On to New Mexico – A Game We SHOULD Win

The key word is “should.” With one conference loss, the Aztecs are still very much in the hunt for the MW title. I do not believe any team will go undefeated. But our Aztecs cannot afford another MW loss.

The New Mexico series dates back to 1953, when the Aztecs lost a road game, 41-12, but now hold a 24-15 edge. Our first victory was in 1976, beating the Lobos 17-14 in then-San Diego Stadium. That was the start of a 5-game win streak. The Aztecs’ real streak against New Mexico started in 1984 and ran for 13 straight wins.

Right now we are on a 4-game win streak. It began the year after the worst, most embarrassing loss in my memory. It was 2008 and we went to Albuquerque for a game that was nearly a toss-up. Maybe the Lobos were a little better. Then, the opening whistle blew and the Lobos blew by the Aztecs from the very beginning, with the final score of 70-7 looking like it had to be a misprint.

This week’s game? With our injuries still a problem and our young QB still very inexperienced, nothing is a sure bet, even though the Aztecs are 4-point favorites. Me? Unless the officials influence the outcome, I see us coming home winners, a step in the right direction for the MW title.

Pete Inge looks to flatten another Lobo in the Aztecs’ 35-7 win in 1979; DeMarco Sampson gets behind two Lobo defenders for a Hail Mary TD pass at the end of the first half in the Aztecs’ 30-20 win in 2010 (photos by Ernie Anderson)

GO AZTECS!