Boise State Football: 3 takeaways from MWC blowout of New Mexico

1. The defense did its job against New Mexico

From the outset, it looked like it would be a long night for the visitors from Albuquerque. New Mexico quarterback Tevaka Tuioti fumbled away the ball on the opening play from scrimmage, as the interior of the line broke down. One defensive tackle, Chase Hatada, punched out the football. Another tackle, Sonatane Lui, scooped up the loose ball and returned it 24 yards for a touchdown the other way.

In just a few seconds, Boise State already held a seven-point lead on the Smurf Turf before even taking an offensive snap. That tenacity carried throughout the rest of the contest, as the Broncos clamped down on Tuioti and crew and prevented them from having any chance at pulling off an upset on their visit to Idaho.

Tuioti finished 14-of-21 for 175 yards with neither a touchdown nor an interception against the Broncos secondary. The Lobos had limited success in large part because the front seven got pressure regularly and the secondary closed things down on the back end.

Leaving only underneath throws for Tuioti, it also helped that the Broncos forced New Mexico to take to the air as they held the Lobos backfield to 117 yards on 45 carries. Tuioti busted off a 24-yard run but could do little else when he tucked and ran. Micah Gray did punch in a late touchdown to give New Mexico a silver lining for the night, but otherwise there was little to celebrate.

Entering Week 12, the Broncos boasted a defense that ranked in the top 40 in both points allowed and yards conceded. Look for their standing to improve in both categories after a big showing against an undermanned Lobos squad.