New Mexico routs Southern football, 66-21

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - Southern’s Human Jukebox came out and dazzled during the halftime show, earning an ovation and reducing their counterparts in New Mexico’s marching band to an afterthought.

But on a toasty afternoon at University Stadium, that was the only area where SU could claim superiority over UNM.

The host Lobos laid a rout on the Jaguars, romping to a 66-21 victory that opened a new chapter in their history and renewed fears that this season will mean more disappointment for Southern.

Not much was expected from SU in a matchup against a Football Bowl Subdivision opponent — against which it is now 0-6 all time — and not much was provided. When the Jukebox began playing and dancing its way through Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the Jaguars were already down 45-6.

While the damage was limited from then on, the point had been made.

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Southern quarterback job still firmly Dray Joseph’s

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — It just wouldn’t feel right if both Southern quarterbacks didn’t play.

As was the case throughout last season, Dray Joseph and J.P. Douglas took snaps for the Jaguars in a 66-21 loss at New Mexico. But unlike 2011, this isn’t a two-quarterback system.

As coach Stump Mitchell said throughout the offseason, the backup played only because of injury.

In the third quarter, both of Joseph’s calf muscles cramped up, and he had to be carried off the field.

“I couldn’t bend my feet,” Joseph said. “Both of my toes were pointing down to the ground, so I couldn’t walk.”

Joseph’s exit meant more than a quarter of playing time for Douglas.

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Turnovers catalyst for New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — While New Mexico was piling up a 3-33 record over the past three seasons, coughing up the ball was one of its many issues.

But in Saturday’s debut under new Lobos coach and former ESPN sportscaster Bob Davie, UNM had an about-face against Southern, creating turnovers on three consecutive second-quarter possessions and turning them all into touchdowns.

That helped New Mexico roll to a 66-21 victory over the Jaguars in Davie’s first game in more than a decade.

“The first half of football, our whole goal was no self-inflicted mistakes,” Davie said. “That’s a pretty good first half of football. I don’t care who you’re playing. Because the first game of the year, you’re really playing yourself.”

When the first half was over, the Lobos had a 45-6 lead and had totaled more points than it had in its final seven games last season.

BOX SCORE

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