It’s rivalry week, as the Lobos head down to Las Cruces to take on the Aggies for the 109th meeting between these two programs. Historically, the series has been lopsided, with the Lobos having an all-time record of 70-33-5 against the Aggies. That in itself makes it seem less like a rivalry and more like when I would dominate Zach in basketball when we were kids (let’s see if he reads this). However, the last two years have seen the Lobos play sloppy games that resulted in close losses to the Aggies, so recently, things have felt a lot tighter.

This year, neither program feels like it’s in great shape. The Lobos have been subject to tough financial situations, some coach controversies, and just a rough season in the past year. The Aggies, on the other hand, won their first bowl game in forever right before they were set to get kicked out of their conference. Still, it’s a rivalry game and it means something regardless of how good the programs are. I’d certainly prefer to not lose to the Aggies for the third straight year.

In lieu of a standard preview, here are some scattered thoughts I have going into this game:

• This is a critical week for the Lobos if they want to stay on track for a bowl game. Realistically, the Aggies are the worst team that the Lobos will face all season, non-Incarnate Word division. Beyond that, it marks the beginning of the easiest stretch the Lobos have all season, with Liberty, UNLV, and CSU to follow. Stumbling out of the gate would not exactly inspire confidence in them picking up three or four wins during this stretch. However, if they can build some momentum and carry it over the next few games, it’s totally within the realm of possibility that the Lobos start 5-1 or 4-2. I hope that would get some people interested in the program.
• Speaking of the Aggies being bad, they actually lead the nation in losses right now with three, thanks to them starting a week earlier than most teams. They’ve yet to look good at all, with big losses already on the books versus Wyoming, Minnesota, and Utah State. That, in a nutshell, is the effect of them being conferenceless. It’s hard to convince recruits to come to your school when your schedule features several buy games and a home-and-home with Liberty (yeah, they play each other twice). I know that some people have questioned the rationale of having football at UNM, given the budget issues and general football landscape, but goodness, how do you convince yourself that NMSU football is worthwhile? Particularly at the FBS level. If they can’t get into a conference, I don’t know why they should avoid dropping down to FCS.
• Sheriron Jones will be under center for the Lobos, after Tevaka Tuioti and Coltin Gerhart have both been sidelined with injuries. Now, I’ll be honest, losing Tuioti in the last game highlighted to me how clearly he should be the starting quarterback. However, once I thought about it some more, I realized I probably wasn’t being fair to Jones. After all, it’s hard to come in as a backup QB, given that the starter got most of the reps in practice with the guys who are actually on the field. But this week, Jones got those reps, which means that he should be more comfortable from the beginning this time. I actually feel pretty confident that he’ll do well against the Aggies. I do hope that he stays healthy, because quite frankly, we’re running out of QBs.
• Why is this game only on Aggievision? I’m in Los Angeles and trust me, it’s a little difficult to get that channel out here.
• I’m not ready to start freaking out about the rushing offense, but I can’t say that I’m feeling super comfortable about it.
• It’s Zach’s birthday today! Send him your favorite gif.
• If both teams aren’t wearing their Zia helmets, we riot.

Game Info

Who: New Mexico Lobos (1-1) at NMSU Aggies (0-3)

When: Saturday, September 15 at 6pm

Where: Aggie Memorial Stadium, Los Cruces, NM

Watch: Aggievision

Listen: 770 KKOB