If there was any doubt about Ivory Roberts' Lobos readiness heading into the 1998 season, consider those notions obliterated following their earth-shattering 45-3 dismantling of the Tropics in their preseason opener. This was no mere warm-up — it was a statement painted in bold, bruising strokes.

From the jump, the Tropics appeared outmatched, fumbling the ball away early as Lobos’ linebacker Timothy Sims snatched an interception at midfield, setting the tone. The Tropics’ offense sputtered against a relentless Lobos defense that, under Roberts’ keen eye, forced turnovers and kept Miami's forays into Lobos territory shallow and futile. Miami quarterback Stewart Sacco was under siege all game, tossing two ill-timed interceptions while struggling to find rhythm behind a meager 70 passing yards into the teeth of a Lobos defense that tallied four quarterback sacks and recovered a vital forced fumble.

On offense, the Lobos orchestrated a masterclass in smooth efficiency and explosive power. Quarterback Josef Smith carved up the Tropics' secondary for a sizable 300 yards and three touchdown throws, showcasing the lethal precision that Roberts expects. His connection with receivers was electric — Long Pete was a human blur, racking up 129 rushing yards and finding the end zone twice through the air, while Joshua Jett added a touchdown rush and 75 receiving yards of his own. Not to be overshadowed, Downtown Jameson piled on with a touchdown rush and an additional 35 yards receiving, while Raymond Ashe rounded out the arsenal with a rushing touchdown and 25 yards receiving.

The Lobos ground game resembled a runaway freight train, churning out 200 yards on 36 carries, utterly dominating the trenches. This dual-threat assault ensured Miami’s defense never caught its breath. Bradford Pettus, the Lobos' kicker, contributed a field goal and was nearly flawless on extra points, maintaining momentum after every touchdown.

Despite the Tropics’ sporadic attempts to shift field position with punts and a single successful field goal, the young team couldn’t muster any sustained offensive drives or convert crucial third downs—zero conversions, zero red zone visits—with six costly penalties only adding insult to injury.

Coach Roberts' game plan was bold and executed flawlessly. His approach torched the Tropics' defense and immune to the home crowd’s expectations. This was a performance that didn’t just win the game — it sent a signal flare to the rest of the league: the Lobos mean business this season. Miami's head coach Eugene Hinson’s unit looked bewildered and dismantled, unable to match El Paso’s fire.

In a preseason contest that often invites a cautious tone, the Lobos obliterated subtlety. Ivory Roberts crafted a masterpiece of offense and defense alike, leading his squad to a lopsided victory that will echo in locker rooms across the region. This is a team ready to hunt hard when the regular season arrives.

Brace yourselves, Tropics fans; the Lobos are back and they’re hungry — and the rest of the league should take notice.