LOBO RECAP

Flashback:

In a game between UNM and ULM, the New Mexico Lobos beat the “L” out of the (L) ouisiana Monroe Warhawks. The resounding, 59-17 non-conference victory improves UNM’s season record to 4-3. The Lobos are 2-1 in Mountain West Conference play.

What went right:

Virtually everything. The Lobos scored touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams. The offense had a season-high 622 yards; the defense gave up a seasonlow 235 yards and got two interceptions — one for a touchdown. Special teams contributed a 93-yard touchdown kickoff return by true freshman Elijah Lilly. Sophomore running back Tyrone Owens had a career-best 171 yards rushing, an astonishing 157 of those in the first quarter. Quarterback Lamar Jordan threw for a touchdown, his third TD pass in two games, and converted third-and-13 and thirdand-8 situations with completions of 39 and 45 yards. Junior cornerback Jadon Boatright’s 40-yard touchdown interception on the third play of the game gave the Lobos momentum they never lost.

What went wrong:

Really, nothing. But in evaluating the victory, the caliber of the opposition must be considered. Louisiana Monroe, an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision team, is almost certainly more talented overall than South Dakota, the FCS team that UNM routed 48-21 in its season opener. But South Dakota performed better against the Lobos than ULM did. A season-worst crowd announced at 18,099 attended the game on a spectacular New Mexico October evening.

Injury report:

Coach Bob Davie said after the game that he was aware of no serious injuries. Davie said he hoped to have starting cornerback Isaiah Brown (high ankle sprain) and starting safety Ryan Santos (concussion symptoms), both of whom missed the ULM game, back for Saturday’s Mountain West Conference game against Hawaii.

Quoting Davie (On the sparse attendance):

“I understand what the economy, maybe, is. I understand we played a late game at night. UL Monroe is not a household name. So again, coach your team, right? Coach your team. I’ve got a lot more things to worry about than that.”

Up next: Storm warning in the Pacific:

Erstwhile Mountain West doormat Hawaii (4-4, 3-1) hosts the Lobos late Saturday night (and early Sunday morning, Albuquerque time). The Rainbow Warriors are coming off a 34-27, double-overtime victory at Air Force.