Lobos outlast San Diego State 23-17 in Double Overtime too Tie for First
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – the New Mexico Lobos secured a thrilling 23-17 double-overtime victory over the San Diego State Aztecs on Senior Day, finishing the 2025 regular season with a 6-0 home record and tying for first place in the conference. The win marked New mexico’s first six-win conference season sence 2016, played before a crowd of 30,575 at University Stadium.
The lobos set the tone early, driving 55 yards on their opening possession, culminating in a 37-yard field goal by Luke Drzewiecki at the 7:25 mark of the first quarter to take a 3-0 lead. Later in the first quarter, James Laubstein extended the lead to 10-0 with a 40-yard rushing touchdown – his first career score.
San Diego State responded with back-to-back scoring drives before halftime, taking a 14-10 lead into the break. Lucky Sutton scored a 1-yard touchdown run, and quarterback Jayden Denegal connected with Donovan Brown on a 46-yard pass in the final minute of the second quarter.
New Mexico quickly regained the lead after halftime. facing fourth-and-1 at their own 46-yard line,D.J. McKinney broke free for a 54-yard touchdown run, putting the Lobos ahead 17-14. SDSU tied the game late in the third quarter with a 44-yard field goal, following a missed 52-yard attempt on their previous drive.
The fourth quarter and overtime periods were a defensive battle.San Diego State controlled field position but struggled to get within field goal range. Despite being sacked seven times, the lobos defense, led by Tavian Combs’ 12 tackles and Jaxton Eck’s 11, limited the Aztecs to 355 yards of offense.
In the first overtime, both teams were forced to settle for field goals. In the second overtime, SDSU attempted a fourth-and-goal from the 30-yard line, but jayden Denegal’s pass was overthrown, securing the Lobo victory.
Quarterback Layne completed 14-of-25 passes for 127 yards and the game-winning touchdown. The lobos rushed for 181 yards, with Laubstein leading the way with 70 yards on 10 carries and Damon Bankston adding 56 yards on the ground.New Mexico finished the game with 308 yards of total offense. Keyshawn James-Newby and Darren Agu each recorded a sack during SDSU’s final drive of regulation.
