The 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 development follows an earlier assumption that the Lobos were set to participate in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl. Instead, the team’s athletic director, Fernando Lovo, received a call from Erik Moses, the executive director of the Rate Bowl, offering the Lobos a chance to fill a last-minute vacancy in the postseason matchup.
The Lobos, who finished the season with a commendable 9-3 record and a six-game winning streak, will take their growing fan base to Phoenix’s Chase Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks. This appearance marks the Lobos’ first bowl game in nine years, showcasing a significant turnaround for the program.
Coach Jason Eck shared the news with his players during a team banquet, expressing excitement about the challenge. “Playing a quality opponent from the Big Ten is a motivational point,” Eck stated. “We split against the Big Ten schools this year, losing at Michigan and winning at UCLA. Obviously, we want to put our best foot forward and play our best football, but it’s going to be a huge challenge.”
Initially, the Lobos were expected to host a postseason game in Albuquerque, where they went undefeated this season. With both Kansas State and Iowa State opting out of bowl eligibility, the Rate Bowl sought a replacement. “It doesn’t hurt that they’re a neighboring state,” Moses remarked, emphasizing the convenience for fans during the holiday season.
The decision by Kansas State and Iowa State to withdraw resulted in fines of $500,000 each from the Big 12, allowing the Lobos a chance to step in. Last year, the Rate Bowl compensated its participating teams with $1.6 million, indicating the financial stakes involved in postseason play.
The Lobos have emerged as one of the season’s feel-good stories in college football, exceeding preseason expectations and leading the nation in year-over-year attendance growth. They join six other teams from the Mountain West Conference competing in bowl games this season, including conference champion Boise State, which is set to face Washington in the L.A. Bowl.
As for the Rate Bowl, it will feature San Diego State against North Texas in a matchup anticipated to be competitive. Eck noted that the Lobos’ performance against Minnesota could have been less appealing had they remained at home, where finding an opponent willing to play could have proved difficult.
“Very thankful for how it worked out, and the conference office did a great job of helping,” Eck expressed. “Thank you to those players at Iowa State. I hope they have a great Christmas at home — for opting out and giving us an opportunity to get in this game.”
The Golden Gophers, who finished tied for seventh in the Big Ten with a record of 7-5, have had a season marked by contrasting performances. They went 7-0 at home but struggled on the road, ending the season with losses to College Football Playoff contenders Ohio State and Oregon by a combined score of 83-6.
“I’m a football fan too,” said Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck. “I stay up really late on those Saturdays and watch a lot of those late-night West Coast games and Mountain West games, as well. Pretty familiar with coach Eck. … I love when people can turn around something really quickly. It draws my attention.”
Bowl season presents its challenges as players often enter the transfer portal or choose not to participate in the games. This trend has gained traction in recent years, with athletes opting out of bowl games for various reasons. While Fleck did not disclose how many of his players may opt out, Eck indicated that three Lobos have already declared: linebacker Randolph Kpai (transfer portal), offensive lineman Trace Edmundson (retirement from the sport), and offensive lineman Jordan Mora (transferring to a lower division for more playing time).
“I’m hoping we don’t lose any of our starters opting out,” Eck said. “This is a game that adds a lot of value to our players. Whether they want to go pro after this season or try the transfer portal, playing a quality opponent like Minnesota provides valuable experience.”
As the Lobos prepare for their upcoming matchup, they face a significant opportunity to showcase their progress and commitment to a strong football culture on a national stage.
