The University of New Mexico (UNM) Lobos achieved a monumental victory on Saturday night, stunning No. 19/18 Washington State with a thrilling 38-35 win, propelled by a sensational performance from sophomore quarterback Devon Dampier. This victory not only keeps the Lobos’ bowl game hopes alive but also marks their first win over a ranked opponent since 2003, ending a 26-game losing streak against such teams and the first victory over a top-20 team in nearly three decades.
Dampier’s record-setting night included four total touchdowns and a staggering 367 yards of offense, pushing UNM’s overall record to 5-6. Known for a resilient second-half performance, the Lobos overcame a 14-point deficit at halftime, scoring 24 points in the second half while limiting Washington State to just one touchdown.
Historic Achievements
This victory signifies a pivotal moment in UNM’s football program. The win snapped a lengthy drought against ranked opponents, with the last victory occurring on October 25, 2003, against Utah. It was also UNM’s first win over a top-20 opponent since 1994. The last time UNM secured a win against a non-conference top-20 team dates back to 1940 against Texas Tech.
Dampier broke the school record for total offense in a single season, amassing 3,657 yards, surpassing the previous record set in 1994. Additionally, he became the first Lobos quarterback to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season, finishing the night with 193 rushing yards on 28 carries.
The game’s tone was set early as UNM scored on their opening drive, with Dampier running for a 7-yard touchdown. However, Washington State, led by quarterback John Mateer, responded with three consecutive touchdown drives, pulling ahead 28-14 at halftime. UNM’s defense struggled in the first half, but they made critical adjustments that paid dividends in the second half.
After halftime, the Lobos displayed a relentless ground game, beginning their comeback with a 33-yard rushing touchdown from Dampier, reducing the deficit to 28-21. The teams alternated touchdowns in a tightly contested fourth quarter, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Ultimately, Dampier’s final one-yard touchdown run capped off an impressive 75-yard drive with just 23 seconds remaining, securing the upset.
In a fitting end to an exhilarating game, Drew Speech, who had barely seen any action throughout the season, made a have-to-have play by swatting down Washington State’s Hail Mary attempt as time expired, sealing the Lobos’ legendary victory.
Individual Honors for Dampier
Following his exceptional performance, Dampier earned several accolades in recognition of his achievements. He was named the Week 12 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback of the Week, the Associated Press National Player of the Week, and the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week. His ability to contribute in both the air and on the ground showcased his dual-threat capability, making him a critical asset for the Lobos in their upcoming clash against Hawaii, scheduled for November 30.
Community Engagement Initiatives
In addition to their on-field success, the UNM football team is focusing on giving back to the community this holiday season. The offensive line announced an initiative to donate their NIL proceeds to help provide Thanksgiving meals for families in need. This initiative highlights the team’s commitment to community service, emphasizing the importance of support and connection with their local base.
Volleyball Team Continues Winning Streak
The New Mexico women’s volleyball team has been on a remarkable run, recently achieving significant success with back-to-back wins. Led by redshirt sophomore Liepa Lavickyte, who has garnered the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week title for two consecutive weeks, the Lobos improved their league standings by demonstrating superior blocking and defensive skills.
Lavickyte’s recent accolades underscore her impact as she played a vital role in both matches against Air Force and Boise State, racking up crucial blocks and contributing offensively. The Lobos have now extended their winning streak to four matches, positioning themselves favorably as they head into the final week of Mountain West competition.
Cross Country Teams Shine
Recently, both the men’s and women’s cross-country teams from UNM qualified for the NCAA Championships, a feat not achieved together since 2014. The men’s team has reached an impressive No. 5 ranking, while the women remain ranked at No. 10 in the USTFCCCA’s final polls. The Lobos are building on their successful legacy, with both teams aiming for historic finishes at the upcoming championships.
This accomplishment is only the second instance in UNM’s history where both teams enter the national competition ranked in the top 10 concurrently. The championship race is set to take place this Saturday at Zimmer Championship Course in Madison, Wisconsin.
Women’s Basketball Team Dominates
In women’s basketball, the Lobos secured a commanding 85-56 victory over Western New Mexico, showcasing their offensive depth with four players scoring in double figures. Destinee Hooks led the Lobos with 15 points, while Alyssa Hargrove and Viané Cumber also made significant contributions to the team’s scoring efforts.
The Lobos displayed an impressive performance both offensively and defensively, forcing 24 turnovers and scoring a remarkable 56 points in the paint. As the team continues their season, they are set to host South Carolina State on November 20, with the aspiration of building on their momentum and improving their overall record.
Men’s Basketball Team Faces Tough Matchup
The UNM men’s basketball team faced a challenging test against No. 22 St. John’s at Madison Square Garden, marking their first loss of the season. Despite a commendable effort, the Lobos fell short with a final score of 85-71. Leading the scoring for UNM were Mustapha Amzil and Nelly Junior Joseph, each contributing 16 points. CJ Noland had a season-high 15 points, supported by Donovan Dent’s 12 points and six assists.
The game provided a valuable experience for the Lobos, who faced a physical St. John’s team and pushed until the end. While the loss brought an end to an impressive start to the season, the Lobos will return home for a crucial two-game homestand, aiming to regroup and enhance their competitive positioning within their conference.
Golf Achievements
In an exciting development for UNM golf, alumni Albert Boneta and Bastien Amat secured their spots on the DP World Tour for the 2025 season after impressive performances at the final stage of Q-School. Boneta finished tied for fourth at 22-under, while Amat followed closely behind, finishing tied for seventh at 21-under. This essential milestone not only recognizes their hard work and dedication but also highlights the success of UNM’s golf program in developing players that compete at the highest levels.
Enhancements in Women’s Soccer
The UNM women’s soccer program recently announced the signing of five recruits for the class of 2025, enhancing their roster with fresh talent and local players. Among the signees are midfielders Celina Frenz and Mia Barela, along with forwards Ainsley Capps, Claire Roybal, and Laila Magaña Carter. These new recruits are expected to bring a wealth of skill and promise that will contribute to UNM’s objectives in future seasons.
With a commitment to build upon their previous successes, the Lobos look forward to integrating this new talent into their system and fostering a strong competitive spirit in the years to come.