New Mexico Lobos Face Hawaii Rainbow Warriors in Crucial MWC Matchup

The New Mexico Lobos (5-6, 4-3 Mountain West) are set to face the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors (4-7, 2-4 Mountain West) on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex in Honolulu, Hawaii. This matchup is significant for both teams, albeit for different reasons. New Mexico, led by first-year head coach Bronco Mendenhall, is aiming to secure its first bowl game appearance since 2016. No first-year head coach in New Mexico’s history has achieved this feat.

Hawaii, despite being eliminated from bowl game contention, is looking to send off its 23 seniors with a victory in their home finale. The Rainbow Warriors have a strong tradition of success on senior nights, having won six straight and 11 of their last 12 such games. Last year, they dramatically defeated Colorado State 27-24, spoiling the Rams’ bowl chances, and they hope to replicate this performance against the Lobos.

Oddsmakers favor the New Mexico Lobos by 2.5 points, with the total set at 61.5 points. The Lobos come into this game after a close 38-35 win against the Washington State Cougars, while Hawaii suffered a significant loss to the Utah State Aggies, 55-10, in their last outing.

Statistically, New Mexico boasts a strong offense, ranking fourth in total yards per game (484.5) and fifth in rushing yards per game (248.9). However, their defense has been a weakness, ranking third-worst in total yards allowed per game (483.5) and fourth-worst in rushing yards allowed per game (223). Hawaii’s offense has struggled, particularly in rushing, where they rank 11th-worst in the FBS with 97.3 yards per game. Defensively, Hawaii has been more balanced, ranking 70th in total yards allowed per game (367.5).

The game will be broadcast on Spectrum Sports, starting at 11 p.m. ET. Both teams are coming off a bye week, which could impact their performance. Hawaii coach Timmy Chang is 0-4 coming off byes, including 0-2 this season.

Key players to watch include New Mexico’s quarterback Devon Dampier, who has thrown for 2,592 yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,065 yards and 16 touchdowns. For Hawaii, quarterback Brayden Schager has thrown for 2,591 yards and 19 touchdowns, and receivers Nicholas Cenacle and Pofele Ashlock have been significant contributors to the team’s passing game.