Toa Fa'avae's 3 TDs, New Mexico defense lead Lobos over UTEP 61-7

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — Toa Fa’avae threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns as New Mexico routed UTEP 61-7 on Saturday in a Mountain West opener for both teams.

The Lobos (4-1, 1-0) are 1-0 in conference play for the first time since 2018 and have won 10 straight home games.

New Mexico led 21-0 at halftime after Fa’avae threw touchdown passes of 12 yards to Cade Keith and 52 yards to Bailen George.

Austin Brawley returned a Raymond Moore III interception 65 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter, his second straight game with an interception. Brawley later blocked a punt for a safety before Fa’avae connected with George for a 10-yard score to make it 37-0.

Scottre Humphrey added a 1-yard touchdown run early in the fourth for the Lobos.

UTEP (1-4, 0-1) avoided the shutout on Moore’s 86-yard touchdown run, the Miners’ longest play of the season, before Cameron Mathews answered with a 54-yard touchdown run.

Mathews finished with 108 yards on six carries as New Mexico racked up 231 yards on the ground.

The Lobos forced five turnovers, including three interceptions. George caught two passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns.

Up next

New Mexico: Has a bye week before traveling to Hawaii on Oct. 17.

UTEP: Hosts Nevada next Saturday.

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