High Stakes in the High Country: Lobos vs. Air Force
Overview
Radio Coverage
Network: Lobo Radio Network
Play-by-Play: Robert Portnoy
Analyst: DonTrell Moore
Online Stream: player.listenlive.co/22401
TV Coverage
Networks: Altitude Sports / Mountain West Network
Play-by-Play: Chris Lewis
Analyst: Randy Cross
Additional: CBS Sports Network
Streaming: cbssports.com/cbssports
The New Mexico Lobos head to Colorado Springs on Saturday with an opportunity to rewrite the program’s recent history.
Albuquerque’s typical late-November football slump, signaling a relatively quiet ending to the football season with no conference stakes, no hope for a bowl appearance, and no other motivation beyond pride, had been a common theme for many years.
Fans would be so used to this time of year, it’s now time to start covering UNM Lobo Basketball to get reenergized to a winning program with serious hopes of an NCAA appearance and battles in the Mountain West Conference race.
However, as first-year head coach Jason Eck has shown in his inaugural season at New Mexico, that trend is changing significantly for the Lobos.
Eck has taken New Mexico to bowl eligibility by guiding the team to a 7–3 overall record, giving the program life and renewed expectations.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
What is even more impressive, New Mexico remains tied for first in the Mountain West championship race, along with five teams currently tied at 4–2 in MW games.
As such, Eck will be leading UNM through what could very well be the most intense competition of the latter stages of the conference schedule that New Mexico has experienced in decades.
A win at Falcon Stadium would give UNM its first five-game winning streak since 2016 and its first road victory over Air Force in more than 20 years. Kickoff is set for 5:00 p.m. MDT on CBS Sports Network.
The Lobos enter at 7–3 (4–2 MW), part of a five-team logjam tied for second in the Mountain West.
UNM is still firmly in the race to host the Mountain West Championship Game, potentially, but the path requires the Lobos to win out and get help—specifically, at least one loss each from Boise State, Fresno State, and Hawaii.
Air Force sits at 3–7 (2–4 MW) following a disappointing 26–16 loss at UConn that ended its bowl hopes. Still, Falcon Stadium is one of the toughest venues in the conference, and with 32 seniors playing their final home game, emotions will be high.
Fans can watch on CBS Sports Network with Chris Lewis and Randy Cross or listen on the Lobo Radio Network with Robert Portnoy and DonTrell Moore.
Team Outlooks
New Mexico Lobos
The Lobos’ resurgence under Jason Eck has become one of the best stories in the Mountain West this season.
UNM opened the season 3–1, rebounding from a loss to Michigan with wins over Idaho State, UCLA, and New Mexico State.
The next five games were a mix of results, but the Lobos ultimately went 3–2 with victories over Nevada, Utah State, and UNLV.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Their shootout win over UNLV may have been the turning point. UNM exploded for 24 second-quarter points and piled up 532 total yards, including 401 through the air, averaging 9.7 yards per play.
Last week, the Lobos showed they can also win gritty defensive battles, edging Colorado State 20–17.
With the score tied 10–10 entering the fourth quarter, UNM closed on a 10–7 run to seal the win.
- Jack Layne: 13/26, 226 yards, plus a rushing TD
- DJ McKinney: 52 rushing yards, 1 TD
- Keegan Johnson: 5 catches, 65 yards
The “Zero Point Rebuild” is ahead of pace, and UNM remains in the title hunt. A fast start will be critical Saturday—Air Force struggles when forced out of its run-first rhythm.
New Mexico’s balanced offense and improving defense give them the tools to attack early and withstand the option attack.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Air Force Falcons
Air Force opened with a comfortable win over Bucknell, but the season quickly went sideways.
The Falcons lost five straight to Utah State, Boise State, Hawaii, Navy, and UNLV before finally beating Wyoming. They fell to Army but bounced back to defeat San Jose State.
Against the Spartans on November 8, Air Force posted 16 second-quarter points in a 26–16 win, rushing for 261 yards and earning 21 first downs.
Photo Courtesy of Air Force Athletics
The defense allowed 435 total yards but forced three key turnovers that swung the game.
Last weekend, Air Force slipped again in a 26–16 loss to UConn, surrendering points in every quarter.
- Kemper Hodges: 4/8, 32 yards
- Owen Allen: 22 carries, 122 yards
- Cade Harris: 2 receptions, 25 yards
Air Force remains one of the nation’s top rushing teams (271.1 YPG), but defensive inconsistency—especially against physical run teams—has held them back.
With a massive senior class playing its final home game, expect an emotional, high-effort performance.
Photo Courtesy of college football news
Why New Mexico Is Dangerous
New Mexico has won six of its last nine, and the offense has become both explosive and reliable.
The Lobos have shown they can score in bunches (532 yards vs. UNLV) or grind out tight, defensive wins (vs. CSU).
- Jack Layne distributes efficiently and extends plays with his legs.
- DJ McKinney brings physicality and balance to the ground game.
- Keegan Johnson has emerged as a steady, chain-moving target.
This is a confident, battle-tested offense paired with a defense that is playing its best football of the season.
Why Air Force Is Searching for Answers
The Falcons haven’t rediscovered their usual consistency. Their running game is still dangerous—261 yards vs. San Jose State showed the scheme still works—but when opponents force Air Force into obvious passing downs, the offense stalls.
Against UConn, the Falcons never found passing rhythm and couldn’t generate explosive plays. Their defense has also struggled to get stops late in games, something New Mexico will try to exploit.
Players to Watch
New Mexico
- Jack Layne (QB)
Stats: 2,166 passing yards, 12 TDs, 9 INTs, 66.8% completion. Also, he adds mobility with occasional rushing scores.
Why watch: He’s the engine of the Lobos’ passing attack and will need to exploit Air Force’s weak pass defense. - Damon Bankston (RB)
Stats: 461 rushing yards, 4 TDs on 84 carries.
Why watch: Key for balance against Air Force’s front; also a threat in special teams. - Keagan Johnson (WR)
Stats: 50 receptions, 638 yards, 3 TDs.
Why watch: Deep threat who can stretch the field against a secondary that struggles in coverage. - Jaxton Eck (LB)
Stats: 106 tackles (team leader).
Why watch: Will be critical in slowing Air Force’s run-heavy option attack. - Keyshawn James-Newby (EDGE)
Stats: 6.5 sacks.
Why watch: Pass rush could force Air Force into uncomfortable passing downs.
Photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Air Force
- Liam Szarka (QB)
Stats: 1,296 passing yards, 9 TDs, 5 INTs; 923 rushing yards, 13 TDs.
Why watch: Dual-threat QB and centerpiece of the Falcons’ triple-option offense. - Owen Allen (RB)
Stats: 356 rushing yards; had 122 yards vs. UConn last week.
Why watch: Power back who complements Szarka in the ground game. - Cade Harris (WR/RB)
Stats: 33 catches, 561 yards, 2 TDs; also contributes in rushing and returns.
Why watch: Versatile playmaker who can break big plays in the passing game. - Blake Fletcher (LB)
Stats: 92 tackles (team leader).
Why watch: Defensive anchor; will need to contain Layne and Bankston. - Isaac Hubert (DL)
Stats: Leads team in sacks (3).
Why watch: Pressure on Layne is vital for Air Force’s chances.
Prediction
Air Force on Senior Day is always a challenge, but the Lobos have been the more consistent and explosive team throughout the season.
If UNM protects the ball, wins early downs, and forces one or two stalled Air Force drives, they have a real chance to break a two-decade drought in Falcon Stadium.
Prediction: New Mexico 31, Air Force 27
A historic road win that keeps UNM in the Mountain West title hunt.
