Lobos Host Red Hot Fresno State Bulldogs
New Mexico Game Notes | Fresno State Game Notes
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — There have been some incredible defenses that have played on the Dreamstyle Stadium turf, but this Saturday, one of the best ever might be coming to play the Lobos, and UNM’s record-setting offense will have to figure out in a true battle of the irresistible force and the immovable object. It will all go down on Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. at Dreamstyle Stadium was the Lobos host the first place Fresno State Bulldogs. The game should be played in perfect weather, with temperatures slated for 65 degrees at kickoff.
“They are second in the nation in scoring defense, they are tenth in the nation in total defense, they are second in the nation in turnover margin and they have really talented receivers on offense,” said Bob Davie at his Tuesday media gathering. “And, they hit the jackpot on their quarterback” in referring to Marcus McMaryion, who joined the Bulldogs after transferring from Oregon State after the 2017 season had begun. n the end he summed it up pretty succinctly. “They’re good.”
The Bulldogs have won four in a row, and have lost just once all season, a 21-14 loss at Minnesota, a game Fresno State led late in the fourth. The Bulldogs went to UCLA and manhandled the Bruins 38-14. It scored 79 points on Idaho. In 24 quarters of football, Fresno State has allowed two scores in the same quarter just twice. Combine that with the history of the series, in which UNM has lost six straight and a series in which due to the sparseness of games, UNM hasn’t won over Fresno State since 1994 and hasn’t won in Albuquerque over Fresno State since 1989, and there’s a lot to digest.
However, the last time these two teams met in a two-game set was 2013 and 2014. In 2013, UNM lost in Fresno 69-28 on Derek Carr’s senior night, a 41-point blitzing. The next year was a different story as UNM lost 35-24 in a competitive game that the Lobos arguably should have won, leading in the third quarter. Last year UNM lost in Fresno by 38, and now the Lobos are looking for another bounce-back in the rematch. It’s something Bob Davie’s teams tend to do very well, as UNM has bounced back with wins following losses in two-game series’ before under Davie. UTSA, Tulsa, San Jose State, Nevada and UNLV twice, including a win earlier this year.
UNM’s Sheriron Jones will be tasked with figuring out how to solve the riddle that is Fresno State’s defense, one that is allowing just 13.5 points per game overall, and just 3.0 in Mountain West play. Jones has been brilliant, throwing for 10 touchdowns over his last three games. In Mountain West play he has six touchdowns and no interceptions. Tyrone Owens is third in the Mountain West in rushing. Defensively, the Lobos are allowing just 17.0 points per game in conference play, and they have allowed just 44 points over the last 10 quarters after allowing 42 in the first half to Liberty.
Saturday’s game is also Teach Appreciation Day. Lobo Athletics will be giving away $50 gift cards for classroom purchases, along with a gift bag, to 50 teachers. Fans are asked to go on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook and nominate their favorite teachers, using the hashtag #GoLobos. Teachers can also nominate themselves by describing what they would use the gift cards for. Along with the gift cards and gift bags, these 50 teachers will receive free tickets to the game (along with a plus one) and a free tailgate and tour of the facilities. All 50 teachers will be recognized on the field as well. Three additional teachers will be chosen to receive a $1,000 gift card for their classrooms.
Fans have until the end of the workday, Thursday, October 18 to nominate a favorite teacher.
Regardless of whether or not a teach is selected, Lobo Athletics wants to show all our teachers that they are valued. With that, all teachers, students and their families will receive a 40% discount on tickets. Using the link https://unmtickets.com/fb_10-20_edu/ or by using the promo code EDUCATION.
And with it being Teacher Appreciation Day, Bob Davie can certain appreciate the teaching job that has gone on at Fresno State. “You have to put the credit where credit is due,” said Davie, referring to Fresno State’s powerful squad. “Jeff Tedford has come in there and had done an unbelievable job.”