New Mexico vs. Air Force Game Info
- Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: truTV
- Live Stream: Watch this game on Sling (Regional restrictions may apply)
- City: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Venue: University Stadium (NM)
The New Mexico Lobos (1-4) and the Air Force Falcons (1-4) square off on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at University Stadium (NM) in a battle of MWC foes.
This Saturday night in Albuquerque, the New Mexico Lobos will face off against the Air Force Falcons in a key Mountain West Conference showdown.
Both teams are looking to gain momentum, with the Lobos coming off a thrilling 50-40 win over New Mexico State, while the Falcons aim to rebound from a tough 34-7 loss to Navy.
Head Coach Bronco Mendenhall and Air Force’s Troy Calhoun have strikingly similar career records, showcasing their long-term success at the FBS level.
In his 18 years as a head coach, Mendenhall has compiled a 136-85 record, while Calhoun, also in his 18th season, holds a 131-86 mark.
Both coaches have built solid reputations for consistently delivering winning seasons.
As these two Mountain West Conference teams collide, fans can expect a battle full of determination and grit, particularly as the Falcons’ signature triple-option attack tests the discipline of the Lobos’ defense.
Lobos Riding High
In the win against the Aggies, Devon Dampier paced the Lobos with 248 passing yards, completing 13 of 28 attempts (46.4%) without any interceptions. He added 70 yards and three rushing touchdowns on the ground on eight carries.
Photo courtesy of New Mexico Football 2024
NaQuari Rogers was dominant in the run game, rushing 21 times for 122 yards (5.8 yards per carry) and three touchdowns.
Caleb Medford led the Lobos’ receiving effort, hauling two catches for 91 yards. With eight rushing attempts for 70 yards, his dual-threat capabilities have made him a formidable opponent.
Dampier, who leads the team with 1,309 passing yards this season, has added six passing touchdowns and six rushing scores.
Eli Sanders has also anchored the Lobos’ run game, which has resulted in 232 rushing yards on 50 attempts.
Luke Wysong leads the receiving corps with 454 yards and 35 receptions, making him Dampier’s go-to target.
Photo courtesy of New Mexico Football 2024
Falcons Looking to Soar Again
The Air Force Falcons enter Saturday’s matchup on a four-game losing streak, including a tough loss against Navy last week.
Air Force has faced challenges this season, and their performance against Navy highlighted their struggles.
The offense managed just seven points, while the defense allowed 34, resulting in a tough loss for the Falcons.
The Falcons’ entire offensive line graduated, and with a new quarterback and a series of injuries, every position on the offense has featured a player making their first collegiate start this season.
Photo courtesy of VSIN
Quarterback Quentin Hayes showed flashes of brilliance, completing 83% of his passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
Hayes was efficient for the Falcons against the Midshipmen, completing 5 of 6 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.
Kade Frew contributed on the ground, rushing seven times for 29 yards (4.1 yards per carry). James Roberson made an impact in the air, recording one catch for 45 yards and a touchdown on two targets.
This year has been incredibly challenging for the Air Force, whose traditionally dominant rushing attack has yet to hit its stride.
The Falcons are averaging just 173 rushing yards per game, a far cry from their typical top-three national finishes in that category.
With veterans like quarterback Zac Larrier and running back Emmanuel Michel no longer in the lineup, new faces like John Busha and Cade Harris are still finding their footing.
Photo courtesy of Parker Seibold The Gazette
Preparing for the Triple Option
For New Mexico, stopping the Air Force’s relentless triple-option offense presents a unique challenge.
Head coach Bronco Mendenhall knows the difficulty of simulating the speed and precision of the Falcons’ attack in practice.
“You certainly can work on assignments, concentration, and discipline,” Mendenhall said, “but replicating what Air Force does in a live game? That’s nearly impossible.”
The Falcons’ offense is as grueling mentally as it is physically. The Lobos, who have lost five straight to the Air Force, must maintain focus for all four quarters if they hope to break that streak.
Air Force’s complex run schemes force defenders to remain disciplined and maintain gap integrity. A single lapse could result in a big play, and Mendenhall is preparing his team to stay sharp from start to finish.
Photo courtesy of SportsBook Wire
What’s at Stake
The Falcons are looking to snap a four-game skid, while the Lobos, riding the momentum of their recent victory, hope to end a five-game losing streak against Air Force.
Both teams are hungry for a win, and while Air Force may not be the powerhouse it has been in recent years, its offensive scheme remains a potent threat.
New Mexico Leaders:
- Devon Dampier: 1,309 passing yards (261.8 YPG), 57% completion, 6 TDs, 6 INTs; 41 carries for 318 rushing yards and six rushing TDs.
- Eli Sanders: 50 carries for 232 yards (46.4 YPG), five receptions for 48 yards (9.6 YPG), 0 TDs.
- Luke Wysong: 35 receptions for 454 yards (90.8 YPG), 1 TD.
- Ryan Davis: 22 receptions for 290 yards (58 YPG), 0 TDs.
- Caleb Medford: 8 receptions for 177 yards (35.4 YPG), 2 TDs.
- Jayden Wilson: 14 tackles, 1 TFL, two sacks.
- Noah Avinger: 28 tackles.
- Christian Ellis: 25 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT, 1 pass defended.
Air Force Leaders:
- John Busha: 240 passing yards (48 YPG), 35.2% completion, 0 TDs, 3 INTs; 60 carries for 141 rushing yards, 0 TDs.
- Cade Harris: 29 carries for 171 yards (34.2 YPG), 3 TDs; 9 receptions for 124 yards (24.8 YPG), 0 TDs.
- James Roberson: 4 receptions for 89 yards (17.8 YPG), 1 TD.
- Quin Smith: 6 receptions for 86 yards (17.2 YPG), 0 TDs.
It’s a matchup of resilience and discipline and, for New Mexico, an opportunity to establish itself as a rising force under Mendenhall’s leadership.
This game could be a turning point for both programs as the season unfolds. Fans can expect a physical, hard-fought battle under the lights at University Stadium.
While it’s risky to trust New Mexico with such a spread, Air Force’s offense hasn’t shown enough to inspire confidence.
Even against a weaker defense, the Falcons will likely struggle offensively, which will be the deciding factor in this game.
New Mexico’s offense should perform well, controlling the pace and pulling away comfortably. Back New Mexico to cover the spread in this matchup.
Air Force vs New Mexico Prediction
Both teams enter this matchup seeking their first conference win, but the momentum is clearly with New Mexico.
The Lobos are fresh off a bye week and a 50-point performance in their first victory of the season.
Meanwhile, Air Force has dropped four straight games, struggling mightily on offense.
While the Falcons may find some success against New Mexico’s vulnerable defense, the Lobos, led by Devon Dampier, are the more trustworthy team.
Expect New Mexico to take advantage at home; on paper, the Lobos just have too many weapons this year with Dampier at the QB spot and three really talented receivers in Luke Wysong, Nic Trujillo, Caleb Medford, and UAB transfer Ryan Davis.
Add to that the offensive coordinator Jason Beck playing a bigger running back in NaQuari Rogers who dominated the ground game, carrying the ball 21 times for 122 yards, averaging 5.8 yards per carry, and scoring three touchdowns.
Even the Falcons facing a Lobo defense that ranks 132 among FBS teams for points allowed (43.9 , Air Force’s offense is likely to struggle significantly, which will be the deciding factor in this matchup.
The Falcons will have a tough time keeping the game competitive, while New Mexico is poised to showcase a powerful offensive performance and cruise to victory.
