Arizona holds off New Mexico 45-37 in New Mexico Bowl

New Mexico’s story: The Lobos were projected to run 6.3 on offense (using my formula that accounts for sacks) and allow 5.85 on defense.

-Arizona lists four players as out: Defensive lineman Luca Bruno (foot), left guard Freddie Tagaloa (knee), linebacker Derrick Turituri (hip) and quarterback Nick Wilson (knee). New Mexico got back within five on a touchdown run from Austin Apodaca but couldn’t get the second score it needed to keep its hopes alive.

But the Arizona Wildcats had the final answer. “We have looked better, ” Davie said.

“We had a lot of adversity this year and to finish it off with a win on the road, a bowl win, a road win, and for our seniors to finish with a winning record is pretty neat for them”, said Rodriguez, marking his fourth consecutive bowl appearance with the Wildcats.

New Mexico coach Bob Davie was the coach at Notre Dame when the Irish beat Rodriguez-led West Virginia, 34-24, in 2001…. “Now, can we move forward?”

The Wildcats have suffered many a key injury this season.

In contrast, the University of Arizona Wildcats barely made it out alive of the vaunted Pac-12 conference this year. Prediction: Arizona 40, New Mexico 28, Line: Arizona -10, o/u: 63 Score: Arizona 45, New Mexico 37And You Care Because… Two series later, he was intercepted, giving the Wildcats the ball at the Lobos 4-yard line. OH is allowing 157 yards on the ground but a healthy 4.8 per carry. He should be healthy for the bowl game, but will his play be improved?

At best, he’s projected as a middle-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

For the casual college football fan, it’s gonna be hard to predict the outcome of this year’s Gildan New Mexico Bowl.

Special Teams: People say special team play is 33% of the story, and in bowl games it can be even more significant. The Lobos are 3-7-1 in bowls, and their return to the New Mexico Bowl has generated excitement in Albuquerque.

We just have to stay calm, cool and collected and do the things we do, ” Langford said. Despite a head injury that took him out of their last game on November 21, Soloman is expected to start. A two-point conversion attempt failed, and the Lobos would not score again. After a play for no gain and a loss of 10-yards on a fumble, UNM wound up in a 4th-and-13 situation.

Arizona tried to add on to its lead, but missed a field goal on its next possession, leaving the door open for New Mexico.

The Lobos could only muster a Zack Rogers field goal on the ensuing drives. I don’t deny that, ” Davie said.

White said his teammates want to win the Lobos’ first bowl game since 2007 for each other but they would also love to notch a victory for Davie. “This will only be important to us if we take advantage of this and build on this”.