luke Staley, who did not play due to eligibility issues, rushing for 72 yards on 18 carries.
Kelly displayed his athleticism as well, leading the Lobos in rushing with 51 yards on 13 carries. The sophomore threw for 161 yards and completed 52 percent of his passes, but was intercepted three times in his second collegiate start. Dwight Counter led New Mexico in receiving for the sixth straight game with seven catches for 60 yards. Baxter finished with 55 yards on 15 carries and Holmon Wiggins added 52 yards on 10 carries. UNM rushed for 198 yards and held a 33:40-26:20 time of possession advantage in the game. New Mexico has a bye next week before hosting the Air Force Falcons on Oct. 27 at University Stadium.