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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico exploded for a season-high 620 yards and 32 first downs en route to a wild 52-33 homecoming victory over Air Force on Saturday night at University Stadium. New Mexico (3-4, 2-2 MWC) rushed, passed and returned a fumble and punt for touchdowns as it recorded its third straight victory over Air Force (4-3, 2-2 MWC). With the win, New Mexico moved into a fourth place tie with the Falcons in the Mountain West Conference standings.
The game started on an ominous note for UNM when Air Force senior quarterback Keith Boyea kept the ball and raced 65 yards for a touchdown on the game?s first play from scrimmage. Sophomore quarterback Casey Kelly kept the Lobos in the game, throwing for a career-high three touchdowns as the two teams combined for 58 points and 568 yards in the first half. New Mexico took its first lead of the game with 48 seconds left in the half when senior cornerback Stephen Persley scooped up an errant option pitch by Boyea and jaunted 25 yards for the touchdown to put UNM ahead 31-27.
New Mexico?s special teams joined in the scoring midway through the third quarter when senior running back Holmon Wiggins fielded a punt from Air Force senior John Cortney, broke several tackles and scampered 47 yards down the right sideline for the touchdown. Boyea led the Falcons back, hitting senior tight end Kevin Runyon with a 52-yard pass before Boyea plunged into the endzone from a yard out to cut the lead to 38-33 seven seconds into the fourth quarter. Air Force would get no closer though as the Lobos? dominating rushing attack put the game out of reach. Following Boyea?s touchdown, New Mexico ground out 64 yards rushing on a season-high 16-play, covering 80-yards. Senior running back Jarrod Baxter scored on a seven-yard run. Baxter added another touchdown and the Lobo defense intercepted Boyea twice in the final eight minutes of the game to secure the victory.
Kelly led the UNM offensive explosion, throwing for a career-high 324 yards and three touchdowns and rushing for 46 yards. Baxter and Wiggins combined for 165 yards rushing while senior running back Javier Hanson added a career-high 63 yards on the ground. Junior wide receiver Joe Manning also had his finest game as a Lobo, catching a career-high eight balls for 135 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore receiver Dwight Counter chipped in 81 yards on four receptions. UNM senior kicker Vladimir Borombozin also connected on his 12th straight field goal, a 33-yard kick in the second quarter, to set a school record.
Boyea led the Falcons in the air and on the ground, rushing for 69 yards and two touchdowns, while passing for 166 yards and a touchdown. Senior wide receiver Ryan Fleming recorded a pair of receptions for 51 yards before leaving the game with a fractured hand.
New Mexico returns to action next weekend when it travels to San Diego, Calif. to take on the San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday, Nov. 3.