Good Win Over New Mexico, But Not Typical Aztec Style

Aztecs win, 24-14. Key MW Conference victory. Now 2-1. But was this our Aztecs? 397 yards rushing and only 73 passing. If we hadn’t taken a knee in those “victory formations” at the end of the game, we’d have had at least 400 yards. Whatever, we’ll take it!

There were those three brilliant TD runs. Donnel Pumphey for 49 in the first quarter; Chase Price for 27 in the third quarter; and then the eye-popping 93-yarder by Donnel, again in the third, this time with hardly a Lobo to avoid. Once he clears, no one catches Donnel!

Having a hundred-yard rusher in a game is always a good sign. But the Aztecs had two – Donnel with a big 246, and Chase with 141.

The defense deserves a special bow for shutting down New Mexco’s triple option, the fourth leading rushing team in America going into the game. For all the Lobos’ efforts, including three they did break for a total of 71 yards, they gained only 152 yards for the game. Our D was so aggressive, usually with two Aztec tacklers making the hit.

If it hadn’t been for rash of turnovers late in the game, including a fumble at the goal line, it would have been hard to find anything to criticize.

Now we get a home game before another bye and then on to the toughest part of the MW schedule. Be there Saturday to support our Aztecs!

Donnel Pumphrey (246 yards) and Chase Price (141 yards) combined for 387 rushing yards vs. New Mexico (photos by Ernie Anderson)

 GO AZTECS!