ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Since 1894. That’s how long the rivalry dates back between the Lobos and the Aggies in football. This week, the 112th meeting between the two schools takes place, and for the first time in four years, it will take place in Las Cruces as the Rio Grande Rivalry will take place at Aggie Memorial Stadium at 6:07 pm. The game will be on Balls Sports Arizona, Flosports.tv and as always on the Lobo Radio Network with Robert Portnoy and DonTrell Moore on the call.
It’s a series that UNM has dominated, with wins in the last three, and amazingly a 40-11-1 lead since 1969. The last time the two teams squared off in Las Cruces, UNM used five interceptions and a school record in interception return yardage to win 42-25. It’s a game that both teams need. For UNM, the Lobos have played well in the last two games, oening halftime leads in both but scuffling after opening identical 14-0 first quarter leads. UNM lost to UNLV 31-20 and to Wyoming 27-14, both games ending on pick-sixes in the final minute. UNM is sitting at 2-4 and still has bowl hopes to entertain. The Aggies are sitting at 1-5, still have a shot at a bowl that would start with a win on Saturday.
“It’s a big game and it’s an important game,” said head coach Danny Gonzales, who made a coaching staff change, relieving Derek Warehime of his duties. Heath Ridenour, UNM’s quarterbacks coach, takes over as offensive coordinator with G.A. Matt Clark overseeing the tight ends. “I liked the energy today at practice, especially after kickoff period.”
For the Lobos, Miles Kendrick will start his seventh straight game, and he should have a full compliment of weapons at his diposal after UNM had a few key players miss the Wyoming game, but all are scheduled to be back. Defensively, the Lobos have been led by Volcano Vista sophomore Cody Moon, who leads the team with 47 tackles. He will be seeing an old friend on the other side of the line of scrimmage as Diego Pavia, one of two QBs employed by NMSU head coach Jerry Kill, played with Moon at VVHS.
Both teams have had more success rushing the ball than passing, but overall both have scuffled offensively, with NMSU ranking 127th and UNM 128th. The Lobos have been solid defensively, allowing 22.8 points per game, but it’s really just 19.3 points as 21 points have been scored off of UNM’s offense and special teams. A big key could be turnovers, and more importantly, takeaways for UNM. The Lobos have taken the ball away 13 times, ranking in the top-10 natiojnally, but they had none last Saturday. NMSU has turned the ball over frequently, with 10 interceptions and three fumbles, and UNM would love to increase those numbers.