Aug. 16, 2008
 ALL ACCESS: Coach Long Interview
The Lobo defense picked up right where it left off nine months ago at this afternoon’s annual Fan Photo Day and intrasquad scrimmage. The event, originally scheduled for University Stadium, was moved to the Indoor Practice Facility after a steady rain fell in the middle of the afternoon.
After posting a 23-0 shutout against high-scoring Nevada in last year’s New Mexico Bowl, the 2008 Lobo defense showed its own teeth, allowing just one touchdown in 17 series while registering 8 sacks. More impressive is that several of those drives started on the defense’s side of the 50-yard line. The UNM offense – which used six different quarterbacks – was held to 296 yards in 77 plays.
The first-team offense was hindered somewhat as two starting linemen sat out with minor injuries.
The defense got on the scoreboard as well, courtesy of a nifty interception by senior cornerback Glover Quin. Making a great break on a Donovan Porterie sideline pass intended for Chris Hernandez, Quin stepped in front and raced 70 yards for the score.
“I think we gained some confidence going into next week,” said Quin, a team co-captain. “We have to come out faster, though. Against TCU we need to come out from the jump and get it fired up.”
Quin also wanted to remind Lobos fans of their importance, especially for a team that opens the season with three straight home games against TCU, Texas A&M and Arizona.
“They may not know it, but they give us a big boost when they are cheering. Filling the stands is a big deal. They will really be important.”
Junior lobo Ian Clark led all defenders with nine tackles, including two for loss. Senior linebacker Zach Arnett also had two behind the line and a total of eight.
“I thought the No. 1 offense started the scrimmage very well,” said UNM head coach Rocky Long, who is starting his 11th season at his alma mater. “They had a nice drive early but stalled a couple of times. The physical play of the scrimmage was really good. There was a lot of solid contact and the energy was what we like to see. I was pleased, but obviously we still have a long way to go.”
Porterie completed 15 of 22 passes for 109 yards, including a 10-yard lob to Hernandez in the back of the end zone. Hernandez led all receivers with five catches for 63 yards.
“When coach (offensive coordinator Dave Baldwin) called the play I knew I was going to have one-on-one coverage with the defender (all-MWC cornerback DeAndre Wright),” said Hernandez. “I knew I had to go up and get it and was able to bring it down. I’m starting to feel more comfortable in the offense and starting to know when to get open.”
Lobo quarterbacks combined to complete 24 of 34 attempts – 71% – for 189 yards.
Senior tailback Rodney Ferguson led the rushing game with 37 yards on 8 carries.
The Lobos continue preseason workouts next week with 2-a-day practices Monday, Wednesday and Friday. UNM opens its season Aug. 30 at home against Mountain West Conference rival TCU. Kickoff is 4 p.m. for the nationally televised game on the VERSUS network.
SCORING
Glover Quin 70-yard interception return
Chris Hernandez 10-yard pass from Donovan Porterie (Drew Zamora PAT good)
INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS
RUSHING: Rodney Ferguson 8-37-0; A.J. Butler 8-24-0; Victor James 3-18-0; Terence Brown 2-18-0; Paul Baker 6-14-0; James Wright 4-13-0; Tate Smith 3-13-0; Donovan Porterie 5-(-2)-0; Chris Biren 1-(-2)-0; Jonathan Mader 1-(-4)-0; Brad Gruner 1-(-10)-0. Total: 43-107.
PASSING: Donovan Porterie 15-22-0-109; Brad Gruner 4-6-0-47; Jonathan Mader 2-3-0-16; B.R. Holbrook 2-2-0-12; Victor James 1-1-0-5. Total: 24-34-1-189.
RECEIVING: Chris Hernandez 5-63; Jermaine McQueen 3-20; Paul Baker 3-7; Daryl Jones 2-28; Rodney Ferguson 2-2; Jonathan Brooks 1-11; Chris Mark 1-9; Brandon Simpson 1-9; Tim Merrill 1-8; Josh Fussell 1-7; Bryant Williams 1-7; A.J. Butler 1-7; Cameiris Steward 1-6; Nick Wilhelm 1-5.
MISSED FIELD GOALS: James Aho 44 yards (hit left upright).
TACKLES (Min. 3): Ian Clark 3-6-9; Zach Arnett 5-3-8; Clint McPeek 4-3-7; Joe Harris 3-2-5; Wesley Beck 2-3-5; Tray Hardaway 3-1-4; Glover Quin 2-2-4; Frankie Baca 1-3-4; Blake Ligon 3-0-3; Jaymar Latchison 2-1-3; Phillip Harrison 1-2-3; Carmen Messina 1-2-3.
TACKLES FOR LOSS: Arnett 2; Clark 2; Harris 2; Beck 2; McPeek 1; Harrison 1; Jenkins 1; Baca 1; Felder 1; Messina 1; Briscoe 1; Rainey 1; Wieczorek 1.
SACKS: Arnett 1; Clark 1; McPeek 1; Harrison 1; Harris 1; Briscoe 1; Rainey 1; Wieczorek 1. Total: 8.
INTERCEPTIONS: Quin 1-70 (TD).
PASS BREAK-UPS: McPeek 1; Jenkins 1; Quin 1; Harris 1.