 The Lobos also relied heavily on their rushing offense. Running back DonTrell Moore had gained 3,667 career yards and averaged 106 rushing yards per game coming into the contest. When both Moore and quarterback Kole McKamey played for the Lobos, the team had a record of 6 – 1, averaging 21.4 offensive points per game; however, when either player was sidelined with an injury, the team's record dropped to 1 – 3 and the offense averaged 10.3 points per game. The Lobos' passing offense also ranked near the bottom of the FBS, at 115th. Wide receiver Hank Baskett led the team with 49 receptions for 793 yards during the season. The Lobos entered the bowl game with the eighth best rushing defense in the country, allowing an average of 93.6 rushing yards per game. The team had allowed 107 yards of rushing offense in its previous four games combined; it ranked first in the Mountain West Conference in fewest points allowed and most sacks, and had not allowed a rushing touchdown it its last five games. With a win, Lobos head coach Rocky Long would set a team record for most wins as a head coach.
