Original Game Story | Game Highlights | Post Game Press ConferenceThe University of New Mexico Lobos are going bowling. In this seven-part series by Assistant A.D. for Communications Frank Mercogliano, we will look back at each of UNM’s seven wins that brought UNM to bowl eligibility. Part one is UNM’s season opening victory over Mississippi Valley State.ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The 2015 season opener for The University of New Mexico was a game that UNM fans in the end knew the Lobos would win, and despite accounting for the opponent (Mississippi Valley State would go on to a 1-10 season), the season opener showcased a new and improved defense for New Mexico, one that would key several late season victories.
The game also would showcase that the Lobos had numerous weapons on offense, particularly in the run game. It also showcased one of the odder touchdowns in Lobo history. UNM also stopped the Delta Devils in their only red zone opportunity, a theme that would eventually play out over the course of 2015.
In front of a season opening crowd of 21,930 that was stunted a bit by a pretty good rainstorm, the Lobos would go on to dismantle Mississippi Valley State of the FCS by a count of 66-0 (leading to several “Rout 66” puns in the media and amongst the fan base). New Mexico rolled up 511 yards of offense with 339 rushing and 172 passing. The 172 yards passing would eventually be the third-most passing yards for the squad for the year and also was a sign that UNM could throw the ball much better than in any of the last three seasons.
It was an inauspicious start to the season as the Lobos went three-and-out on their opening possession, going backwards five yards. From that moment on it was all Lobos. UNM would score on 10 of its next 11 drives, only missing when UNM opted to not kick a field goal in the red zone late in the game.
It started with a 28-yard touchdown run by Lamar Jordan, who ran for 62 yards in the game and threw for 103 on a perfect 7-for-7 passing day. That touchdown was the first of eight rushing touchdowns on the night for the Lobos. That second rushing touchdown was one not seen at UNM in at least 40 years, if not ever.
Heading into the end zone on UNM’s third drive, Romell Jordan lost the handle on a ball, fumbling into the end zone. However, luck shined on UNM, as the ball went to Reno Henderson, UNM’s starting offensive left tackle, who covered the ball for a 0-yard rushing touchdown, the first offensive rushing touchdown by a lineman in at least 40 years.
From there, it was a rushing touchdown clinic. Jhurell Pressley added a third first quarter touchdown just 17 seconds after Henderson’s touchdown. In the second quarter freshman Tyrone Owens scored back-to-back touchdowns to make it 35-0, and Jason Sanders tacked on a field goal to make it 38-0 at the break.
Senior David Anaya scored on a 1-yard run before Daryl Chestnut in his first game with UNM broke off a 64-yard touchdown run and a 37-yard touchdown run on his first two career touches to bring the score to 59-0 at the end of three. UNM’s only touchdown of the fourth quarter was a 32-yard interception return by graduate transfer Travis Green.
The Lobos allowed just 74 yards of total offense on 56 plays, 26 rushing and 48 passing. It was the sixth-fewest yards ever allowed by New Mexico in a game by the defense. UNM registered six sacks for 45 yards and 13 tackles for losses of 71 yards. UNM also forced three turnovers in posting its first shutout since October 4, 2008 when the Lobos shut out Wyoming 24-0.
The eight rushing touchdowns tied a school record and it was UNM’s largest shout victory in 65 years.
In the end, it was a win most folks around the program expected, but the dominating fashion of the win certainly set the stage for what was the come for UNM over the next 11 games.
After the game, Head Coach Bob Davie said “I think we have the potential to be an explosive football team.” He was right as UNM would eventually be either first or second in the nation in runs of 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 yards.New Mexico will be playing in its first bowl game since the 2007 season. UNM will learn its bowl fate on Sunday, December 6. Tickets can be purchased through the UNM ticket office at www.unmtickets.com.
Road to a Bowl: Win #1 – UNM 66, Miss. Valley State 0
