Lobos Secure Dramatic Double-Overtime Victory, Await Championship Fate
A thrilling double-overtime win against San Diego State has New Mexico poised for a potential Mountain West Championship appearance, capping off one of the program’s most successful regular seasons in decades.
In front of a roaring crowd of 30,575 at University Stadium, the New Mexico Lobos clinched a 23-17 victory over the San Diego State Aztecs on Saturday, finishing the regular season with an impressive 9-3 overall record and a 6-2 mark in Mountain West play. This win marks the Lobos’ sixth consecutive victory and maintains their perfect 6-0 record at home – their best home record since 2007. However, their championship hopes aren’t solely in their hands.
The path to the Mountain West Championship Game remains uncertain, as New Mexico must now await the outcome of other conference matchups and the decisions of the conference’s selection committee. Currently, San Diego State, Boise State, and UNLV are also in contention, with UNLV’s game against Nevada on Saturday night potentially influencing the final standings. Entering the weekend, San Diego State held the top spot, followed by Boise State, UNLV, and New Mexico, but the competition remains incredibly tight. “UNM should get a nice boost after the wild win,” a source close to the program noted.
The game itself was a back-and-forth affair, ultimately requiring two overtime periods to determine a winner. After four quarters of offensive struggles for both teams, the score was knotted at 17-17, sending the contest into extra time. The Lobos’ defense set the tone early in the first overtime, with Austin Brawley intercepting a pass after Jon Johnson broke up a potential touchdown, giving New Mexico a chance to win with a field goal. James Laubstein, who earlier scored a 40-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter, drove the Lobos to the San Diego State 4-yard line. However, a crucial fumble by Laubstein, stripped by Dwayne McDougle, sent the game to a second overtime.
New Mexico’s offense capitalized on their second opportunity. Quarterback Jack Layne connected with Cade Keith on a spectacular, one-handed catch in the end zone, giving the Lobos a 23-17 lead. Although the two-point conversion was initially successful, a penalty forced a re-attempt, which was ultimately unsuccessful.
San Diego State faced a daunting task to tie the game, but they failed to advance beyond the 10-yard line. The Lobo crowd played a significant role, forcing three consecutive false starts that pushed the Aztecs back to the 25-yard line. A short run and consecutive sacks by Keyshawn James-Newby and Darren Agu left SDSU facing fourth-and-goal from the 30-yard line. The game ended when SDSU quarterback Jayden Denegal’s pass fell incomplete, igniting a jubilant celebration among the home fans.
New Mexico established early momentum, marching 55 yards on their opening drive, culminating in a 37-yard field goal by Luke Drzewiecki at the 7:25 mark of the first quarter. Later, facing fourth-and-2 at the Aztec 40, James Laubstein powered his way outside for his first career rushing touchdown, extending the lead to 10-0.
San Diego State responded with back-to-back scoring drives before halftime, taking a 14-10 lead. Lucky Sutton scored a 1-yard touchdown run, and Jayden Denegal connected with Donovan Brown on a 46-yard pass in the final minute of the second quarter.
The Lobos quickly countered after halftime. On fourth-and-1 at their own 46-yard line, D.J. McKinney took a handoff and raced untouched for a 54-yard touchdown, regaining a 17-14 advantage.
SDSU tied the game late in the third quarter with a 44-yard field goal, following a missed 52-yard attempt. From there, the game devolved into a grueling battle of attrition, with San Diego State controlling field position but unable to capitalize with additional points. Tavian Combs led the Lobo defense with 12 tackles, while Jaxton Eck added 11. New Mexico limited the Aztecs to 355 yards of offense.
Offensively, Layne completed 14 of 25 passes for 127 yards and the game-winning touchdown. The Lobos rushed for 181 yards and two touchdowns against a San Diego State defense that had previously allowed only three rushing touchdowns all season. Laubstein finished with 70 rushing yards on 10 carries, and Damon Bankston added 56 yards on the ground.
Despite being sacked seven times, New Mexico produced 308 yards of total offense, demonstrating their resilience and determination.
This victory marks New Mexico’s first six-win conference season since 2016 and secures a perfect 6-0 home record – the program’s best since 2007. On Senior Day, in front of 30,575 enthusiastic fans, New Mexico delivered a performance worthy of their remarkable 2023 season. .
