11/30/2004 - Football
New Mexico Accepts Invitation To Emerald Bowl

San Francisco, CA - The University of New Mexico accepted today an invitation to play in the 3rd Annual Emerald Bowl. The Lobos, who finished the regular season with a 7-4 record, will face Navy on Dec. 30, 2004, at 1:30 p.m. at SBC Park.

"I know I speak for our players, staff and fans that the University of New Mexico is thrilled about our invitation - and acceptance - to the Emerald Bowl, " said UNM Head Coach Rocky Long. "San Francisco is one of the world's great cities and destinations. I expect Lobo fans to gather in large numbers at SBC Park on Dec. 30 to watch a game between two good football programs.

While I know Navy is not thinking about New Mexico this week, we certainly look forward to playing an opponent the caliber of the Midshipmen. It should be a very entertaining football game."

A defensive powerhouse, UNM currently leads the Mountain West in scoring defense (17.3), rushing defense (93.7 YPG), total defense (316.9 YPG), sacks (42) and red zone defense. Junior tailback DonTrell Moore carries the team on offense, finishing second in the league in rushing with an average of 108.3 YPG. Moore was unanimously named to the Mountain West All Conference Team for the third straight year with five other team members earning MWC First Team honors: Claude Terrell (OT), Ryan Cook (C), Marcus Parker (NT), Nick Speegle (LB) and Brandon Payne (CB).

"We're very pleased that the University of New Mexico has accepted our invitation to play in the 3rd annual Emerald Bowl," said Gary Cavalli, Executive Director of the bowl. "I have a great deal of respect for coach Rocky Long and Athletic Director Rudy Davalos, and what they've accomplished with the Lobos football program. This year, New Mexico finished the season with five straight wins to claim second place in the Mt. West behind BCS-bound Utah. We feel very fortunate to get them. With a 7-4 New Mexico team meeting a 9-2 or 8-3 Navy team, we will have one of the more attractive matchups of the 2004 bowl season. Both teams travel very well, so we're expecting a record crowd this year at SBC Park."

The Lobos ended their season on a five-game win streak with a 16-9 win over Wyoming on November 20. The 2004 Emerald Bowl will be the Lobos' third consecutive bowl appearance (Las Vegas Bowl in 2002 and 2003). This is the first time in school history that the University of New Mexico has competed in three straight bowls.

Coming off a 54-21 rout over Rutgers, the Midshipmen finish their season on Saturday, December 4 at Army at 2:30 p.m. Navy is off to its best start since 1996, and a victory over Army on Dec. 4 would give the Midshipmen nine regular-season wins for the first time since 1963 when Navy, behind Heisman Trophy winner Roger Staubach, posted a 9-1 mark. It would also be just the eighth time in school history that Navy has won nine or more games in the regular season and just the third time in the last 67 years. The 2004 Emerald Bowl will be Navy's 11th all-time bowl appearance.

Members of the media are encouraged to apply for 2004 Emerald Bowl media credentials as soon as possible. The deadline for application is December 10, 2004. Please visit www.emeraldbowl.org to apply for press credentials.

Tickets for the third annual Emerald Bowl are on sale now at Tickets.com (925) 762-2277, online at www.tickets.com or www.emeraldbowl.org and at all Giants Dugout Stores.