For the first time in 18 years, the New Mexico Lobos are experiencing a promising start to their football season with a record of 3-1. This milestone coincides with a sold-out game at the University Stadium, signaling a strong community turnout. The Lobos will face the San Jose State Spartans in San Jose, California, marking the beginning of their conference play.
Lobos vs. Spartans: Game Details
The matchup is set to kick off at 7:05 PM Pacific Time (8:05 PM Mountain Time) and will be broadcast on FS1. Fans can tune in to the Lobo Radio Network, where Robert Portnoy and DonTrell Moore will provide live commentary.
Current Season Performance
New Mexico is entering this game riding a three-game winning streak. Their latest victory was a rivalry win against New Mexico State, where they triumphed 38-20 in front of 37,440 fans. Previous to that, they achieved a notable 35-10 victory over UCLA, marking their first Power-4 win in 17 years.
San Jose State’s Outlook
On the other hand, San Jose State holds a record of 1-3 this season. Despite their struggles, they were close to being 3-1, missing two late field goals that could have shifted their record. Recently, they narrowly lost to Stanford with a score of 30-29 after leading in the fourth quarter.
Historical Context
This game holds significance as the 22nd meeting between the two programs. The Lobos have faced challenges in San Jose, having lost their last six games there, with their last victory occurring in 1969. Notably, none of the current UNM travel party were alive during that last win.
Key Players to Watch
- Walker Eget: The Spartans’ quarterback, averaging nearly 300 passing yards per game.
- Danny Scudero: A standout receiver with 33 catches for 514 yards this season.
- Taniela Latu: A defensive force for SJSU, recording 4.0 tackles for loss among 25 tackles.
- Jordan Pollard: An all-conference candidate with 32 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Lobos’ Defensive Strengths
New Mexico’s defense has shown exceptional performance recently, only allowing one touchdown in their last game. They achieved a record-tying nine sacks and 12 passes defended, featuring a standout performance from Keyshawn James-Newby, who notched 2.5 sacks.
Offensive Highlights
Quarterback Jack Layne delivered a stellar performance against New Mexico State, completing 23 of 30 passes for four touchdowns and 303 yards. Wide receiver Keagan Johnson also shined, surpassing 100 receiving yards in that game.
Community Engagement and Events
As part of the community engagement, Lobo Talk will be held on Tuesday nights at the Sandia Resort & Casino. This show aims to connect fans with the team, featuring discussions with Coach Eck, players, and local commentators. The atmosphere promises great food, local craft beers, and stunning views of the Sandia Mountains.
With excitement building around the Lobos, this matchup against San Jose State stands to be a pivotal moment in their season.
