New Mexico Upsets No. 18 Washington State, Dashes Cougars’ Playoff Hopes
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In a thrilling finish, New Mexico ended a 20-year drought against ranked teams, defeating No. 18 Washington State 38-35 on Saturday night at home. Devon Dampier was the standout performer, scoring the decisive touchdown on a 1-yard run with just 21 seconds remaining, propelling the Lobos (5-6) to victory.
Dampier’s impressive performance included rushing for 192 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries, while also throwing for 174 yards and a touchdown. Eli Sanders contributed significantly with 108 rushing yards and a touchdown, helping New Mexico stage a remarkable second-half comeback.
After trailing 28-14 at halftime, the Lobos rallied to tie the game in the third quarter, thanks to a 33-yard touchdown run from Dampier and a 26-yard scoring dash by Sanders. Facing a 35-31 deficit in the final minutes, Dampier led a 75-yard drive that culminated in his game-winning score.
Washington State, led by quarterback John Mateer, put on a strong offensive display, with Mateer completing 25 of 36 passes for 375 yards and four touchdowns. Kyle Williams was a standout receiver, amassing nine catches for 181 yards and three touchdowns. However, the loss dashed the Cougars’ aspirations for the College Football Playoff.
With this victory, New Mexico aims to secure bowl eligibility in head coach Bronco Mendenhall’s inaugural season. As for Washington State, they face a challenging matchup against Oregon State next Saturday, hoping to rebound and stay competitive in their conference.
New Mexico will look to capitalize on this momentum as they prepare to face Hawaii on November 30. The Lobos’ win marks a significant achievement in their campaign, revitalizing their season and rekindling fan enthusiasm.
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Photo credit www.krem.com
