What was the final score of the New Mexico Lobos vs. Nevada Wolf Pack game?

The final score was Lobos 24, Wolf Pack 16.

Where and when did the homecoming showdown take place?

The game took place at University Stadium in Albuquerque on October 18, 2025.

What was the record of the New Mexico Lobos before this game?

The Lobos came into the game with a 4-2 record.

How did the first half end?

The first half ended tied at 10-10, with both teams trading field goals.

What key play helped the Lobos take the lead in the third quarter?

Quarterback Devon Dampier sparked the crowd with a 45-yard touchdown scamper, putting the Lobos up 17-13.

What sealed the win for New Mexico?

A crucial interception in the final moments ended Nevada's last drive, allowing the Lobos to run out the clock.

October 15, 2025

New Mexico Lobos Triumph Over Nevada Wolf Pack in Homecoming Thriller

Albuquerque, October 15, 2025

The New Mexico Lobos celebrated a thrilling homecoming victory against the Nevada Wolf Pack, winning 24-16 at University Stadium. The matchup showcased defensive prowess and crucial offensive plays, including a game-changing touchdown run by quarterback Devon Dampier. With this win, the Lobos improve their record to 5-2, reinforcing their strong home tradition and solidifying their position in the Mountain West Conference as they gear up for future rivalries.

New Mexico Lobos Triumph Over Nevada Wolf Pack in Homecoming Thriller

Albuquerque, NM – October 18, 2025

In a nail-biting homecoming showdown at University Stadium in Albuquerque, the New Mexico Lobos secured a 24-16 victory over the Nevada Wolf Pack in a hard-fought Mountain West Conference clash. The win improves the Lobos’ record to 5-2, boosting their standing in the conference while extending their home winning streak. The game, infused with the energy of homecoming festivities, showcased defensive resilience and key offensive plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

The first half unfolded as a low-scoring defensive struggle, with both teams relying on field goals to trade blows. The Lobos kicked off the scoring with a 32-yard field goal early in the second quarter, answered promptly by Nevada’s 28-yard effort to tie the game at 3-3. As the half progressed, New Mexico added another field goal from 41 yards out, but the Wolf Pack responded in kind with a 35-yard boot, leaving the scoreboard deadlocked at 10-10 at halftime. This back-and-forth battle highlighted the strength of both defenses, which combined to limit big plays and force turnovers on downs.

Second Half Momentum Shifts to Lobos

The third quarter proved pivotal, as quarterback Devon Dampier ignited the home crowd with a dynamic 45-yard touchdown run, breaking free from Nevada’s pursuit and diving into the end zone to give the Lobos a 17-13 lead. This score, Dampier’s second rushing touchdown of the season, demonstrated his dual-threat capability and shifted the momentum firmly toward New Mexico. The Lobos’ defense followed suit, stuffing Nevada on a crucial fourth-down attempt deep in their territory, preserving the lead and energizing the stadium.

Nevada mounted a response in the fourth quarter, driving 65 yards in eight plays capped by a one-yard touchdown plunge from their running back, narrowing the gap to 17-16 with just under eight minutes remaining. However, the Wolf Pack’s two-point conversion attempt fell short, keeping New Mexico ahead by a single point at that moment. The Lobos’ offense then steadied itself, marching downfield on a 10-play, 72-yard drive that chewed up over five minutes of clock. Dampier connected on a 12-yard slant pass for a touchdown, extending the lead to 24-16 and effectively sealing the outcome.

Defensive Stand Seals the Victory

In the game’s final moments, Nevada had one last chance to rally, starting from their own 25-yard line with 2:15 on the clock. The Wolf Pack advanced to the New Mexico 38-yard line, but a crucial interception by a Lobos cornerback on a deep pass attempt ended the threat. This turnover allowed New Mexico to run out the clock, securing the win without further scoring. The interception was the second of the game for the Lobos’ secondary, underscoring their opportunistic play that forced two turnovers overall.

Statistically, Dampier completed 18 of 25 passes for 192 yards and the one touchdown, while rushing for 78 yards on 12 carries, including the game-changing score. Nevada’s quarterback managed 156 passing yards but was sacked three times, disrupting their rhythm. Both teams finished with similar rushing outputs, around 110 yards each, but New Mexico’s efficiency in the red zone—converting two field goal opportunities and two touchdowns—proved decisive.

Broader Context of the Matchup

Coming into the game, the Lobos entered with a 4-2 record, fresh off a convincing road win that had them riding high on confidence. The homecoming atmosphere, complete with parades, alumni events, and packed stands, added an extra layer of intensity. Nevada, sitting at 2-4, aimed to play spoiler and salvage their season with an upset on the road. This matchup was part of a grueling Mountain West Conference schedule for both teams, where every win contributes to bowl eligibility and conference positioning.

The victory not only solidifies the Lobos’ strong homecoming tradition but also positions them favorably for upcoming games against rivals like San Diego State and Utah State. Fans in Albuquerque celebrated late into the night, with post-game festivities extending the excitement throughout the city. This win marks the third homecoming victory in the last four years for New Mexico, reinforcing their reputation as a formidable force at University Stadium.

Looking ahead, the Lobos will prepare for their next conference tilt, focusing on maintaining defensive solidity while leveraging Dampier’s versatility. For Nevada, the loss highlights areas for improvement in their passing game and turnover management as they navigate the rest of their schedule.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the final score of the New Mexico Lobos vs. Nevada Wolf Pack game?: The final score was Lobos 24, Wolf Pack 16.
Where and when did the homecoming showdown take place?: The game took place at University Stadium in Albuquerque on October 18, 2025.
What was the record of the New Mexico Lobos before this game?: The Lobos came into the game with a 4-2 record.
How did the first half end?: The first half ended tied at 10-10, with both teams trading field goals.
What key play helped the Lobos take the lead in the third quarter?: Quarterback Devon Dampier sparked the crowd with a 45-yard touchdown scamper, putting the Lobos up 17-13.
What sealed the win for New Mexico?: A crucial interception in the final moments ended Nevada’s last drive, allowing the Lobos to run out the clock.
What is the Lobos’ record after this victory?: The win improves the Lobos’ record to 5-2.

Game Highlights Chart

Key Scoring Plays and Stats
Quarter	Team	Play Description	Score
2nd	New Mexico	32-yard field goal	3-0
2nd	Nevada	28-yard field goal	3-3
2nd	New Mexico	41-yard field goal	6-3
2nd	Nevada	35-yard field goal	6-6
2nd	New Mexico	Additional field goal (implied)	10-10 (Halftime)
3rd	New Mexico	Devon Dampier 45-yard TD run	17-13
4th	Nevada	1-yard TD plunge	17-16 (Failed 2-pt)
4th	New Mexico	12-yard TD pass from Dampier	24-16 (Final)
Player Stats
Dampier: 18/25, 192 yds, 1 TD pass; 78 rush yds, 1 TD
Nevada QB: 156 pass yds, 3 sacks