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, 2024. Athletic director Fernando Lovo received the news early on Sunday morning from Erik Moses, the executive director of the Rate Bowl, who reached out to offer the Lobos a spot in the postseason game after other teams opted out of bowl eligibility.
The Lobos, who boast a record of 9-3 and a six-game winning streak, will face Minnesota at a venue that serves as the home for Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks in Phoenix. This matchup marks a significant moment for the Lobos, as it will be their first bowl appearance in nine years and the third time this season they will take on a Big Ten opponent.
Coach Jason Eck informed his players of the invitation during a team banquet on Sunday. Initially, the Lobos were expected to play in the Isleta New Mexico Bowl on their home field in Albuquerque. However, with the invitation to the Rate Bowl, they will now have the opportunity to showcase their skills on a larger stage. “Playing a quality opponent from the Big Ten is a motivational point,” Eck said. “We split against the Big Ten schools this year, losing at Michigan and winning at UCLA.”
The Rate Bowl traditionally features the No. 6 selection from the Big Ten matched up with the No. 5 pick from the Big 12. However, after Kansas State and Iowa State both opted out of postseason play, Moses sought a more willing participant. He noted the geographic proximity of New Mexico to Arizona as a factor that could enhance attendance, stating, “If people can get in their cars and drive to a game to follow their team… that can help boost attendance.”
Both Kansas State and Iowa State faced fines of $500,000 from the Big 12 for their decision to forgo bowl eligibility. Last year, the Rate Bowl paid its participating teams a total of $1.6 million. The Lobos have emerged as one of the feel-good stories of the season, surpassing expectations and leading the nation in year-over-year attendance growth.
New Mexico is one of seven teams from the Mountain West Conference to reach the postseason. Other conference teams include Boise State, which is set to play in the L.A. Bowl, and Fresno State, which will face Miami (Ohio) in the Arizona Bowl. The upcoming New Mexico Bowl will feature San Diego State against North Texas.
Eck expressed gratitude for the opportunity, acknowledging the role of the conference office in facilitating the invitation. “Thank you to those players at Iowa State for opting out and giving us an opportunity to get in this game,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Minnesota has had a challenging season, finishing with a record of 7-5. The Golden Gophers notched a perfect home record of 7-0 but were unable to secure a victory on the road, ending the season tied for seventh in the Big Ten. They faced tough competition, losing to College Football Playoff teams such as Ohio State and Oregon by a combined score of 83-6, while also defeating notable teams like Wisconsin and Michigan State.
Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck expressed enthusiasm about the matchup, highlighting his familiarity with Eck and the Lobos. “I love when people can turn around something really quickly. It kind of draws my attention,” Fleck said, acknowledging the challenges of building a strong team culture.
As bowl season approaches, one significant concern for both teams is player participation. Many players are entering the transfer portal or opting out of bowl games to protect their future careers. While Fleck did not specify how many of his players might opt out, Eck noted that three Lobos have already decided to leave the team: linebacker Randolph Kpai is entering the transfer portal, while offensive linemen Trace Edmundson and Jordan Mora are stepping away from football for personal reasons.
“I’m hoping we don’t lose any of our starters opting out,” Eck stated. “This game adds a lot of value to our players, whether they want to go pro or transfer after this season.”
The Lobos’ upcoming match against Minnesota offers a critical opportunity for players to demonstrate their skills on a national platform, with the game set to be broadcast on ESPN. As they prepare for this challenge, the Lobos aim to build on their successful season and leave a lasting impact in their return to postseason play.
