Washington State Holds Off New Mexico in Thrilling Showdown
Albuquerque, NM – In a high-energy football matchup on Saturday night, Washington State University (WSU) triumphed over the University of New Mexico (UNM) with a final score of 28-21, maintaining their hopes of a College Football Playoff spot.
The game saw WSU quarterback, John Mateer, deliver a remarkable performance, finishing the night with 267 passing yards and three touchdowns, alongside a rushing touchdown. His precision was on display in the first half, where he completed 15 of 17 passes, leading the Cougars to a commanding 28-14 lead at halftime.
The Lobos made notable adjustments in the second half, tightening their coverage on Mateer. New Mexico’s Devon Dampier showcased his speed and agility, scoring a crucial 33-yard touchdown during a 10-play drive that brought the score within one touchdown at 28-21. Dampier’s efforts on the ground included two rushing touchdowns and contributed heavily to the Lobos’ offense with 92 rushing yards.
Despite the Lobos’ fierce defense, which stifled WSU’s momentum in the second half, the Cougars managed to hold onto their lead. The teams exchanged scoring opportunities, with UNM’s defense suddenly stepping up and limiting Mateer to just two completions in the third quarter.
Having entered the game as a 10.5-point favorite, the Cougars demonstrated resilience and strategy, keeping their winning streak alive and improving their record to 9-1. The loss left New Mexico at 4-7.
The Cougars look to build on this victory as they aim for a chance to compete in the playoff discussions, while the Lobos will seek to regroup for their next matchup. The performance of both quarterbacks highlighted the night, showcasing the dual-threat capabilities of both offenses.
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