Watch: Bronco Mendenhall era in New Mexico starts with scoop-and-score

It did not take long for Bronco Mendenhall's New Mexico Lobos to get on the board in their first game Saturday against FCS side Montana State.

Early in the first quarter, New Mexico linebacker Jayden Wilson sacked Montana State quarterback Tommy Mellott, causing a fumble which was recovered by safety Christian Ellis for a touchdown.

The scoop and score is the first of the new college football season and, coincidentally, New Mexico's first since 2021. The Lobos finished last season with a -7 in net turnovers last season.

Mendenhall, known best for his time leading BYU and Virginia's football programs from 2005-2021, spent two years away from coaching before deciding to return this season to Albuquerque where he was an assistant in 2002.

"I missed the relationships," Mendenhall told reporters at Mountain West media day in July . "And I missed being able to help console, mentor, guide, influence [players'] choices."

New Mexico had a 4-8 record last season and opened the 2024 season as a 13.5-point underdog against No. 4 FCS-ranked Montana State on Saturday.