The New Mexico Lobos enter their November 15, 2025 home matchup against the Colorado State Rams with momentum, confidence, and one of their most complete teams in years under head coach Bronco Mendenhall. At 6-3, the Lobos have revitalized their identity on both sides of the ball, establishing a physical brand of football that thrives on discipline, balanced play-calling, and home-field energy at University Stadium. Their offense, averaging just over 30 points per game, has found its rhythm behind quarterback Dylan Hopkins, who has been efficient and poised throughout the season. Hopkins has passed for over 1,800 yards with 15 touchdowns and only five interceptions, managing the game well and keeping turnovers to a minimum. His connection with wide receivers Caleb Medford and Jeremiah Hixon has allowed the Lobos to stretch the field and open up lanes for the ground attack, which has been the backbone of the offense. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has been the engine, rushing for more than 800 yards and double-digit touchdowns, consistently breaking tackles and controlling tempo. The offensive line, led by veterans Isaac Gutierrez and Gabe Blair, has been the unsung hero, giving the offense balance and providing the stability needed to sustain long drives. Defensively, New Mexico has undergone one of the most impressive transformations in the Mountain West. After years of inconsistency, this unit now ranks among the top half of the conference in scoring defense, allowing just under 25 points per game and excelling in takeaways and red-zone stops.

Linebacker Tavian Combs has anchored the defense with his leadership and sideline-to-sideline range, while the front four, featuring Cameron Shaffer and Payton Bagley, has improved its pass rush, recording multiple sacks in each of the last three games. The secondary, which once struggled with blown assignments, has tightened up coverage and limited explosive plays, thanks to the emergence of cornerback Christian Ellis. At home, the Lobos have been particularly strong, feeding off crowd energy and playing fundamentally sound football, posting a 4-1 record in Albuquerque this season. Their ability to start fast and protect the football has allowed them to control the flow of games, especially against teams with struggling defenses like Colorado State. The key for New Mexico in this matchup will be to impose their will early through the running game, maintain defensive discipline, and avoid giving the Rams short fields. On special teams, kicker Luke Drzewiecki has been reliable, converting nearly 90% of his field-goal attempts, while punter Josh Carlson has consistently pinned opponents deep, providing valuable field position advantages. From a betting standpoint, the Lobos are 5-4 against the spread and have been a favorable play at home, covering in most of their recent victories. Their balanced offense and improving defense make them a tough opponent for a Colorado State team still searching for stability. Expect the Lobos to dictate tempo from the opening kickoff, establishing a steady mix of run and pass while their defense frustrates a Rams offense prone to turnovers. If New Mexico continues to execute at its current level, this matchup could serve as another statement win, pushing them closer to bowl eligibility and reinforcing their status as one of the Mountain West’s most improved programs. The formula is simple: play clean, control the clock, and capitalize on Colorado State’s defensive weaknesses. If those elements hold true, the Lobos should roll to a comfortable 34-17 victory in front of an energized home crowd.