April 28, 2007

It was all defense today as the University of New Mexico football team went through its second extended scrimmage of the spring. Using a modified scoring system that awards points for both offensive and defensive situations, it was the Lobo defense that came away with a 34-13 victory during a 75-minute controlled workout on a sunny, cloudless day at University Stadium.

The scrimmage featured primarily the first two offenses and defenses going against each other. The third-team offense and third-team defense also had a few snaps against one other.

Getting two points for a three-and-out, UNM's first two defenses racked up a 20-0 lead as the offense was unable to pick up a first down on its first 10 possessions covering 30 plays. The initial first down finally came on the 11th possession.

All told, the veteran Lobos' defense allowed just seven first downs and 113 total yards, including a minus-13 yards on the ground. It also forced a pair of turnovers.

A potential touchdown was snuffed out by junior CB Glover Quin, who intercepted a Donovan Porterie pass in the end zone, and the third-team defense recovered a fumble. A turnover was worth four points to the defense.

The offense managed only a pair of field goals in 73 plays and 18 possessions.

It should be noted, however, that the offense was operating with just eight healthy linemen. Two starters from last year - center Vince Natali and tackle Devin Clark - are sidelined with injuries.

"No doubt the defense caused some problems," said head coach Rocky Long. "And when the offensive line struggles, everything struggles for the offense. We had several inexperienced offensive linemen in there and they were going against an experienced defense, especially the line and linebacker group. However, the whole atmosphere of the scrimmage could have been different if some of our veteran receivers would have caught the ball early in the scrimmage. You expect them to catch the ball. It could be a lot different Wednesday night."

Porterie completed 13 of 26 passes for 96 yards. Senior WR Marcus Smith was Porterie's favorite target with 8 receptions for 66 yards.

Senior K Eric garrison connected on a 50-yard field goal while junior Yousuf Shakir hit one from 19 yards out.

Today was the 12th of 15 practices. The annual Cherry-Silver game is Wednesday at 6 p.m. at University Stadium. Admission is free. The May 2 date for the final scrimmage is believed to be the last spring contest in Div. I-A football this year. UNM returns to the practice field Monday at 3 p.m.