New Mexico vs. UTEP final score: Lobos fall to rival Miners, 31-24

In another installment of the Lobos and Miners rivalry Saturdays game went down to the last two minutes only to be decided when Dameon Gamblin muffed a punt at the Lobos 6 yard line with the game tied and 2:18 left in the game. Aaron Jones and the Miners took advantage scoring the game deciding touchdown. This is the second consecutive time the Miners have defeated the Lobos in University Stadium.

The Miners lead by Jones built a 24-7 lead going into halftime. Aside for Gautsche's 68 yard touchdown run the Miners held the Lobos Triple Option in check.  It looked as if the Miners were going to run away with the game but the Lobos opened the second half with an 83 yard drive capped by a Teriyon Gipson 13 yard Touchdown run. The Lobos then forced a UTEP punt followed by a Gautsche 51-yard Run that brought the Lobos within three points.

The Lobos started the Fourth quarter with momentum but mid-way through the quarter Gautsche pulled up lame after a 33 yard run. Backup quarterback Clayton Mitchem came in to finish the driver and the Lobos were forced to settle the game tying field goal.  The Lobos still looked like they were in good position to win the game prior to the fumbled punt by Gamblin. The Lobos last final drive was ended by an interception.

The Lobos were led by Gautsche’s career best 184 yards and two touchdowns. The Miners leading rusher Jones who had 237 yards and three touchdowns on 22 carriers. Coming in to the game the Miners had a young offensive line but that did not seem to affect their running game. Miners Coach Sean Kuglar said "I was very proud of the young offensive line. Four guys that never started before. That was their first game as collegiate players and they got it after it. They played physical like we expected them to play."

The Lobos (0-1) will next face #19 Arizona State on Saturday September 6^th at 6 pm MST at University Stadium in Albuquerque. The game will be broadcast on the CBS College Sports Network. It is not yet known if Gautsche’s injury will be severe enough to keep him out of the game.