ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – For the first time since October 21, 2023, the UNM football team has won a home game. For the first time since September 11, 2021, the UNM football team has won a second consecutive game. The win came on Saturday night as the Lobos took down Air Force 52-37.
“Happy for my players,” said UNM head coach Bronco Mendenhall. “Wins are hard to get, so I’m grateful for the work they continue to do. I see more and I believe it. I’m encouraged and I hope those watching us can see it and believe it.”
“We’re trying to make this normal,” Christian Ellis said. “This is New Mexico, this is what we do. We win here.”
While Air Force was able to play to its identity on offense consisting of option runs and clock chewing drives, the Falcons had a hard time slowing down the Lobo offense. UNM finished the game with 434 yards of offense and 7 total touchdowns.
Devon Dampier finished his night 14-19 for 179 yards and one touchdown. Nic Trujillo was the Lobos leading receiver with 85 yards and his first collegiate touchdown. Fellow New Mexican Luke Wysong also found the endzone on a punt return for a score.
On the ground, UNM was led by Eli Sanders with 80 yards and two touchdowns. Sol-Jay Maiava-Peters and Dampier were also heavily featured in the run game with 63 yards, 1TD and 50 yards, 2TD, respectively. Full stats.
UNM now looks to a third consecutive game for the first time since 2016. The Lobos will have that opportunity next Saturday at Utah State.
