The New Mexico Lobos did something truly wild. For the first time in their program’s entire history, they’ve crashed the AP Top 25 Poll! This isn’t just some casual ranking, folks. We’re talking 90 years in the making, over 1,200 polls since 1936, and the Lobos are finally getting national recognition. What an absolute journey for coach Jason Eck and his squad!
A 90-Year Climb to No. 22
Can you believe it? Ninety years. That’s how long the New Mexico program has been fighting, and now they’re finally breaking through. They’re sitting at No. 22 in this week’s rankings, rocking a seriously impressive 7-1 record. Last Saturday, they dug deep and took down San Jose State 21-16, a massive win that kept them right at the top of the Mountain West Conference standings. This team is for real, showing up week after week and building a resume that screams “contender.”
Group of Six Contenders
Their only stumble this season? A tough 14-6 road loss to Oklahoma. But honestly, given their overall performance, that just makes their 7-1 record look even stronger. The Lobos are now making a very strong case to be a Group of Six team in the College Football Playoff picture, and all they need to do is keep winning. Get this: they’re currently ahead of traditional SEC powerhouses like Florida and South Carolina in the rankings. The only other G6 team even close is Boise State out of the Pac-12, sitting at No. 20. New Mexico has put themselves in a position where they control their destiny for an unprecedented postseason bid.
What’s Next for the Lobos?
Next up, the Lobos hit the road for a Friday night showdown against Nevada. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. Nevada is coming off a brutal 27-0 shutout loss to No. 5 UCLA, so you know they’ll be looking to make a statement. But if New Mexico wants to keep that playoff dream alive, they have to stay focused. Beyond the Wolfpack, their final opponents have a combined record of 16-8, meaning there are no easy outs. This team has a chance to finish the year strong and stamp their ticket to something truly special. Let’s see if they can lock it down!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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