The University of New Mexico football team defeated North Dakota State 21-16 on Saturday at University Stadium, keeping the Lobos atop the Mountain West Conference standings in front of 34,794 fans. The crowd size marked the largest non-NMSU attendance at the stadium since 2005. The victory improved New Mexico’s record to 6-1 overall and 3-0 in conference play, while handing the Bison their second loss in their inaugural Bowl Subdivision season, the Tri-City Record reported.
Ground Game and Defensive Stops Drive Lobo Victory
New Mexico relied on a stout ground game and timely defensive stops to secure the win, rushing for 180 yards while holding North Dakota State to a season-low 53 yards on the ground, according to the Tri-City Record. Kiefer Sibley led the Lobos with 91 rushing yards on 13 carries, including a 29-yard touchdown run less than four minutes into the first quarter. Quarterback Toa Fa’avae completed 8 of 14 passes for 92 yards with one touchdown and one interception, helping the offense total 279 yards. New Mexico averaged 4.8 yards per play and got 31 rushing yards and a score from Scottre Humphrey, alongside 39 yards from Deshaun Buchanan on three attempts.
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Austin Brawley Seals Win With 56-Yard Pick-Six
With New Mexico clinging to a five-point lead in the fourth quarter, Austin Brawley delivered the decisive play by intercepting North Dakota State quarterback Nathan Hayes and returning it 56 yards for a touchdown, according to the Tri-City Record. The defensive score turned a 14-9 advantage into a 21-9 cushion with 10:57 remaining. Nicholas Romero kicked the extra point to make it a two-score game. The interception was Brawley’s third of the season, equaling his total from a year ago.
North Dakota State Rally Falls Short in the Fourth Quarter
North Dakota State mounted a late response when Hayes connected with Mekhi Collins for a 4-yard touchdown pass with 6:42 remaining, pulling the Bison within 21-16, the Tri-City Record reported. The Bison had an opportunity to complete a comeback on their final possession, but New Mexico’s defense forced a turnover on downs near midfield following an incomplete pass on fourth down. Hayes finished the game completing 17 of 33 passes for 198 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions as the Bison totaled 251 yards of total offense.
San Jose State Matchup Awaits New Mexico Next
New Mexico hits the road for its next contest, visiting Spartan Stadium to face San Jose State on Saturday at 2 p.m., the Tri-City Record reported.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Game
How many fans attended the homecoming game at University Stadium?
A crowd of 34,794 fans attended the matchup, marking the largest non-NMSU home crowd for New Mexico since 2005.
What were the leading rushing statistics for New Mexico?
Kiefer Sibley led the Lobos with 91 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, while Scottre Humphrey added a 2-yard touchdown run, helping the team total 180 rushing yards, the Tri-City Record reported.
How did North Dakota State score its touchdowns?
Quarterback Nathan Hayes threw two touchdown passes—a 15-yarder to Reis Kessel in the third quarter and a 4-yarder to Mekhi Collins in the fourth quarter, according to the Tri-City Record.
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