New Mexico defeated Air Force 52-37 in a high-scoring Mountain West showdown.

The University of New Mexico defeated Air Force 52-37 in a high-scoring Mountain West showdown. The Lobos put up 52 points, scoring on seven consecutive possessions after their first drive and benefiting from a 79-yard punt return touchdown by Luke Wysong. New Mexico's offense was led by quarterback Devon Dampier, who contributed three touchdowns, including two on the ground.

This win marked New Mexico's second consecutive victory, improving their record to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in the conference, while Air Force dropped to 1-5. The Air Force Falcons put forth their most impressive offensive performance of the season, racking up an astounding 474 yards of total offense - a new high-water mark. This explosive output was fueled by a potent rushing attack that accounted for 325 yards on the ground, complemented by an efficient 149 yards through the air. However, the Falcons' offensive fireworks were ultimately overshadowed by an equally dominant showing from their opponent, the New Mexico Lobos. After the Falcons' defense forced a quick three-and-out on the opening possession, the Lobos' offense proceeded to score on seven consecutive drives, in addition to a backbreaking 79-yard punt return touchdown. When the dust settled, New Mexico had amassed an impressive 434 total yards, including 255 rushing yards. The game began with Air Force taking an early 3-0 lead on a Matt Dapore field goal, but the Lobos quickly answered with back-to-back touchdowns - a 7-yard quarterback keeper and a dazzling 79-yard punt return - to go up 14-3. The Falcons refused to go away, however, as Cade Harris punched in a 5-yard rushing score to make it a 14-10 affair. The two teams then traded touchdowns, with Tylor Latham's 4-yard run bringing Air Force back within 4 points at 21-17. But just before halftime, New Mexico extended their lead to 28-17. 

The Falcons seemed poised to mount a second-half comeback, marching down the field on the opening drive, only to have a 75-yard touchdown pass nullified by a penalty. From there, the Lobos seized control, scoring 17 unanswered points in the third quarter to build a commanding 28-point advantage. Though the Falcons fought valiantly in the fourth quarter, scoring three late touchdowns, the massive deficit proved too much to overcome. Sophomore quarterback Quentin Hayes shined in his first career start, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown while also throwing for 79 yards. Relieving Hayes in the final frame, Josh Johnson added 70 passing yards and a touchdown of his own, along with 49 rushing yards. Junior fullback Terrence Gist also contributed 54 hard-earned yards on the ground, while receiver Quinn Smith hauled in 3 catches for 82 yards and a score. On the defensive side, senior Jamari Bellamy led the way with 9 tackles, while sophomore Lincoln Tuioti-Mariner set a new personal best with 8 tackles. Ultimately, the Falcons' impressive offensive outburst was overshadowed by an equally dominant performance from their opponent, as New Mexico's all-around excellence proved to be the difference in this high-scoring affair.