Boise State vs. New Mexico 2012: Broncos escape with three-point win over Lobos

The Boise State Broncos almost blew a 25-point halftime lead on Saturday, but managed to hold on and defeat the New Mexico Lobos, 32-29.

Boise State vs. New Mexico: Broncos win, 32-29

The No. 24 Boise State Broncos managed to hold off a late surge to defeat the New Mexico Lobos 32-29.

Boise State got the scoring started on the foot of kicker Michael Frisina. His 28-yard field goal accounted for the only points of the first quarter.

The Broncos tried to put it away in the second, scoring three touchdowns to take a 25-0 lead. Boise State quarterback Joe Southwick threw for a pair of scores and Jay Ajayi rushed for the other.

While things looked all but over at the half, the Lobos came roaring back. Jhurell Pressley and Kasey Carrier each tallied a rushing touchdown for New Mexico, cutting the deficit to 25-14 entering the final quarter.

Southwick threw his third touchdown pass to start the fourth quarter, but the Lobos answered with two more scores to make it 32-29 with under eight minutes to go.

The Broncos attempted to answer, but Frisina missed a 44-yard field goal. But New Mexico was unable to put together a tying or winning drive, as they went four-and-out, returning the ball to Boise State, which managed to run out the clock.

Box Score Hero: Broncos quarterback Joe Southwick had a big night, completing 24 passes in 34 attempts for 311 yards and three touchdowns.

Rankings Ramifications: It’s not an overly impressive victory for the Broncos, but a conference road win will keep them in the top 25.

But Did They Cover? Boise State entered the game a 26-point favorite, so they were unable to cover the spread.

Next Week's Schedule: Boise State travels to take on the Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles while New Mexico hosts the Texas State Bobcats.

This story was originally published on SB Nation.com.

Boise State vs. New Mexico score update: Lobos score 14 points in 3rd, Broncos still lead 25-14

The New Mexico Lobos are making things interesting against the Boise State Broncos, as they have scored 14 straight points in the third quarter. Heading into the final frame, it's very much a game, with Boise State holding a 25-14 advantage. The Lobos used their rushing attack to move the ball against a mediocre Broncos rush defense.

New Mexico got a break on the opening kickoff in the third quarter as Boise State return man Dallas Burroughs fumbled the ball, giving New Mexico the ball at the Broncos 26-yard line. The Lobos drove inside the 5-yard line and on a 3rd-and-1, Ty Kirk fumbled the ball, but recovered it himself, and it was good enough to get the first down. Jhurell Pressley drove it in for a Lobos touchdown.

Boise State tried to put the game away as they went for it on 4th-and-1 at the Lobos 4-yard line, but failed to convert. The alternative statement is that the Broncos do not trust their kicker.

New Mexico then gashed the Boise State defense, driving the ball 96 yards on just seven carries to make it an 11-point game. Backup quarterback Cole Gautsche greatly aided the drive by having a 40-yard run on that drive to get New Mexico down the field. Kasey Carrier scored from five yards out to make it 25-14.

Boise State vs. New Mexico halftime score: Broncos offense comes alive, lead 25-0

After a first quarter where the Boise State Broncos only scored three points due to having just one possession, their offensive game came alive as they outscored the New Mexico Lobos 22-0 in the second quarter.

Boise State scored on three of their four second quarter possessions, and the the first scoring drive was set up in a 50-yard pass from Joe Southwick to Dallas Burroughs. The touchdown was then scored on a 10-yard pass from Southwick to Chris Potter.

Starting running back D.J. Harper set up the second touchdown by rushing twice for 35 yards, with Southwick throwing his second touchdown of the game with a 9-yard pass to Matt Miller. That put the Broncos up 16-0, and for some reason they went for the two-point conversion, and Miller threw a pass to Connor Peters to give Boise State a 18-0 lead.

After another Boise State defensive stop, they had a 71-yard run by backup running back, and he was rewarded for that big play as he was kept in the game and scored from 1 yard out.

A lot of credit needs to go to the Boise State defense which forced two New Mexico fumbles - including one in the red zone.

Boise State vs. New Mexico score update: Broncos take 3-0 lead, after first quarter

The Boise St. Broncos are leading 3-0 against the New Mexico Lobos after the first quarter, but once again their offense is struggling to move the ball against a New Mexico defense that is 97th in total yards allowed. The Broncos did move the ball well on their first drive of the game which was a 12-play 51 yard march down the field, but they ended up settling for a chip-shot, 28-yard field goal.

The red zone woes for Boise State continue as this was their 13th red zone trip, and have three touchdowns and four field goals this year.

Boise State quarterback Joe Southwick has played well so far as he is 4-for-6 with 73 yards, and running back D.J. Harper has 23 yards after the first quarter. However, New Mexico is doing a good job keeping the ball out of Boise's hands, and held the ball for nine minutes in the first quarter.

Boise State vs. New Mexico 2012: TV schedule, game time, spread and more

Boise State's traditionally high-powered offense has struggled early in 2012, but the Broncos will look to get back on track in New Mexico against the Lobos on Saturday.

Boise State Vs. New Mexico: Broncos Face Lobos As Conference Play Starts

The New Mexico Lobos will host the Boise State Broncos on Saturday as conference play begins in the Mountain West for both teams.