New Mexico did not have the benefit of starting quarterback Justin Holaday who remains on the DL, and relied on freshman CJ Montes, who held his own during his first extended play this season. Montes was 15-for-23, throwing for 112 yards. It was his first opportunity to showcase his skills.
San Diego State immediately put a touchdown on the board, making it 7-0 when Jalen Mayden air mailed Mekhi Shaw who was el lobo solo behind New Mexico’s defense for a 53-yard touchdown. New Mexico was able to answer quickly with their own 74-yard touchdown drive. The big action was a career-long 51-yard run by Nate Jones. Montes then scored by pulling the ball on an option play and running five yards to tie the game.
During the second quarter during another long 63-yard pass play then set up a 1-yard run by Jaylon Armstead to make it 14-7. The Aztecs then took advantage of a special teams muffed punt when Isaiah Perez’s snap back to Aaron Rodriguez struck one of the upbacks who moved into the path of the snap. The Aztecs capitalized on the turnover in downs deep in Lobo territory to score again, making it 21-7 when Mayden air mailed the ball to Shaw for a 30-yard touchdown.
UNM then ended the half with a 39-yard field goal by Luke Drzewiecki, bringing the score up to 21-10.
SDSU scored right during its opening drive of the second half as tailback Kenan Christon tip-toe sprinted right on the edge of the gridiron on fourth-and-1, right into the end zone, scoring from 49 yards out for a 28-10 lead.
Jack Browning’s two second half field goals of 30 and 39 yards brought the score to 34-10.
The Lobos were shut out during the second half, and SDSU won decisively.
UNM heads out to Colorado State to play the Rams in their season finale on Friday, November 25th.
San Diego State hosts Air Force at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego in their season finale on Saturday, November 26th.
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