The Pit Press staff predictions ahead of the New Mexico and New Mexico State on Saturday 9/26 in Las Cruces, NM.

Nothing snaps a football team out of a missed opportunity quite like a bitter rivalry.

Fresh off a frustrating 14-6 loss at Oklahoma—where the defense shined, but an unstable quarterback situation left points on the field, the University of New Mexico Lobos (2-1) are shifting their focus to Saturday’s Rio Grande Rivalry matchup at New Mexico State. UNM enters as a 13.5-point favorite for the nationally televised showdown, but questions under center remain as head coach Jason Eck juggles pass-first Luke Moga and dual-threat Toa Fa’avae.

With the Aggies (1-2) aiming to play spoiler at home and Mountain West play right around the corner, this rivalry battle serves as UNM's final high-stakes dress rehearsal. The Lobos can’t afford a slip-up in Las Cruces, because a loss would confirm every UNM fan's worst fear: that the Aggies really are good for nothing.