Lobos Prepare for Key Matchup Against Rebels in Las Vegas

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The University of New Mexico Lobos are set to face the UNLV Rebels on November 1 in Las Vegas. The Lobos, with a record of 5-3 and 2-2 in the Mountain West, are coming off a decisive 33-14 victory over Utah State.

In contrast, the Rebels stand at 6-1 overall and 2-1 in the Mountain West after their first loss of the season, a 56-31 setback at Boise State. UNLV did not play last weekend, providing them extra time to prepare for the matchup.

This game showcases two of the Mountain West’s newest coaches: Dan Mullen from UNLV and the Lobos’ head coach. The game will be available for fans on the Mountain West Network, and it can be streamed for free on the MW App and at golobos.com/watch.

Radio coverage will be provided by the Lobo Radio Network, featuring play-by-play by Robert Portnoy and analysis from DonTrell Moore.

Fast facts ahead of the game include that UNLV has won the last three meetings in the series and that New Mexico played its 2020 season in Las Vegas at Sam Boyd Stadium, which gave them a temporary home during that year.

In their recent win against Utah State, the Lobos rushed for an impressive 224 yards. This year, the Lobos have achieved a 5-0 record when rushing for over 100 yards. Additionally, a victory against UNLV will make New Mexico bowl eligible for the first time since 2016.

In a nod to tradition, UNM will wear its turquoise jerseys for the first time since the 1979 season. These jerseys were worn from 1973 to 1979, during which the Lobos amassed a 21-17 record.

New Mexico’s recent triumph over Nevada featured strong defensive plays and critical fourth-down conversions, allowing them to limit Nevada to just 257 yards of total offense.

The Lobos have experienced a steady rise, and their performance against the currently 4-3 Utah State team highlighted quarterback Bryson Barnes‘ all-conference level of play. Barnes has thrown for 1,644 yards and 13 touchdowns with only two interceptions this season, along with rushing for 363 yards and seven touchdowns.

As the teams prepare for kickoff, UNM fans are hopeful for a victory that would place them in contention for the Mountain West Championship game.