Mountain West Showdown: New Mexico Hosts Colorado State in Key Conference Battle
Game Details
Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025
Time: 1:00 p.m. MT
Location: University Stadium – Albuquerque, NM
TV: Mountain West Network / Altitude Sports (DirecTV 681, Comcast 1251 (HD), 291, fuboTV)
Odds/Point Spread: Lobos (-14.0)
Total/Over-Under: 53.5
University Stadium will host the matchup between the New Mexico Lobos (6-3) and the Colorado State Rams (2-6) on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Oddsmakers in Las Vegas
have listed New Mexico as 14-point favorites, with the total set at 53.5.
Play-by-play: Robert Portnoy/Analyst Dontrell Moore
Radio: Lobo Radio Network JJ Buck/Analyst Ned James
The New Mexico Lobos (6–3, 3–2 MW) return to University Stadium on Saturday, November 15, to host the Colorado State Rams (2–7, 1–5 MW) in a Mountain West showdown.
Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. in Albuquerque. The Lobos are riding high after a thrilling 40–35 win over UNLV, while the Rams are hoping to rebound from a 42–10 defeat to the Rebels.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Overview
The New Mexico Lobos return to University Stadium this Saturday to host the Colorado State Rams in a pivotal Mountain West showdown. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. in Albuquerque, with the Lobos looking to build on momentum from their thrilling 40–35 win over UNLV before the bye week.
New Mexico enters the contest at 6-3 overall and 3-2 in Mountain West play, firmly in the mix for a strong conference finish and potential bowl positioning. Colorado State, meanwhile, sits at 2-7 (1-4 MW) and is seeking to find stability after a tough 42–10 loss to UNLV.
Oddsmakers have installed New Mexico as a 14.5-point favorite, with an implied win probability north of 80%. The Lobos’ recent offensive explosion and home-field advantage make them heavy favorites, but conference games in November are never automatic.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Team Outlooks
New Mexico Lobos
The Lobos’ offense is clicking at the right time. Quarterback Jack Layne is coming off a career-best performance against UNLV, throwing for 342 yards and three touchdowns, completing nearly 77% of his passes. Wideout Keagan Johnson added 158 yards and a score, while running back James Laubstein was electric out of the backfield, averaging an eye-popping 12.4 yards per carry.
Defensively, New Mexico will look to tighten up after allowing 35 points to the Rebels. Still, the Lobos have been strong at home, feeding off the energy of the University Stadium crowd and producing an average of 30.2 points per game while allowing 25.9 points.
photo courtesy of Fox Sports
Colorado State Rams
It’s been a frustrating season for the Rams, who enter 2-7 after another rough outing against UNLV. Quarterback Jackson Brousseau threw for 153 yards in the loss but will need to show more consistency and better decision-making against an aggressive UNM defense.
Running back Jalen Dupree has been a bright spot, totaling over 500 rushing yards this year. The Rams’ defense, however, has struggled to contain big plays, giving up nearly 29 points per game.
Players to Watch
New Mexico Lobos
- Jack Layne (QB): Poised and accurate, Layne is the engine of UNM’s offense and has totaled nearly 2,000 passing yards on the season.
- Keagan Johnson (WR): A game-breaker capable of stretching defenses vertically; his chemistry with Layne has been critical to UNM’s mid-season surge.
- James Laubstein (RB): A dual-threat back who can hurt opponents on the ground and through the air.
- Keyshawn James-Newby (DL): Leads the team with 5.5 sacks; his ability to pressure Brousseau could tilt the game.
Colorado State Rams
- Jackson Brousseau (QB): Must protect the football and extend drives to give CSU a chance.
- Jalen Dupree (RB): The Rams’ most reliable offensive weapon, capable of breaking tackles and finding space even against loaded fronts.
- Louis Brown IV (WR): The go-to target in CSU’s passing game; his production will be key to keeping UNM’s secondary honest.
What to Watch For
- Offensive Momentum: Can Layne maintain his hot hand and replicate his 77% completion rate from the UNLV win?
- Explosive Plays: Johnson and Laubstein give the Lobos the ability to strike fast — something CSU’s defense has struggled to contain.
- Defensive Adjustments: After surrendering 35 points to UNLV, UNM’s defense needs to tighten up in the red zone.
- Rams’ Turnover Battle: Brousseau’s ball security will be vital if Colorado State wants to hang around.
- Conference Implications: At 3-2 in league play, the Lobos are still in the thick of the Mountain West race; a win keeps them in contention for a top-tier finish and bowl berth.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Prediction
The Lobos are riding high, rested, and back home with plenty to play for. Their offense has found rhythm and confidence, and the defense should benefit from the bye week to regroup. Colorado State will compete, but it simply doesn’t have the firepower to keep pace if Layne and company execute effectively.
Final Score Prediction:
🟢 New Mexico 35, Colorado State 17
The Lobos take care of business in Albuquerque, strengthening their bowl hopes while the Rams look to play out the stretch and build for the future.
Huge Motivation factor for Jason Ecks surging Lobos at home, looking for that bowl game, and this writer thinks it will be at the New Mexico bowl on December 27th in Albuquerque.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
