Colorado State quarterback Patrick O'Brien (12) throws a pass intended for wide receiver Warren Jackson (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
The Associated Press
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Patrick O'Brien and Warren Jackson had career nights as Colorado State beat New Mexico 35-21 on Friday night.
O'Brien threw for a career-high 420 yards and three touchdowns and Jackson had nine catches for a career-high 214 yards and two touchdowns.
Dane Wright added 105 yards receiving for the Rams (2-5, 1-2 Mountain West), who ended a four-game losing streak.
Bryson Carroll had 193 yards rushing for the Lobos (2-3, 0-2), who lost a third straight game.
The Rams jumped out to the early lead on a 42-yard touchdown catch by Trey McBride, but New Mexico scored the next two touchdowns, one coming after Carroll went 56 yards before dropping the ball untouched on the 1-yard line.
Colorado State responded with Jackson's 87-yard touchdown reception, then Marvin Kinsey, who rushed for 85 yards and two TDs, scored his first touchdown five seconds before halftime.
BIG PICTURE
The Rams took a step forward toward achieving bowl eligibility, but they have little room for error, particularly with improving Wyoming and No. 14 Boise State looming as the season's final two games.
The Lobos' slide takes them to the bottom of the conference's Mountain Division and now they hit the difficult portion of the schedule as all six upcoming opponents are above .500.
UP NEXT
Colorado State next pays at Fresno State on Oct. 26.
New Mexico is at Wyoming on Oct. 19.
Colorado State wide receiver Warren Jackson (9) sprints to the end zone for a touchdown during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against New Mexico on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
The Associated Press
Colorado State wide receiver Warren Jackson (9) is congratulated by Marvin Kinsey (5) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against New Mexico on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
The Associated Press
New Mexico quarterback Sheriron Jones (4) throws a touchdown pass during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Colorado State on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
The Associated Press
New Mexico tight end Marcus Williams (88) pulls in a touchdown catch against the defense of Colorado State cornerback Rashad Ajayi (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
The Associated Press
Colorado State quarterback Patrick O'Brien (12) throws against New Mexico during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
The Associated Press
Colorado State wide receiver Dante Wright (22) drops a pass under pressure from New Mexico safety Jerrick Reed (9) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
The Associated Press
Colorado State tight end Trey McBride, right, scores a touchdown past New Mexico safety Letayveon Beaton (15) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 11, 2019. in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
The Associated Press
Colorado State tight end Trey McBride (85) breaks a tackle by New Mexico safety Brandon Burton (21) before scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
The Associated Press
Colorado State tight end Trey McBride (85) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against New Mexico on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, in Albuquerque, N.M. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)
The Associated Press