New Mexico Lobos vs Colorado State Rams Football Recap

Colorado State 14, New Mexico 10

When you are coming off two-straight 1-11 seasons, the chance to start 1-0 was sounding quite nice for New Mexico. Not just any win, but a  conference  win to start the season. It was all coming together for the Lobos in Albuquerque Saturday night. That is, until Colorado State running back Chris Nwoke punched in a 2-yard run, which cashed in on a short 40-yard field for the Rams, as they took a 14-10 lead midway through the fourth quarter.

At this stage in the proceedings, it was time for the Lobos to rise up and claim the spot that people surrounding the program are so desperate for. The locals in the Land of Enchantment want UNM football to be headed on the road back to respectability, the place where former head coach Rocky Long took the program before rebuilding his career at conference rival San Diego State. Under current coach Mike Locksley, however, no signs of improvement have emerged in two utterly dreadful seasons. This opener against a vulnerable Colorado State team gave New Mexico the perfect opportunity to initiate a climb up the Mountain West Conference ladder. Just one score would have pushed Los Lobos across the threshold and into the winner’s circle.

On the back of a strong rushing effort, New Mexico drove from its own 25 down to Colorado State’s 25. The excitement built inside University Stadium on the UNM campus. However, in keeping with the theme of futility that has pervaded the New Mexico program over the past few years, the home team couldn’t do what it needed to do in a man-making motivational moment. Two incomplete passes sandwiched between two sacks ended the Lobo drive on downs, snuffing out the sense of hope that was just beginning to develop among the UNM fan base.

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With six minutes left, New Mexico had one more shot with a 45-yard field after an exchange of possessions. With 29 rushing yards from quarterback Tarean Austin, New Mexico worked all the way to the Rams’ 15-yard line. However, on a 3rd  and 6 play with two minutes left, Austin was sacked by CSU’s Shaquil Barrett, who forced a fumble that was recovered by the Rams, squashing the Lobos’ hope of starting on the right foot and sending a chill through the program on a late-summer day.

Sophomore quarterback Pete Thomas led the Rams with a very efficient effort, going 22-26 for 178 yards and one touchdown. Nwoke and Raymond Carter split rushing duties for Colorado State, combining for 98 rushing yards. Austin finished 20-31 for 179 yards and a touchdown in the loss for the Lobos. Next week, Colorado State hosts FCS school Northern Colorado, who is coming off a loss to on NAIA team, while New Mexico travels to play Arkansas at War Memorial Stadium.

By: Matt Zemek
DFN Sports Senior Staff Writer