The University of New Mexico Lobos football team has received an unexpected invitation to compete in the Rate Bowl against the Minnesota Golden Gophers on December 26, 2023. This opportunity emerged after the Big 12 Conference’s Kansas State and Iowa State opted out of bowl eligibility, prompting Erik Moses, the executive director of the Rate Bowl, to extend the offer to the Lobos. New Mexico, with an impressive 9-3 record and a six-game winning streak, will showcase its talents in Phoenix at the Arizona Diamondbacks’ home stadium.
From Local Expectations to National Spotlight
Initially, the Lobos were expected to participate in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl, as they had done in previous seasons. However, after receiving the call from Moses, athletic director Fernando Lovo informed the team during their Sunday banquet, marking a significant turning point for the program. This will be UNM’s first bowl appearance in nine years, a refreshing change for a team that has historically played postseason games at home.
Head coach Jason Eck acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “Playing a quality opponent from the Big Ten is a motivational point.” The Lobos had previously faced two Big Ten teams earlier in the season, splitting the series with a loss at Michigan and a victory at UCLA. Eck emphasized the importance of putting forth their best effort against Minnesota, noting the competitive nature of bowl games.
The Rate Bowl typically features the No. 6 pick from the Big Ten against the No. 5 pick from the Big 12. With both Kansas State and Iowa State declining bowl eligibility and incurring fines of $500,000, it opened the door for New Mexico’s participation. Moses expressed the advantage of geographical proximity for fan attendance, stating, “If people can get in their cars and drive to a game to follow their team… that’s something we care very much about.”
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
This season has positioned the Lobos as one of the feel-good stories in college football, far exceeding preseason expectations. They have led the nation in year-over-year attendance growth, a testament to their rising fanbase. New Mexico is among seven teams from the Mountain West Conference heading to bowl games this season, with other notable matchups including Boise State against Washington and Fresno State facing Miami (Ohio).
Despite the excitement, bowl season brings its own set of challenges. Many players opt to enter the transfer portal or choose not to participate in bowl games. Coach Eck confirmed that three Lobos—linebacker Randolph Kpai, offensive lineman Trace Edmundson, and offensive lineman Jordan Mora—have already opted out. He expressed hope that the remaining starters would choose to play, highlighting the value of competing against a high-caliber opponent like Minnesota.
On the other side, Minnesota has had a particularly unusual season, finishing with a 7-0 home record but struggling on the road with a 0-5 record. The Golden Gophers tied for seventh in the Big Ten, having faced tough competition including College Football Playoff teams. Minnesota’s coach, P.J. Fleck, acknowledged the impressive turnaround of the Lobos under Eck’s leadership, emphasizing the difficulty of achieving such a turnaround and the strong culture it reflects.
The upcoming Rate Bowl promises to be an exciting matchup, with both teams looking to end their seasons on a high note. As the Lobos prepare for this significant challenge, fans will be eager to see if they can continue their winning momentum against a formidable opponent.
