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You are here: Sports Features UNM beats UTSA, 23-20

UNM beats UTSA, 23-20

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LATE TD LEADS TO UNM WIN

The University of New Mexico beat the University of Texas at San Antonio 23-20 Dec. 17 in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl, giving the Lobos a season ending 9-4 record in the Mountain West Conference. The Lobos last won a post-season game in 2007 which was a 23-0 victory over Nevada in the New Mexico Bowl.

“You don’t get these experiences a whole lot of times,” Lobos’ head coach Bob Davie told the Albuquerque Journal. “These players, I’ve talked to them in depth about enjoying the moment. And, definitely, this afternoon was a great moment.”

The Lobos were outgained on the ground by the Roadrunners 24 to 219. New Mexico led the nation in rushing during the 2016 football season. The Lobos were outgained in total offense 364 to 296. UTSA brought the score to 16-13 late in the fourth quarter, but New Mexico surged ahead on a 75-yard touchdown drive that ate up a lot of time on the game clock.

In the game, Lobo quarterback Lamar Jordan was 3-for-4 passing for 77 yards. Jordan led the Lobos in rushing with 81 yards on 13 carries on the ground against the Roadrunners. The Roadrunners were able to get a quick touchdown later in the fourth quarter, but receiver Chris Davis of New Mexico saved the day when he recovered the on-side kick.

Roadrunners’ head coach Frank Wilson told the Journal that settling on field goals after drives hurt the team’s chances at more scoring.

“Scoring opportunities were few and far between,” Wilson said. “Unfortunately, on those occasions we had to kick three.”

The Lobos have won their bowl game appearances in 2007 and now in 2016. They lost bowl game appearances in 2016 and 2015. Davie has coached the Lobos for five seasons. The Roadrunners finished the 2016 football season with a 6-7 record. The team plays in Conference USA.

By Bernie Dotson
Sun Correspondent