New Mexico
Fresno State Football Wants 'Payback' When Facing New Mexico
Steven Sanchez
Sports
Fresno State football head coach Tim Skipper praised his team’s performance after their 48-0 victory over New Mexico State on Saturday at Valley Children’s Stadium during a news conference on Monday.
With that game now behind them, the team’s focus shifts to their upcoming Mountain West Conference opener against the University of New Mexico.
Skipper emphasized that the team’s goal is to “play Bulldog football.”
Related Story: Fresno State Football vs New Mexico State: Players of the Game
Time/Date: 5:30 p.m. Saturday
Location: University Stadium
Records: Fresno State 2-1, 0-0 MW; New Mexico State 0-3, 0-0 MW
Watch Live: truTV/MAX
Listen Live: 1340 AM and other Bulldog Sports Network stations
Betting Odds: Fresno State favored by 15.5 points
Series History: Fresno State (15-6)
A Mission for Payback
The Bulldogs made a strong statement with their performance against the Aggies. Their games against Michigan and Sac State highlighted their ability to compete with top teams and overcome adversity. Against New Mexico State, they showcased their full potential. This weekend in Albuquerque, the focus is clear: “payback” against the Lobos of the University of New Mexico.
In their previous encounter on Nov. 18, 2023, Fresno State lost to New Mexico 25-17. The Bulldogs are determined to avenge that defeat and settle the score.
“We got embarrassed at home and I took it personally,” said senior defensive lineman and team captain Devo Bridges. “It motivates me. Having the mindset that we can’t be denied. We got to get them back for last year.”
Advantages and Preparation for the Lobos
Fresno State is poised to secure a victory at University Stadium, holding a 15-6 series lead over New Mexico. In four of their last six matchups, the Bulldogs have limited the Lobos to fewer than 10 points. Despite New Mexico’s new head coach, Bronco Mendenhall, and the addition of 42 transfers — second-most in the nation — the Bulldogs are not underestimating their opponents. Fresno State’s preparation remains focused and thorough, regardless of the Lobos’ revamped roster.
“The transfers have put in their time. Doesn’t make a difference. They’ve been working together and practicing. I can’t knock them just because it’s a team of transfers,” said Bridges.
Junior wide receiver Raylen Sharpe agrees: “They’re transfers, but in the end they’re there to play football. I’m a transfer myself. It’s just football at the end of the day. They’re going to come out and play and so are we.”
Bulldogs’ Momentum on Both Sides of the Ball
The Bulldogs are entering the game with significant momentum on both offense and defense, eliminating the need to identify weaknesses in their opponents.
Fresno State’s offense has exceeded 500 yards in recent games against Sacramento State and New Mexico State. The defense’s shutout of New Mexico State was its first since Sept. 16, 2023, when it defeated Arizona State 29-0. Over the past three weeks, the defense has maintained strong performances.
Offensively, concerns about the unit’s explosiveness have been addressed as the Bulldogs scored 46 points against the Hornets and 48 against the Aggies. Much of this success is attributed to the wide receivers. Mac Dalena has emerged as a deep ball threat, while Jalen Moss has demonstrated exceptional abilities in route running and special teams.
Related Story: Fresno State Football vs New Mexico State: Players to Watch; Mountain West …
Running Game Steps Up
The running game made a significant impact against New Mexico State, with senior running back Malik Sherrod finally showcasing his potential. His production has been limited while rehabbing an injury. Sherrod had a standout game, rushing for 113 yards on 15 carries and scoring a touchdown. This marked his first 100-yard game, following a two-touchdown game against Sacramento State the previous week.
Sherrod demonstrated full health and speed, using stiff arms effectively and running with power. Based on that game he may see increased carries and playing time moving forward.
Offensive coordinator Pat McCann is eager to utilize Sherrod now that he is fully healthy. “This is the healthiest he’s been. He’s practicing and playing at a different rate. He played his best game and finished runs better than in the previous two games. He’s producing and showing up.”
Sherrod’s influence extends beyond the field, positively impacting the running back room. His leadership has been particularly inspiring for younger players like freshman Bryson Donelson, a Visalia native and Central Valley Christian graduate.
“Sherrod helps me out every day at practice. He critiques me to help me out. He’s been really great at helping me out while adjusting to the playbook,” said Donelson.
Defensive Dominance and Preparation for New Mexico
The unity and communication within the Bulldogs’ defense have been evident throughout the early part of the season. They have played exceptionally well, allowing just 138 yards of total offense against New Mexico State. The defense effectively contained both the run and passing games, with the Aggies gaining less than 100 yards in each category and the defense nabbing three interceptions.
In their game against Sacramento State, the defense recorded two fumble recoveries and an interception. During the season opener against Michigan, they limited the Wolverines to 269 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing their strong performance across multiple games.
On paper it may seem the Lobos may not present that much of a challenge, but defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle isn’t chalking this up as an easy game. “We have to stop the run game. They’re averaging 173 yards a game on the ground. We have to contain their quarterback. When he gets outside on the perimeter, he’s a real threat. He’s a great athlete and hasn’t been sacked so far this season.”
The Lobos are 0-3 but have faced tough opponents, including Auburn and Arizona. On the Bulldogs’ scouting report, two key figures stand out: sophomore quarterback Devon Dampier and head coach Bronco Mendenhall.
Dampier had a standout performance against Arizona, passing for 260 yards and three touchdowns, while also leading the team in rushing with 130 yards and two touchdowns.
Mendenhall is known for his ability to revitalize programs. He led BYU to Mountain West Conference championships, BCS rankings, and victories over Power 5 teams. At Virginia, he earned respect with a couple of winning seasons. With the right talent and support, Mendenhall has the potential to make a significant impact in Albuquerque.
Related Story: Mindset of the Bulldog Football Matchup With New Mexico State: …
Focus on the Present, Not the Future
On Saturday, it was announced that Fresno State, along with other Mountain West schools, will be joining the Pac-12 in 2026. Despite this upcoming change, the Mountain West is currently showcasing its strength, with UNLV and San Jose State both at 3-0.
Head coach Tim Skipper and his team are focused on the present, disregarding future conference shifts and the records of other teams. The Bulldogs are aware of the strong performance from MW programs but are concentrating on their immediate goal: avenging their previous defeat.
Fresno State faces this challenge during New Mexico’s Homecoming, adding extra motivation to the matchup. The prospect of turning the tables on the team that handed them a crushing loss makes this game even sweeter for the Bulldogs.
“When people see us play, they’re going to say, ‘wow, these guys are good.’ We’re going to prove that last week wasn’t a fluke or a one-time thing. We’re going to show up to play,” said Bridges.
CHIMAYO, N.M. (KRQE) – A suspect is dead following a shooting involving the Rio Arriba County Sheriff’s Office in Chimayo on Highway 76. Deputies are said to be okay. New Mexico State Police is investigating the shooting.
KRQE News 13 will provide updates as they become available.
LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — A leader in the New Mexico Republican Party was arrested Wednesday, accused of a deadly hit-and-run in Las Cruces.
Former Treasurer of the Republican Party in New Mexico, Kimberly Ann Skaggs, 54, was arrested Wednesday and charged with leaving the scene and tampering with evidence, jail records show.
Police documents show the charges stem from a deadly hit-and-run crash that happened Monday afternoon, which killed 40-year-old bicyclist, Andrew Brown.
Investigators believed Skaggs was involved after an investigation revealed that Skaggs allegedly was driving fast in the area, fled the scene after the crash and then tried to hide the vehicle from authorities.
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The investigation
According to police documents, a witness at the scene of the crash– 850 N. Fairacres Rd.– described seeing a dark blonde-haired woman flee in a black Cadillac Escalade SUV.
Afterwards, investigators said they saw on Flock cameras– A.I. powered license plate readers– a black Cadillac Escalade traveling near the site of the crash minutes before the incident.
READ MORE: Dona Ana County expands Flock license plate cameras as officials cite crime-solving gains
The license plates showed that the vehicle belonged to Skaggs and that, in September 2025, the Las Cruces Police Department had given her a citation for “racing on streets-exhibition driving.”
Investigators stated that a business on Picacho Ave. captured what they alleged was the same black Cadillac Escalade driving fast.
Then, the documents described how investigators tracked down the Escalade using OnStar’s live GPS tracking, discovering the SUV was at a property on the 5000 block of Northwind Road, which investigators said the Dona Ana County Assessors Office confirmed is a property owned by Skaggs.
On Tuesday, at around 6:41 p.m.– over 24 hours after the deadly hit-and-run– investigators executed a search warrant on the property and described finding the black Cadillac Escalade behind a home, under a red metal carport.
Investigators noted damage on the SUV consistent with the crash, highlighting that there was blood splatter near one of the front tires, markings on the front bumper consistent with hitting a bicycle and parts missing, which investigators said were the same parts found at the scene.
Dona Ana County jail records show Skaggs was booked on Wednesday afternoon and remains jailed without a bond.
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About Skaggs
On the official website of the Republican Party of New Mexico, Skaggs was listed as the treasurer before she was removed.
KFOX14/CBS4 has reached out to the Republican Party to learn more and are waiting for a comment regarding the arrest.
Also, according to election statistics, Skaggs ran for State Representative in District 36 in 2022 and 2024, losing both times to Democrat Nathan P. Small.
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SANTA FE, N.M. – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham asked Attorney General Raúl Torrez to investigate whether any Drug Enforcement Administration agents broke state law when pills reached New Mexico streets.
In a statement, Lujan Grisham said, “make no mistake: the DEA knew people would die if these pills made it into New Mexico communities.”
The governor also shared a timeline from 2022 to 2025 that she said shows when she asked federal officials for help with New Mexico’s fentanyl crisis and violent crime.
Lujan Grisham said the first request came on June 21, 2022, when she wrote to then-Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Christopher Wray and asked for 50 additional federal agents.
She said she wrote to then-Attorney General Merrick Garland on Sept. 15, 2022, asking for more agents, resources and support for New Mexico law enforcement.
Lujan Grisham said she wrote Garland a second time on Aug. 8, 2023, with the same request.
What came next?
About a month later, Lujan Grisham said she sent Garland a third letter and said New Mexico needed more federal law enforcement to curb violent crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
She said her most recent request came on Sept. 4, 2025, when she wrote to former Attorney General Pam Bondi and again asked for additional agents and resources.
The governor’s statement says those requests span several years as she pressed the federal government for more help in New Mexico.
Full statement from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham:
“I am appalled by reporting this week by the Associated Press and Albuquerque Journal that revealed federal authorities made a deliberate decision to let hundreds of thousands of fentanyl pills flood into New Mexico communities, despite knowing that fentanyl is so lethal the White House has designated it a weapon of mass destruction.
Let me say that again: the Drug Enforcement Administration watched as 74,000 fentanyl pills were delivered to a mobile home park in Albuquerque, and they did nothing. And that’s just one transaction. Shockingly, the federal government stood by while monitoring shipments, tallying exact pill counts, and watching as these deadly drugs hit the streets.
There are no words to describe how reckless and dangerous these decisions were. Make no mistake: the DEA knew people would die if these pills made it into New Mexico communities, and the agency let it happen anyway. The result: hundreds of New Mexican parents burying their kids. Hundreds of New Mexican kids growing up without stable parents. All while the federal government stood by.
If the justification for letting these pills flood our communities was that it would somehow make New Mexico safer down the road through bigger eventual busts, the results say otherwise. New Mexico now leads the nation in the increase in overdose deaths for the second straight year, despite deaths dropping nationwide.
Today, I wrote to Attorney General Raúl Torrez and asked him to investigate whether any federal agents broke state law when they allowed lethal drugs to remain on our streets, and to prosecute anyone responsible — regardless of whether they are a federal agent or not.
I have spent years working across two administrations — writing letters, traveling to Washington, meeting directly with President Joe Biden and his cabinet, pushing for accountability, asking for more federal agents to be deployed to New Mexico to help fight this crisis.
- On June 21, 2022, I wrote to FBI Director Christopher Wray, imploring the FBI to assign no less than 50 additional agents to New Mexico to stem escalating drug trafficking and violent crime.
- On September 15, 2022, I wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland, requesting that the Department of Justice provide additional federal agents, resources and support to New Mexico law enforcement. We asked the department to match the level of investigative, analytical, and technical resources the FBI had deployed in its Buffalo, NY surge.
- On August 8, 2023, I wrote again to Attorney General Garland, renewing my request that the DOJ expeditiously assign more federal agents to New Mexico.
- On September 7, 2023, I wrote to Attorney General Garland for a third time, reiterating my request once more federal law enforcement support to curb violent crime, drug and human trafficking.
- On September 4, 2025, I wrote to Attorney General Pam Bondi, once again requesting additional agents and resources.
I have declared the surge of drugs like fentanyl to be a public health emergency. I have deployed the National Guard to both Albuquerque and Española. While my administration was doing everything we could to stem the tide of fentanyl coming into our state, the federal government deliberately allowed it to flood in.
New Mexican lives are not the federal government’s cost of doing business.
I plan to hold the federal government accountable for this disaster and will explore every possible avenue of action against the federal government to right these wrongs.”
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