BOISE, ID — The University of New Mexico Lobos (3-3) faced off against the Boise State Broncos (4-2) inside of a sold out Albertsons Stadium Oct. 11. The Mountain West conference matchup was Boise State’s homecoming game. The final: UNM 25, Boise St. 41. Albertsons Stadium was as advertised: packed, loud, and sold out for the 12th consecutive time. With that in mind, let’s dive into this New Mexico vs. Boise State 2025 game recap.
New Mexico Lobos vs. Boise State Broncos 2025 Game Recap
Turnover Turmoil for New Mexico
It was a rough first few possessions for New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne and the Lobo offense.
On the first play, the crowd immediately made their presence known by causing a delay of game for the Lobos offense. Directly after, Boise State EDGE Jayden Virgin-Morgan sacked Layne, and shook the ball loose. The loose ball was recovered by linebacker Marco Notarainni, a huge momentum swing early for the Broncos.
Virgin-Morgan was a menace all night. The 2024 first team All Mountain West player led the team in tackles (6), tackles for loss (3.5), quarterback hurries (4) and of course, had the strip sack sack.
Yet despite the early gift for Boise, the Lobos defense held strong, and forced a redzone field goal. Having himself a day was Lobo linebacker Jaxton Eck who racked up 18 total tackles.
On the ensuing possession, Layne would throw an interception to Boise State defensive back A’Marion McCoy. It would be the Lobos second turnover in the first minutes of the game.
However, set up with another short field, the Broncos weren’t able to capitalize. The drive ended in a turnover on downs. UNM EDGE Keyshawn James-Newby sacked Boise State quarterback Maddux Madsen in a major play during the drive. He would finish the night with two sacks and three tackles for loss.
“We don’t stop, it’s nonstop,” James-Newby said of the resilience of his defense.
As a unit the Lobos racked up four sacks, other Lobos getting sacks was EDGE Xavier Slayton (1 sack) and defensive tackle Jalen McIver (1 sack).
The Broncos did get the wheels turning on their position, and responded with a 13-play, 74-yard drive that ended with a Sire Gaines two-yard redzone punch. The freshman back had a brilliant day, scoring two touchdowns on the day.
Lobos Find Life
The Lobos found life when running back Damon Bankston took a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. Bankston had 188 scrimmage yards: 118 kick return yards, 52 receiving yards, and 18 rushing yards. He was a tremendous multi-purpose player for New Mexico in Week 7.
The Lobos offense also found a little bit of rhythm in the game, too. Star tight end Dorian Thomas caught a one-yard pass from Layne to give UNM the lead in the middle of the second quarter. The crowd was a bit surprised at the turn of events. As the Lobos began to rise, some rainfall came, and sent fans seeking cover.
Nonetheless, Madsen and the Boise State offense orchestrated a nice drive. It ended it with a six-yard touchdown to receiver Ben Ford to retake the lead heading into the half. Ford was the Broncos’ leading receiver on the day, catching two touchdowns to go along with 78 yards. The third quarter produced a field goal from each team; and heading into the fourth quarter, the Lobos were only down three points despite the early turnovers.
“Despite some things, we got it into the fourth quarter, it being a one-possession game but we could not finish,” UNM head coach Jason Eck said.
Boise State Pull Away
The Broncos would put on a clinic in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns in 10 minutes to end any hopes of a Lobo homecoming spoiler.
The first touchdown was a four-yard Gaines rushing touchdown, and on a field goal attempt gone wrong, punter/holder Oscar Doyle threw a 10-yard touchdown to defensive lineman Troy Grizzle.
“That was my job. [It] was my assignment. That was completely my fault, that field goal. I wouldn’t blame it on any of my guys beside myself,” James-Newby said about the play after the game.
Yet it wasn’t just offense and special teams that was getting it done for Boise State. On the defensive side, safety Ty Benefield snagged an interception on a Layne moon ball.
The final dagger of the night was a Madsen touchdown throw that went 25 yards to Ford. Madsen had a very efficient night throwing for 226 yards, two touchdowns, and turning the ball zero times.
While the Broncos were up 41-17, the Lobos put in backup quarterback James Laubstein for the rest of the game. Laubstein threw for 67 yards, ran for 13 yards, and threw a four-yard touchdown to receiver Keagan Johnson.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
After a two-game road stretch, the Lobos will play Nevada at University Stadium Oct. 18 with kickoff set for 7:45 p.m. The game will be UNM’s homecoming matchup.
“We know we can compete with any team on our schedule, we know we can beat any team on our schedule. The fact is, can we put together a game together to do it,” Bankston said.
Boise State has now won 15 straight at home, 14 straight victories against Mountain West opponents, and eight straight victories over UNM.
The Broncos improve to 2-0 in conference play, and will set their sights on a matchup with undefeated UNLV. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at Albertson’s Stadium.
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