Tulsa Plays at New Mexico Tonight

Game 2: Tulsa (1-0) vs. New Mexico (1-0)
Date / Time:	Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015/7:00 pm (CT)/ 6:00 pm (MT)
Site:	Albuquerque, NM
Stadium:	Branch Field @ University Stadium (39,224)
Coaches:	Tulsa – Philip Montgomery (Tarleton State '95); UNM – Bob Davie (Youngstown State '77)
TV:	ESPN3 Digital
Talent:	Trey Bender (pxp), Jay Taylor (analyst)
Radio:	Big Country 99.5 FM
Talent:	Bruce Howard (pxp), Rick Couri (analyst), Jeremie Poplin (sideline)
Live Stats:	Tulsa-New Mexico Live Stats Link
Series:	Tulsa leads 4-2
First Meeting:	Tulsa 34, New Mexico 27 (Nov. 8, 1986), Albuquerque, NM
Last Meeting:	Tulsa 44, New Mexico 10 (Sept. 12, 2009), Albuquerque, NM

Tulsa (1-0) and New Mexico (1-0) kicks off tonight at 7:04 p.m. (CT)/6:04 p.m. (MT) at University Stadium tonight in a contrast of styles.

Last week the Golden Hurricane grabbed a 47-44 overtime win over FAU in Philip Montgomery's head coaching debut, while the Lobos defeated Mississippi Valley State 66-0. It was the passing game for Tulsa that took advantage of FAU, while the run game appears to be New Mexico's bread and butter. Tulsa ranks fifth in the nation in passing after throwing for 424 yards last week, while New Mexico option put up 360 rushing yards to rank among the top-10 nationally. The Hurricane totaled 618 yards of total offense, while the Lobos put up 511 yards.

This is the seventh meeting between the two teams as Tulsa leads the series 4-2, having won the last game played in 2009 by a score of 44-10.

Montgomery talked about playing the Lobos this week, "our defense has had three days to get ready for a whole new scheme, and it's not similar to anything that we just faced. New Mexico's offense puts a big stress on us from the defensive side. We have to create a couple of turnovers."

"Offensively, we'll need to be more disciplined in what we're doing. We have to protect the football. We can't be loose with it whether it's at the running back or quarterback spot," said Montgomery. "Each possession is crucial."

Tulsa quarterback Dane Evans' top two targets a week ago were Keevan Lucas and Keyarris Garrett, totaling 356 yards and two touchdowns against Florida Atlantic. The ground game saw D'Angelo Brewer and Zack Langer rush for 92 and 89 yards, respectively, while Langer tallied three TDs, including the game-winner in overtime.

As the Hurricane came back from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter last Saturday, the Tulsa defense, although allowing 563 total yards, held strong in the final stanza and overtime, holding FAU to just two field goals. Michael Mudoh tallied a national-best 20 tackles, while Jesse Brubaker's quarterback sack in overtime, pushed back the FAU offense from second-and-goal from the six-yard line to third-and-goal from the 11, thus forcing the Owls to kick a field goal.

The UNM running game was potent last week as Daryl Chestnut gained 108 yards on just six carries for an 18.0 average and scored on TD runs of 64 and 37 yards. Last year's 1,000-yard rusher Jhurell Pressley gained 47 yards on 10 carries in the opener. The Lobos running game could get a boost this week with the return of Teriyon Gipson, who rushed for 809 yards and eight touchdowns a year ago.

Dual-threat quarterback Lamar Jordan completed 7-of-7 passes for 103 yards, while rushing for another 62 yards and one TD against Mississippi Valley State.

The New Mexico defense ranks third in the country for fewest passing yards allowed as Mississippi Valley State was only able to complete six passes for 48 yards against a unit with seven returning starters. The Lobos defense was attacking and opportunistic in the opener, totaling 13 TFLs for -71 yards, including six quarterback sacks for -45 yards, and forcing three turnovers.

Linebackers Maurice Daniels and Donnie White led the way for the Lobo defense combining for 12 tackles, five TFLs and 3.5 sacks.

Weather conditions will be clear with temperatures reaching a high of 84 in the afternoon.

Tulsa Plays at New Mexico Tonight

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Players Mentioned

D'Angelo Brewer

Jesse Brubaker

Dane Evans

Keyarris Garrett

Zack Langer

Keevan Lucas

Michael Mudoh