John Mateer of Washington State, a quarterback for whom New Mexico had almost no answers, dominated the first half.
Devon Dampier was the star of the second half, helping the Lobos pull off what may have been their biggest victory in decades.
New Mexico defeated No. 19 Washington State 38-35 on Saturday night at University Stadium, their first victory over a ranked team in more than two decades. Dampier scored the game-winning touchdown with 21 seconds remaining after the team had fallen behind by three touchdowns in the second quarter.
The Lobos (5-6, 3-3) are one victory away from making their first bowl appearance since 2016 in head coach Bronco Mendenhall’s first season in charge. For the first time since 1994, UNM defeated a ranked team at home, improving their record against them to 7-61 overall.
Dampier led the Lobos in rushing with 192 yards and two touchdowns, and he completed 11 of 25 passes for 174 yards and one touchdown. Luke Drzewiecki’s 19-yard field goal with 4:40 remaining put UNM ahead 31-28 after he made a five-yard rush on the fourth and second quarters.
The fact that the Lobos ended up there was evidence of the defense’s comeback in the second half.
Mateer ended a quiet second half with a 37-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kyle Williams (nine receptions, 181 yards, three touchdowns) with 3:12 left to put the Cougars ahead 35-31 after Washington State opened the game with three consecutive touchdowns. UNM then held the Cougars to just one touchdown over their next six drives.
Eli Sanders, a running back for UNM, ran for 108 yards and one touchdown at the end of the third quarter, tying the score at 28-28. Caleb Medford caught UNM’s lone receiving touchdown, and wide receiver Luke Wysong led the Lobos with five receptions for 71 yards.
The Cougars (9-2) led 21-7 in the second quarter after Mateer completed his first 11 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, including a 20-yard zip over the middle. It was a memorable first half. Washington State led 28-14 at the half thanks to four touchdowns from the redshirt sophomore.
Dampier, however, had the last word as he charged into the end zone for a four-yard touchdown to put UNM ahead 38-35. Mateer’s last-second hail mary attempt was unsuccessful, and the Lobos managed to hold on for one of the most memorable victories in program history.
We’ll be updating this story.
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