With 10:07 left to play in the game New Mexico quarterback Coltin Gerhart hit receiver Delane Hart-Johnson for a 4-yard touchdown pass to give the Lobos a 23-14 lead. It appeared as though New Mexico was going to get a much needed win, and stun most across the Mountain West Conference by beating San Diego State. Then the Lobos suffered some self-inflicted mistakes and the Aztecs took advantage.
Early on UNM rode their defense to the lead. On the first possession of the game San Diego State quarterback Ryan Agnew was hit and fumbled the ball, which was picked up by Lobos defensive linemen Adebayo Soremekun and run back 44 yards for the touchdown.