UNM offensive line giving back with turkey drive

New Mexico’s offensive line helped give fans one of the most memorable wins in recent memory Saturday night, allowing no sacks in a 38-35 upset win over No. 19 Washington State.

Even on a bye week, they plan to keep giving back.

UNM’s offensive line is giving away Thanksgiving turkeys and sides to families in need at 10 a.m. Sunday in the University Stadium West parking lot, the program announced via a news release. The drive is being funded by NIL donations from Lobo linemen and donations from the community, and will continue until supplies last.

“The guys on the offensive line just wanted a way to give back to our community this year, and we thought going out and using our NIL money to get turkeys and some fixings to give to families that need it would be a great way to thank the community that has been so great to our team,” right guard and team captain Richard Pearce said in the release.

Fans can donate to the UNMatched Excellence fund at https://bit.ly/3CF8ybO before it closes on Friday afternoon. The goal is to feed upward of 100 families through the drive.

With an all-transfer starting five comprised of left tackle LaJuan Owens, left guard Baraka Beckett, center McKenzie Agnello, right guard Richard Pearce and right tackle Wallace Unamba, the Lobos have allowed five sacks on the season — the third-lowest mark in the 134-team FBS.

In large part due to its front, UNM has thrived on the ground, averaging 248.91 yards per game. Against Washington State, quarterback Devon Dampier became the first Lobo quarterback to rush for 1,000-plus yards in a season with 192 yards and three touchdowns to seal the program’s first win against a ranked team in over 20 years.

UNM closes out its season at Hawaii on Nov. 30 at 9 p.m. MT. With a win, the Lobos (5-6, 3-3) would clinch their first bowl appearance since 2016.