Lobos vs. Aggies: The three-best games between New Mexico and Utah State

Five Mountain West member schools — Boise State, San Diego State, Fresno State, Colorado State and Utah State — are set to leave the conference after this season, ending multiple longstanding series with UNM until further notice.

In light of that change, the Journal is revisiting the top three games in the history of each series, from the Lobos’ decades-long rivalries with Wyoming and Colorado State to a relatively new one with Boise State.

This week: UNM vs. Utah State

Oct. 19, 2024: New Mexico 50, Utah State 45

Why it’s here: One of the high points of the short-lived Bronco Mendenhall era, and just a remarkably entertaining football game anyway.

The Lobos outgained Utah State 552-503 behind a 377-yard performance from quarterback Devon Dampier, but still needed a last minute interception from linebacker Dimitri Johnson to walk away with the win — one that left Mendenhall in tears during a memorable postgame interview.

What the Journal wrote: In a game with too many big moments to count, Dimitri Johnson claimed one for himself with 1:04 left at Maverik Stadium.

The senior linebacker knew exactly what he saw: On second-and-10, Utah State quarterback Spencer Petras was looking downfield “for a while” as wide receiver Otto Tia ran a low crossing route in from the boundary.

“And usually when it’s a low crosser, that means there’s something right above it coming from the same side or the backside,” he said casually in a postgame press conference. “I (knew) I had to get some depth.”

Johnson dropped about 10 yards off the line of scrimmage and saw wide receiver Kyrese White move in his direction toward the hash. Petras’ eyes moved to White, the second layer of the play. Johnson didn’t lunge or leap when the ball was released, with Petras stepping back to watch his throw.

Instead, he took two steps in the pass’ direction and tumbled down with it — ballgame. Johnson bounced up and headed toward the sideline as teammates swarmed him, an indescribable feeling at the end of a simple, easily dissected play.

“I don’t even know,” he said with a grin. “I still don’t know what’s going on.”

After trailing for all but one minute, Johnson’s pick sealed New Mexico’s wild, come-from-behind 50-45 win against Utah State on Saturday afternoon. With the victory, the Lobos (3-4, 2-1) have won three straight games in a season for the first time since 2016.

— Sean Reider, Journal staff writer

Sept. 20, 1997: New Mexico 25, Utah State 22

Why it’s here: Brian Urlacher’s late fumble recovery sealed a rare 4-0 start for the Lobos and a win over a Utah State team that later claimed a share of the Big West title. UNM went on to play for a WAC championship and finished 9-4 in head coach Dennis Franchione’s final season, still one of the most successful campaigns in program history.

What the Journal wrote: In the mud and the rain and the slop, the University of New Mexico football team did something it rarely has done.

It won a close game.

The Lobos, improving to 4-0 for the first time since 1984, defeated Utah State 25-22 in nonconference action Saturday night.

UNM won on the road despite relying on a fourth-string tailback, despite throwing two interceptions and despite losing three fumbles.

“In my six years, I don’t know if I’ve seen a Lobo team that could have won this game the way they did,” head coach Dennis Franchione said.

— Ed Johnson, Journal staff writer

Nov. 24, 2023: Utah State 44, New Mexico 41 (2OT)

Why it’s here: Over 31 meetings, most of Utah State’s victories over UNM have been relatively decisive. Not this one. The Aggies needed (and got) a career-best performance from quarterback Levi Williams (357 total yards) to win in double overtime, locking up a bowl bid and keeping a seven-game winning streak over the Lobos alive.

What the Journal wrote: Quarterback Levi Williams turned a near-fumble into a game-winning touchdown as Utah State survived a late New Mexico rally to win 44-41 in double overtime on Friday at University Stadium.

After trailing all game, the Lobos (4-8, 2-6) kicked a game-tying field goal with four seconds left in regulation to cap a furious 10-point comeback. But the Aggies (6-6, 4-4) set up Williams’ walk-off score with a successful fourth-down conversion on UNM’s 16-yard line, a gamble UNM turned down on an earlier possession.

With Cooper Legas (shoulder) listed as questionable all week, Williams emerged as the Aggies’ starter right before kickoff and completed 16 of 27 passes for 198 yards in his first start of the season. But the junior quarterback made the biggest difference on the ground, rushing for 169 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning score in double overtime.

— Sean Reider, Journal Staff writer