LOBO RECAP

Flashback: The New Mexico Lobos attach an exclamation point to a breakthrough 2015 season, guaranteeing themselves a winning record with an exciting, 47-35 victory over Air Force late Saturday night at University Stadium.

What went right: The Lobos, who’ve had their struggles in the ground game, broke loose for 377 yards rushing against an Air Force defense that had given up no more than 270 yards rushing in a game all season. New Mexico scored on the ground from 57, 75 and 44 yards in the first half alone, and added pass plays covering 58 and 44 yards before the game was over. Seeing their oncecommanding lead cut to six and then five points in the second half, the Lobos made plays on offense, defense and special teams in sealing the victory.

What went wrong: New Mexico has had an unfortunate habit of giving up large amounts of touchdowns to a single opposing player: six to Colorado State’s Kapri Bibbs in 2013, five to CSU’s Dee Hart last year, and now five (totaling 260 yards) to Air Force running back Timothy McVey. Four times, once on a running play and three times on pass receptions, McVey got past the UNM secondary with alarming ease. A crowd announced at 18,868, less than half the stadium’s capacity, actually was far smaller than that, given that purchased tickets are counted whether they’re used or not. Injury report: No serious injuries were observed, and the Lobos now have at least three weeks to heal their bumps and bruises.

Quoting Davie: “(This victory) gives us a lot of momentum, a lot of confidence. I’m just happy that we’ve come as far as we have, to be able to close these games out and win some games here against some really good teams.”

Next up: The Lobos (7-5) likely will play at home in the New Mexico Bowl on Dec. 19. The identity of their opponent is problematic, since Conference USA, the contracted other half of the New Mexico Bowl matchup, has only five bowl-eligible teams and seven bowl tie-ins.