UNM defense, ranked third nationally, heads to face No. 24 Oklahoma

The New Mexico Lobos’ defense, ranked third nationally in total defense, will travel to Norman next Saturday to face No. 24 Oklahoma. The Lobos enter the matchup allowing just 152 yards per game, one of the top marks in the country.

UNM is off to a 2-0 start after scoring 108 points over its first two games, including a 70-7 victory over Mercyhurst on Saturday. The Lobos received four votes in the USA Today Coaches Poll, putting them 44th overall, despite receiving no votes in the latest AP Top 25 poll.

UNM currently ranks second nationally in passing yards allowed, giving up just 167 yards per game. The Lobos are also third nationally in total defense.

Those numbers were on display against Mercyhurst. The Lakers managed only 155 total yards, including 18 rushing yards. The Lobos’ offense finished with 460 total yards.

Defensive end Brett Karhu recorded a sack and two tackles against Mercyhurst, including a play that helped create momentum for UNM.

“I was working construction like two months ago, so just being able to be out here and make a sack like that and scoop the ball, and we have North End Zone Howlers going crazy, it was a cool experience,” Karhu said.

Karhu pointed to turnovers as an area of emphasis for UNM entering the season. The Lobos won nine games last season despite a negative turnover differential.

“That was one of our biggest emphases this year,” Karhu said. “So it’s only two games in, but to start off that hot, it’s really promising to see.”

Karhu said UNM believes it has multiple players capable of making an impact up front.

Oklahoma enters the matchup allowing 197 passing yards per game, 30 more than UNM’s current mark of 167.