Spence Nowinsky has built a monster in Albuquerque. After turning New Mexico into one of the nation’s most improved defenses in 2025, the Lobos’ coordinator has leveled up again in 2026 - holding nationally ranked Oklahoma to just 14 points and anchoring an opportunistic unit that ranks fourth in the FBS in total defense (201 yards per game) and leads the country with 11 takeaways. Head coach Jason Eck calls him the best Group of Five defensive coordinator in America, and if the "Mutts" keep playing with this level of relentless physicality, Power Four programs won't be able to look away for long.

Discover the top 5 takeaways from Week 3 of Mountain West college football. From North Dakota State’s dominant 4-0 run to New Mexico’s defensive stand against Oklahoma, see who impressed, who struggled, and what it means for the conference title race.

A stellar defense and three forced turnovers gave New Mexico eight separate drives in Oklahoma territory, but self-inflicted wounds and red-zone stalls condemned the Lobos to a agonizing 14-6 loss against the 24th-ranked Sooners. Gone are the days when UNM settled for moral victories; inside the locker room, this was a squandered opportunity against an SEC power they dominated for long stretches. From dropped passes and crucial penalties to six brutal sacks, the offense repeatedly got in its own way, proving that on a night built for a program-defining upset, the only team capable of stopping the Lobos was themselves.

The Pit Press staff predictions ahead of the New Mexico and Oklahoma matchup on 9/19/26 in Norman, OK.

They are 22.5-point underdogs stepping into a historic powerhouse's backyard, but Jason Eck and the New Mexico Lobos aren't heading to Norman just to take photos. Riding an 11-4 stretch, boasting the nation's third-ranked total defense, and armed with the quiet confidence of past giant-killings, UNM travels to face No. 24 Oklahoma believing in the impossible. They’ll need near-flawless execution and a few big breaks to pull off the biggest signature road win in program history - so you’re telling us there’s a chance?

Riding the high of a 91-year record home win streak and a 70-7 dismantling of Mercyhurst, the New Mexico Lobos are trading fast food for fine dining as they head east to face No. 24 Oklahoma. Head coach Jason Eck knows stepping up to the SEC’s "nicest steak house" brings the risk of getting embarrassed, but the Lobos hold a few high-stakes ingredients for an unprecedented upset. To shock the Sooners, UNM must overcome early passing slumps, rely on their nation-leading takeaway defense, and leverage freshman sensation Marco Beltran Jr.’s explosive punt returns to flip the field.

One month into the 2026 New Mexico high school football season, the landscape is shifting fast as colder nights set in and district battles begin. From Cleveland and La Cueva’s long-awaited 6A clash at Wilson Stadium to high-flying surges by Sandia and Volcano Vista, the state’s top classification is delivering plenty of high-stakes drama. Meanwhile in 5A, perennial power Artesia snaps an unusual skid to open district play with authority, Roswell solidifies its role as a giant killer, and newcomers Los Lunas and Cibola make early moves. Here is the full breakdown of where things stand after four weeks of action.

From humiliating FCS upsets to statement road victories, the Mountain West turned into absolute chaos last weekend. While conference newcomers North Dakota State continued their dominant FBS transition by dismantling Air Force, stalwarts like UNLV hit an unexpected brick wall, and two other programs suffered embarrassing home drops to lower-subdivision foes. But amidst the wreckage, a few programs took care of business, racked up record-setting blowouts, and found their footing.

Here are the top five takeaways from a wild, unraveling week of Mountain West college football with Colton Pool.