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ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (Ticker) -- Jarrod Baxter rushed for a career-high 184 yards and two touchdowns and New Mexico rattled first-time starting quarterback Wesley Phillips in a surprising 26-6 victory over Texas-El Paso. In the season opener for both schools, the Lobos sacked Phillips for a safety and registered nine sacks and two interceptions. The Miners were held to minus-53 rushing yards and 170 total. Baxter's previous high was 135 yards last year against Utah. The senior carried 25 times, including fourth-quarter TD runs of one and three yards that broke open a defensive game. To that point, the only touchdown had been scored on a 56-yard pass from Phillips to Sherman Austin that gave UTEP a 6-5 lead with 4:45 left in the second quarter. The Lobos are expected to finish near the bottom of the Mountain West Conference, while the Miners are supposed to contend for the Western Athletic Conference title they shared last year. Phillips, the son of former NFL coach Wade Phillips, was making the first start of his career as a fifth-year senior. He completed 18-of-30 passes for 211 yards and an interception as he was under constant duress from the defense. In the first quarter, New Mexico got a 27-yard field goal from Vladimir Bormbozin and a safety six seconds apart. Safety Terrell Golden tackled Phillips in the end zone, giving the Lobos a 5-0 lead. After Austin's score, New Mexico's Wes Zunker kicked a 51-yard field goal seven seconds before halftime and Borombozin booted a 37-yarder with 6:13 left in the third quarter, making it 11-5. Lobos junior quarterback Rudy Caamano had an awful game, going just 6-of-30 for 52 yards and two interceptions.
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