Issue date: 11/15/04 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Nick Sowards / The Daily Universe Cougar wide receiver Austin Collie (9) catches the ball while Lobo cornerback Brandon Payne leans in to tackle him during Saturday´s game against Brigham Young University.

by Doug Alden

The Associated Press


PROVO, Utah - Just when Brigham Young appeared to be heading for the tying score, New Mexico's defense forced its third and most important turnover of the game.

Fola Fashola recovered the ball with 44 seconds left, and New Mexico ran out the clock from there in a 21-14 win over BYU Saturday, the Lobos' second straight in Provo.

"The offense did their part. It came down to us getting another turnover to win the game and it happened," said Nick Speegle, who helped force the final fumble and recovered another loose ball in the first quarter to set up a touchdown.

New Mexico (6-4, 4-2) moved into second place in the Mountain West with its fourth straight win and is eligible for a bowl for the fourth year in a row.

"They haven't always been pretty. It hasn't always been the way we wanted to, but we got the 'W's," said DonTrell Moore, who ran for 101 yards and a touchdown for the Lobos.

Until two years ago, the Lobos had gone 14 games over three decades without winning in Provo, but snapped the streak with a 20-16 win over the Cougars in LaVell Edwards Stadium. New Mexico had never won two in a row in Provo.

New Mexico held BYU (5-5, 4-2) to just 58 rushing yards, sacking John Beck seven times and shutting down backs Curtis Brown and Fahu Tahi.

"If you put enough guys up there, it doesn't matter who you are. It's hard to run the ball," New Mexico coach Rocky Long said.

Long got the win in his 83rd game coaching his alma mater, giving him the most career games for a Lobo coach. He was tied with Bill Weeks, who went 40-41-1 at New Mexico from 1960-67.

New Mexico closes the season next week at home against Wyoming and has already clinched its fourth straight non-losing season.

"For whatever reason, we're able to come around and put some streaks together," said Moore, who had 25 carries in his fifth 100-yard game of the season. "It's just a tribute to our coaching staff and coach Long."

Kole McKamey completed 7 of 12 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown, and Moore had 25 carries for his fifth 100-yard game of the season. Hank Baskett had 4 catches for 125 yards and a touchdown.

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