March 4, 2004
The 2004 University of New Mexico football schedule is highlighted by five games against opponents that played in bowl games a year ago, and three of those teams will visit University Stadium in the first five weeks of the season.
The Lobos and Washington State kick off the season in Albuquerque on Friday, Sept. 3, in a game televised nationally by ESPN. The Cougars, 23-13 victors over UNM last year in Pullman, are coming off a 10-3 season, which included a 28-20 victory over Texas in the Holiday Bowl. WSU was 6-2 in the Pac-10.
The four-year home-and-home series with Texas Tech comes to a close on Sept. 11, when the Red Raiders come to University Stadium. TTU was 8-5 last year and whipped Navy 38-14 in the Houston Bowl.
A rematch of the 2003 Las Vegas Bowl will be played Sept. 18 in Corvallis, Ore., as the Lobos travel to Oregon State. The Beavers were 8-5 overall, 4-4 in the Pac-10. OSU is ranked No. 16 in the nation in a preseason poll by ESPN.com.
The 95th meeting between New Mexico and New Mexico State is Sept. 25 in Las Cruces. That’s followed by the Mountain West Conference opener against defending league champion Utah on Oct. 2 at University Stadium. The Utes were 10-2 last season and finished No. 23 in the final AP poll after beating Southern Mississippi 17-0 in the Liberty Bowl. ESPN.com has Utah No. 14 in its preseason poll.
“There’s no doubt that this is a very challenging schedule for what will be a young football team,” said head coach Rocky Long, who begins his seventh season at his alma mater. “The first month will be extremely demanding, but it will also be very exciting for our team and especially our fans.
“It’s a real thrill to start the season at home on national television against a quality opponent like Washington State. We’ve been trying to get recognition for our program and I believe our success the past few years is being rewarded. Hopefully, we’ll get a few more games on (national television) as the season progresses.”
New Mexico also has home conference games against San Diego State on Oct. 23 and Wyoming on Nov. 20. League road games are at Air Force (Oct. 9), at UNLV (Oct. 16), at Colorado State (Oct. 30) and at BYU (Nov. 13).
All dates are subject to change due to television and all game times will be announced when available.
The Lobos were 8-5 last season and finished second in the MWC at 5-2. UNM has been to consecutive bowl games for only the second time in school history and the first time since 1945-46.
New Mexico begins spring practice on Monday, March 22. The annual Cherry-Silver Game is Saturday, April 10 at University Stadium at 4 p.m.
Season ticket renewals will be mailed out around April 1, while season tickets for the general public will be available on June 15.
2004 NEW MEXICO FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Sept. 3 (Friday) Washington State (ESPN)
Sept. 11 Texas Tech
Sept. 18 at Oregon State
Sept. 25 at New Mexico State
Oct. 2 Utah
Oct. 9 at Air Force
Oct. 16 at UNLV
Oct. 23 San Diego State
Oct. 30 at Colorado State
Nov. 6 Open
Nov. 13 at BYU
Nov. 20 Wyoming