Press Conference: Lobo Football Coach Jason Eck
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — After a close 34-17 loss to No. 14 Michigan that was a two-score game in the fourth quarter with New Mexico holding the ball, all signs point forward to a Saturday afternoon clash with Idaho State. The meeting with the Bengals is the first between the two schools in 27 years. Head Coach Jason Eck took to the podium on Tuesday to talk with the media and wrap up the game with Michigan, and set up Saturday’s matchup.
The Lobos and Bengals will kick off at 1:07 pm. The game will be broadcast over a nine-state region on Altitude Sports with Robert Portnoy and DonTrell Moore on the call, and fans can watch via the Mountain West App. Fans can listen to J.J. Buck and Ned James on 770 AM/96.3 FM KKOB, with the pregame show starting at noon.
The Lobos picked up 267 yards against Michigan’s top-rated defense, and Dorian Thomas turned in a record performance with 10 receptions and two touchdowns. Tavian Combs led the way defensively with nine stops, and Jaxton Eck had eight for a defense that got hit with two long runs (56 and 59 yards) but otherwise held the Wolverines in check for much of the night in front of over 110,000 people.
Idaho State is 0-2 on the season, and this will be its third consecutive road game to start the season after losing at UNLV in Week 0, 38-31, and at Southern Utah, 46-24. The last meeting between the two teams was the 1998 season opener, a 38-9 Lobo win in Rocky Long’s first game as head coach. New head coach Jason Eck has had success against Idaho State, going a perfect 3-0 as head coach of the Idaho Vandals.
Lobo Talk is tonight, Tuesday, September 2, at 7–8 pm live from Sandia Resort & Casino, taking place in the beautiful Sandia Sports Bar. The Sandia Sports Bar adds a casual element of fun, great food, local craft beers, and inspired cocktails. Unwind indoors and outdoors, taking in the most amazing views of the Sandia Mountains, while enjoying over 50 state-of-the-art televisions. Sandia’s menu features terrific sports bar favorites from wings to burgers, plus authentic New Mexican cuisine, and even surf and turf options and a special Lobo Talk menu. There is something for everyone at Sandia Sports Bar.
Joining Coach Eck and Voice of the Lobos Robert Portnoy will be defensive line coach Hebron “Loni” Fangupo and defensive lineman Keyshawn James-Newby. Tonight’s show will air on 770 AM/96.3 FM KKOB. Fans can call with questions at 505-243-3333 and can listen online right here.