Late Score Spoils Bronco Mendenhall’s Debut

Lobos Lose on late 4th quarter touchdown

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – UNM FOOTBALL

In what was supposed to be a celebration of Bronco Mendenhall’s first game as head coach, the New Mexico Lobos instead suffered a heartbreaking defeat, 35-31, at home to Montana State after giving up a game-winning touchdown with just 10 seconds left.

First Half: UNM Takes Control

New Mexico started strong. The Lobos grabbed a 31-14 lead before halftime thanks to big plays on both sides of the ball.
Their defense delivered early: Christian Ellis recovered a fumble from Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott after a sack by Jayden Wilson, returning it 41 yards for his first career touchdown.
On offense, Devon Dampier connected with Trace Bruckler on a 12-yard TD pass to push the lead to 17-0. Later, Dampier scored on a 24-yard run during a drive where UNM avoided facing any third downs.

Photo courtesy: UNM Football

Montana State’s Comeback & Late Rally

The Bobcats mounted a steady comeback in the second half. Mellott threw multiple touchdowns, including one to Ty McCullouch, narrowing the gap.
One pivotal moment: a 93-yard run by Adam Jones with 4:35 left gave Montana State their first lead, 31-28. That blow was a dagger. It was the second-longest rushing touchdown in MSU history and among the longest ever allowed by UNM.
New Mexico had a chance to retake the lead late, but a third-down drop by Caleb Medford forced a punt. Montana State then converted key third downs and punched it in from 4 yards out to seal the win.

Standout Performers

Christian Ellis (DB) — Scored on a 41-yard fumble return, his first career takeaway.
Devon Dampier (QB) — Completed 17 of 26 passes (tied his own career-high attempts), threw two touchdowns, and added a rushing score.
Noah Avinger (DB) — Racked up 14 tackles, a career high.

Significant Facts & Takeaways

The fumble return by Christian Ellis and a second defensive touchdown by Avinger matched the total defensive touchdowns UNM had accumulated in the previous 52 games.
UNM was just 1-for-8 on third down, a stat that hurt in critical moments.
Despite the loss, it was the first time UNM opened a season with a defensive touchdown since 2013.
The 93-yard touchdown run by MSU was a low point for the Lobos’ run defense: it was not only long historically but came at the most damaging moment.

What This Means Moving Forward

Bronco Mendenhall’s debut showcased potential—a defense that can force turnovers, an offense capable of explosive plays—but also exposed cracks in consistency, situational execution, and closing out tight games. For UNM, the effort was promising, the performance inspiring. The result was painful. But if Mendenhall & Co. learn from the mistakes of these final minutes, this season may yet hold something special.