New Mexico Lobos versus New Mexico State Aggies
Matchup: The College of New Mexico Lobos (2-1) sq. off in opposition to the New Mexico State Aggies (2-1) in one of many state’s most storied showdowns—the Rio Grande Rivalry, also called the Battle of I-25.
Kickoff Particulars: The motion will get underway at 2 p.m. this Saturday at College Stadium in Albuquerque.
- TV Broadcast: Altitude Sports activities, a regional community based mostly in Colorado, will televise the sport with Robert Portnoy dealing with play-by-play duties and DonTrell Moore offering evaluation.
- On-line Streaming: Followers with out Altitude entry can catch the identical protection by way of themw.com.
- Radio Protection: The Lobo Radio Community (770 AM/96.3 FM) will function J.J. Buck (play-by-play), Ned James (analyst), and former UNM soccer standout Skye McMillon reporting from the sidelines.
Betting Line: In response to ESPN BET, UNM enters the matchup as a 13.5-point favourite.
Why It Issues: This isn’t simply one other sport—it’s a conflict of satisfaction, custom, and bragging rights between two fierce in-state rivals.
- When: Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 4 p.m. ET
- Location: College Stadium (NM) in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- TV: MW Community
picture courtesy of picksandparlays.web
The Rio Grande Rivalry returns this Saturday because the New Mexico State Aggies head south to Albuquerque to face the New Mexico Lobos in considered one of school soccer’s oldest and most passionate rivalries.
Began in 1894, this sport means extra than simply soccer; it’s about custom, satisfaction, and bragging rights within the Land of Enchantment. Saturday will mark the one hundred and fifteenth all-time assembly between NM State and New Mexico.
When these two groups face off, data and rankings take a backseat—the main target is on dominance and a legacy that extends past the sector. From a followers’ perspective, it will likely be very entertaining with plenty of fireworks!
This yr is important as each groups enter the sport with 2-1 data, marking the primary time since 1992 that UNM and NMSU meet with profitable data.
Final yr, the Lobos gained a high-scoring shootout in Las Cruces, 50–40, whereas the Aggies claimed the 2023 matchup in Albuquerque, 27–17.
Getting back from a bye week, Jason Eck’s Lobos deal with their rival, New Mexico State. The Aggies are 2-1 however nonetheless rank among the many lower-tier groups in FBS soccer, giving the Lobos an excellent likelihood to enhance to 3-1 for the primary time since 2007, the yr Rocky Lengthy led that group to a 9-4 report.
Former Lobo star and head coach Rocky Lengthy is well-known for uplifting his group with the phrase: “Lobos don’t lose to Aggies.” Through the years, the Lobos have dominated the sequence with 74 wins, 35 losses, and 5 ties.
Throughout Rocky Lengthy’s tenure as head coach, he went 8-3 in opposition to the Aggies, profitable the final six of these video games (In response to UNM Sports activities Data Director Frank Mercogliano). It really is a heated rivalry sport for New Mexicans.
Began in 1894, this sport represents extra than simply soccer; it’s about custom, satisfaction, and bragging rights within the Land of Enchantment. Saturday will mark the one hundred and fifteenth all-time assembly between NM State and New Mexico.
When these two groups face off, data and rankings take a backseat—the main target is on dominance and a legacy that goes past the sector, and you’ll make sure that from a followers’ perspective, it will likely be very entertaining with plenty of fireworks!
This yr is important as each groups enter the sport with 2-1 data, marking the primary time since 1992 that UNM and NMSU meet with profitable data.
Final yr, the Lobos gained a high-scoring shootout in Las Cruces, 50–40, whereas the Aggies claimed the 2023 matchup in Albuquerque, 27–17.
Getting back from a bye week, Jason Eck’s Lobos focus on their rival, New Mexico State. The Aggies are 2-1 however nonetheless rank among the many lower-tier groups in FBS soccer, giving the Lobos a robust alternative to enhance to 3-1 for the primary time since 2007, the yr Rocky Lengthy led that group to a 9-4 report.
Former Lobo star and head coach Rocky Lengthy is well-known for uplifting his group with the phrase: “Lobos don’t lose to Aggies.” Through the years, the Lobos have dominated the sequence with 74 wins, 35 losses, and 5 ties.
Throughout Rocky Lengthy’s tenure as head coach, he went 8-3 in opposition to the Aggies, profitable the final six of these video games (In response to UNM Sports activities Data Director Frank Mercogliano). It really is a heated rivalry sport for New Mexicans.
picture courtesy of UNM Athletics
Current outcomes for these two groups
The Rio Grande Rivalry is again, and each groups are beginning at 2-1 with quite a bit at stake early within the season. For New Mexico State, they’re seeking to bounce again after a tricky 49-14 loss at Louisiana Tech, the place the Aggies struggled offensively with solely 27 yards dashing on 17 carries, ending with 308 whole yards.
On protection, NMSU was run over for 353 yards on 65 makes an attempt. The Lobos, in the meantime, are coming off one of many greatest wins in program historical past with a 35-10 victory on the highway at UCLA, their first win in opposition to a Energy Convention opponent since 2008.
The Lobos dominated the sport with a robust run sport that totaled 298 yards at 6.5 yards per carry. Total, UNM gained 450 yards on offense over 63 performs, whereas their protection held UCLA to only 109 dashing yards and 217 passing yards.
With each groups now above .500, the depth of this yr’s rivalry will solely develop stronger. The Aggies want a much-needed bounce-back efficiency, whereas the Lobos are desirous to show that the UCLA win wasn’t a fluke.
Bragging rights in New Mexico are certain to be fiercely contested. The Rio Grande Rivalry is again, and each groups are coming in at 2-1 with quite a bit at stake early within the season.
For New Mexico State, they’re seeking to rebound after a tricky 49-14 loss at Louisiana Tech, the place the Aggies couldn’t get a lot going offensively with solely 27 yards dashing on 17 carries, settling for 308 yards of whole offense. In the meantime, on protection, NMSU was ran over for 353 yards on 65 makes an attempt.
The Lobos, then again, are coming off one of many largest wins in this system’s historical past with a 35-10 win on the highway at UCLA, their first win in opposition to a Energy Convention opponent since 2008.
The Lobos took management of the sport with a robust dashing assault that gained 298 yards at 6.5 yards per carry. Total, UNM racked up 450 yards on offense on 63 performs, whereas the protection allowed UCLA to solely achieve 109 dashing yards and 217 passing yards.
With each groups breaking above .500, the animosity of this yr’s rivalry will solely be that a lot stronger. On one finish, the Aggies want a much-needed bounce again efficiency, whereas the Lobos are attempting to ascertain that the UCLA win wasn’t a fluke. Bragging rights in New Mexico are certain to be laborious fought.
picture courtesy of UNM Athletics
New Mexico Lobos: Rolling In With Momentum
The Lobos are getting into the rivalry with robust momentum after a commanding 35–10 victory over UCLA—their first win in opposition to a Energy 5 opponent since 2008.
Jack Layne has change into a gradual and assured quarterback, displaying composure and accuracy below strain. Offensive Coordinator Luke Schleusner has crafted an offense that performs to Layne’s strengths, emphasizing fast reads, ball safety, and effectivity.
The backfield incorporates a formidable duo of Scottre Humphrey and Damon Bankston. Humphrey excels at gaining robust yards between the tackles, whereas Bankston presents explosive velocity and big-play means.
A big, robust offensive line helps this balanced assault. For UNM, decreasing turnovers might be important for sustaining drives, controlling the clock, and sustaining the tempo—key elements on this intense rivalry.
The Lobos are getting into the rivalry with robust momentum, after a commanding 35–10 win over UCLA—their first victory in opposition to a Energy 5 opponent since 2008.
Jack Layne has change into a gradual and assured quarterback, exhibiting composure and accuracy below strain. He actually has been a blessing to this Lobo offense together with his poise below strain; he simply doesn’t get rocked.
Offensive Coordinator Luke Schleusner has designed an offense that performs to Layne’s strengths, specializing in fast reads, ball safety, and effectivity.
The backfield incorporates a robust duo in Scottre Humphrey and Damon Bankston. Humphrey is nice at gaining robust yards between the tackles. On the identical time, Bankston supplies explosive velocity and the power to make huge performs.
A big, robust offensive line helps this balanced assault. For UNM, decreasing turnovers might be essential for sustaining drives, managing the clock, and sustaining the tempo—key elements on this intense rivalry.
picture courtesy of UNM Athletics
Defensively, New Mexico has proven vital enchancment. Linebacker Jaxton Eck leads the unit, delivering a standout efficiency in opposition to UCLA with 11 tackles and an important deflection that resulted in a fourth-quarter interception.
His influence helped safe UNM’s first win over a Energy Convention opponent in 17 years, incomes him Mountain West Defensive Participant of the Week honors—the primary Lobo to obtain a weekly award this season
Moreover, junior edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby has change into a disruptive pressure on protection. His quickness and relentless effort permit him to break down pockets and strain quarterbacks, making him a big risk to the Aggies.
With 4.5 sacks, two compelled fumbles, eight tackles for loss, and prime rankings in QB pressures and go rush win charge, James-Newby’s means to influence the sport is nicely acknowledged by teammates and opponents alike.
If he can unsettle Aggie quarterback Logan Fife, NMSU’s offense may wrestle. This protection lately held UCLA to its lowest level whole in years, and replicating that efficiency in opposition to Fife and his receivers might be essential for achievement.
picture courtesy of UNM Athletics
Defensively, New Mexico has proven vital enchancment. Linebacker Jaxton Eck leads the unit, delivering a standout efficiency in opposition to UCLA with 11 tackles and a key deflection that resulted in an important fourth-quarter interception.
His influence helped safe UNM’s first win over a Energy Convention opponent in 17 years, incomes him Mountain West Defensive Participant of the Week honors—the primary Lobo to obtain a weekly award this season.
Additionally, gamers who’ve began to essentially stand out on protection for the Lobos embrace Caleb Coleman with 11 solo tackles and Abraham Williams with 9 solo tackles.
Moreover, junior edge rusher Keyshawn James-Newby has change into a disruptive pressure on protection.
His quickness and relentless effort permit him to break down pockets and strain quarterbacks, making him a big risk to the Aggies. I predict he’s going to wreak havoc on the Aggies’ offense; he’s that good.
With 4.5 sacks, two compelled fumbles, eight tackles for loss, and prime rankings in QB pressures and go rush win charge, James-Newby’s means to influence the sport is nicely acknowledged by teammates and opponents alike.
This protection lately held UCLA to its lowest level whole in years and replicating that efficiency in opposition to Fife and his receivers might be essential for achievement.
picture courtesy of UNM Athletics
A veteran within the Lobos’ secondary, Tavian Combs has been a part of the group since 2020 and presents worthwhile expertise regardless of previous harm struggles.
Tavian is a younger man of religion, and he’s certain he has relied on it, with three totally different head coaches, totally different coordinators, and all of the adversity of overcoming accidents that may have leveled most individuals.
He’s simply one of many smartest gamers within the Mountain West Convention secondary. For those who watch him on movie, he’s actually a ball hawk, at all times studying what’s happening with the opposing offense every play.
At his finest, he’s a playmaker — with 210 profession tackles, three interceptions, seven breakups, and 4 compelled fumbles.
picture courtesy of msn.com
New Mexico State Aggies: Air It Out or Bust
The Aggies’ offense revolves round quarterback Logan Fife, who has thrown for 762 yards and 5 touchdowns in three video games.
His robust connections with receivers PJ Johnson III and Donovan Faupel make NMSU a risk by way of the air. Nevertheless, the operating sport has been inconsistent, with Dijon Stanley main the group with simply 57 yards on 20 carries.
This one-dimensional assault will increase strain on the passing sport, particularly in opposition to UNM’s enhancing entrance seven.
Defensively, the Aggies have struggled to cease the run, giving up over 27 factors per sport and a staggering 45.5 factors per sport of their two losses. If Humphrey and Bankston discover their groove, it may pose issues for NMSU’s protection.
picture courtesy of saintswire.usatoday.com
New Mexico leads the all-time sequence 74–35–5, together with final yr’s 50–40 victory in Albuquerque.
The Aggies need to win back-to-back video games in opposition to New Mexico for the reason that 2009 and 2011 seasons.
The Aggies gained the 2023 matchup and have made the rivalry extra aggressive in recent times. This yr’s sport is predicted to be one other bodily and emotionally exhausting battle, doubtless determined by execution within the fourth quarter.
If the Lobos set up their operating again with their two-headed monster of Humphrey and Bankston, it will likely be an extended evening for the Aggies. The Lobos are simply too balanced and are a group that doesn’t beat itself with penalties.
picture courtesy of lcsun-news.com
- Move Rush vs. Move Safety: Benefit UNM
- Run Protection/Linebacker Play: Benefit UNM
- Secondary vs. WRs: Slight edge NMSU
- Operating Sport/Line of Scrimmage: Benefit UNM
- QB Determination Making: Even, with a slight edge to UNM
- UNM: Set up the operating sport early, management the tempo, and unleash James-Newby on protection.
- NMSU: Fife must develop timing with Johnson III and Faupel whereas defending the ball; huge performs are their main avenue for achievement.
X-Issue: Turnovers. Momentum swings on this rivalry will be dramatic and game-changing.
Whereas the Aggies’ passing sport will preserve the competition shut, New Mexico has a extra well-rounded group. The Lobos’ balanced offense and enhancing defensive effort ought to assist them keep momentum, and this group seems like a squad that doesn’t beat themselves.
They’ve two very highly effective operating backs with an offensive line that competed at Michigan after which at UCLA. Mix that with a protection that has improved and added extra items (Darren Agu) to the entrance, together with management from Combs, Eck, and Abram Williams, and it will likely be an excessive amount of for the Aggies to beat.
