University of Arizona Athletics

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Quarterback Anu Solomon and All-America linebacker Scooby Wright III returned from injuries to help Arizona (7-6) hold off pesky New Mexico 45-37 in a wild New Mexico Bowl.
 
Solomon threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another score against New Mexico (7-6) in a game that saw New Mexico surge late after being down as many of 18 points. Wright had two sacks and 11 solo tackles.
 
After the game, Wright announced he would enter the NFL draft.
 
Arizona’s high-temp offense needed only 19:08 minutes of possession time to overwhelm New Mexico in the Lobos’ first bowl appearance since 2007.
 
Jared Baker ran for 107 yards and three touchdowns, and Cayleb Jones had 182 yards receiving and a touchdown.
 
For Arizona, the New Mexico Bowl win comes just a year after Arizona eyed a playoff spot. Rodriguez said a bowl appearance and a victory was just fine for the team.
 
Meanwhile, New Mexico quarterback Lamar Jordan rushed for three touchdowns and threw a 92-yard touchdown pass to Delane Hart-Johnson before leaving in the third quarter with a knee injury. However, Jordan tossed two key interceptions -- one in Arizona’s end zone and another deep in New Mexico territory.
 
After Jordan’s departure, the Lobos then turned to a committee of running backs to get New Mexico back in the game.
 
Still, Arizona was able to hold star running back Jhurell Pressley to 75 rushing yards and no touchdowns.