BRYAN/COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Texas A&M scored touchdowns on its first two drives less than six minutes into the game, and the Lobo offense could never get on track against one of the nation’s best defenses, and the No. 7/5 Texas A&M Aggies defeated UNM 34-0.
The Lobos were stunned in the first six minutes and never truly recovered. The Aggies scored two touchdowns on their first four offensive plays. After a three-and-out by UNM to open the game, a long punt return set up the Aggies at the Lobo 43-yard line. On the third play, Zach Calzada hit Davon Achane from 26 yards out for a 7-0 lead. After another punt, Calzada took advantage of a blown coverage and hit Demond Demas for a 70-yard catch and run touchdown and the Aggies led 14-0 just 5:22 into the game.
UNM’s defense settled down after that, allowing just two field goals and a touchdown until late in the third quarter when the Aggie starters punched in a fourth touchdown against a defense that had five players getting their first snaps on defense.
Offensively, Terry Wilson was harassed into a 10-for-23 day for just 33 yards. UNM never got over the 100-yard mark until the third quarter, but two sacks knocked UNM out of triple digits. Wilson also was sacked four times as the A&M defense had seven tackles for loss in the game.
Where A&M really hurt UNM was on special teams, as returner Ainias Smith returned four punts for 78 yards. He had much more than that but a penalty halted one long return and an elbow on the ground turned a 50-yard return into a 1-yarder. Aaron Rodriguez punted a career-high 10 times for a 41.2-yard average.
UNM was led in the rushing department by Aaron Dumas, who rushed 10 times for 49 yards. Mannie Logan-Greene led the way receiving with three catches for 16 yards.
Tavian Combs had a solid day with 11 tackles and an interception as both teams had one turnover each. Joey Noble had four tackles, a sack and a pair of hurries as UNM did show an ability to get to the quarterback.