New Mexico Lobos at Hawai’i Warriors
- Teams: New Mexico vs. Hawaii
- Date: Saturday, November 30, 2024
- Time: 11:00 PM ET
- Venue: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex
- Play-by-Play: Kanoa Leahey/ Analyst: Rich Miano
- Radio: Lobo Radio Network Robert Portnoy/ J.J. Buck
- TV: Download Team 1 Sports App from a phone (App Store or Google Play), open the app, scroll to the bottom of the home page, click channels, 3 search for Hawai’i Football, Tap the Icon that appears, and tap broadcast to watch the the game.
Current Betting Odds
Spread: New Mexico favored at -2.5
Total (Over/Under): 61.5
Moneyline Odds: New Mexico -130, Hawaii +115
Showdown in the Pacific: New Mexico Lobos vs. Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors
The University of New Mexico Lobos (5-6, 3-3 MW) will face the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors (4-7, 2-4 MW) on Senior Night in Honolulu at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
Hawai’i leads the all-time series with a 16-11 advantage, although UNM has a 6-12 record on the island.
The Lobos have won four of the last five matchups. Their most recent loss was in 2020, a close contest that ended 39-33.
Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Both teams are coming off bye weeks. The Lobos earned a thrilling 38-35 victory over No. 18 Washington State, while the Warriors suffered a defeat against Utah State, losing 55-10 on the road.
The Lobos average 33.8 points per game and currently rank 6th nationally with 248.9 rushing yards per game.
They have scored 12 passing touchdowns and 33 rushing touchdowns this season, accumulating 5,330 yards.
On the defensive side, New Mexico allows 483.5 yards per game (132nd in FBS) and 38.0 points (131st).
They have surrendered 2,866 passing yards (260.5 per game, 122nd) and 2,453 rushing yards (223.0 per game).
The opponents have scored 53 touchdowns against the Lobos. With two consecutive victories under their belts, the Lobos find themselves in a win-and-in situation; a victory would make them bowl-eligible for the first time in eight years.
Additionally, a win would mark their fourth road victory, tying their best road performance since 2005, as they sit at 5-6 overall.
Before the season began, media predictions largely favored Bronco Mendenhall’s team’s last-place finish. Due to a challenging schedule, only one or two wins were expected.
Courtesy of Getty Images
New Mexico faced non-conference opponents such as Arizona, Auburn, and Washington State, while their Mountain West schedule included Fresno State, Air Force, and Wyoming.
Even their first game against FCS opponent Montana State proved a significant challenge.
Regarding schedule difficulty, Nevada and New Mexico ranked first and second in the Mountain West Conference.
This led many writers, including most national college football magazines, to predict a tough season that might yield only two or three wins.
Nonetheless, owing to the “Bronco Mendenhall effect,” I viewed them as a potential 6th-place team in the Mountain West Media preseason poll.
They are currently in the fifth position, 3-3 (MWC), and 5-6 Overall. To say they have overachieved preseason predictions would be an understatement of the year.
Based on Mendenhall’s success with teams like BYU and Virginia, I was confident he would immediately impact the Lobos football program in the Mountain West Conference.
This writer asked him at his press conference this week if this was he “envisioned” his first year would be coaching at the University of New Mexico.
“I anticipated ups and downs, but I also anticipated success and achievement,” Mendenhall said during a press conference Monday. “And I think all that’s happening, and I think I promised that it would happen … I don’t think any of us anticipated the timing.
“But it’s gratifying, it’s challenging and it’s all I would’ve hoped it would’ve been.”
Offensive Coordinator Jason Beck has done an impressive job with this potent offense, being listed at #6th in College Football Offensive leaders with 470.6 yards per game.
photo courtesy of UNM Athletics
Under Nick Howell, the rising defense has shown significant improvement, making the Lobos a much more complete football team.
If the Lobos secure a road win against the Warriors and return to the mainland with another conference victory, it would be a remarkable achievement, earning bowl eligibility in their first year.
In that case, it’s hard to argue against Bronco Mendenall being a top contender for “Mountain West Conference Coach of the Year”.
This is New Mexico football, where no head coach in Lobo history has ever led the team to a bowl game in their first season.
Not Rocky Long, Dennis Franchione, Bob Davie, Mike Locksley, or Danny Gonzales have achieved this milestone.
It has been 8 years since UNM last posted a winning conference record, finishing 6-2 in 2016.
A win on Saturday would secure a 4-3 record for UNM and a tie for fourth place in the final standings.
Mountain West Conference teams participated in 35 non-conference games against Autonomous 4 opponents (including Notre Dame, Oregon State, and Washington State), the highest number among FBS conferences, with the next closest being 27 matchups.
Although Hawai’i is no longer bowl-eligible, the Rainbow Warriors are strong at home and eager to give their seniors a memorable farewell, possibly playing the spoiler to the Lobos.
Photo Courtesy of Hawaii Athletics
Hawai’i enters this matchup after their heavy loss to Utah State, where they allowed 321 rushing yards (averaging 7.6 yards per carry) and 259 passing yards (with a 68.8% completion rate).
Under third-year head coach Timmy Chang, Hawai’i embraces its pass-heavy identity, averaging 38.3 attempts per game.
Chang’s offense—a modernized take on the run-and-shoot system he excelled in as a player—has seen quarterback Brayden Schager lead the way with 2,591 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
However, the Rainbow Warriors have struggled with offensive consistency throughout the season, but when playing well, he is one of the elite quarterbacks in the Mountain West Conference, in this writer’s opinion.
Schager’s availability for Saturday’s game remains uncertain after sustaining knee and ankle injuries during Hawai’i’s 55-10 loss to Utah State on November 16.
If the 6’3″, 220-pound senior cannot play, backups Micah Alejado and John Keawe Sagapolutele are expected to share responsibilities under center.
Offensively, the Warriors gained 309 yards over 67 plays, averaging 4.6 yards per play, with only 47 rushing yards on 31 carries (1.5 yards per carry).
Hawai’i averages 20.9 points per game (116th in FBS) and 345.8 total yards (102nd).
Their passing offense ranks 42nd nationally, averaging 248.5 yards per game, but they only average 97.3 rushing yards.
They have committed 15 interceptions, four fumbles, and 87 penalties for 767 yards.
Defensively, Hawai’i allows 25.6 points per game (75th in FBS) and 367.5 yards, which includes 153.0 rushing yards (with 17 touchdowns) and 214.5 passing yards (with 18 touchdowns).
They have forced ten turnovers, including six interceptions and four fumbles. This Saturday, the stage is set for a pivotal Mountain West clash.
The New Mexico Lobos, led by their electrifying quarterback Devon Dampier, will take on Brayden Schager and the Hawai’i Rainbow Warriors at the Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex.
This game is more than a contest for the Lobos—it’s a chance to earn bowl eligibility and conclude their season positively.
New Mexico (5-6) enters this matchup after a thrilling 38-35 victory over Washington State.
Dampier has emerged as the key player in the Lobos’ resurgence, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities that have revitalized the offense.
With his mobility, sharp decision-making, and ability to create opportunities, the Lobos have developed into a formidable ground-and-air attack.
Dampier is already the UNM single-season leader in total offense and has the chance to extend that record.
The defense aims to keep the pressure on Hawaii, capitalizing on turnovers and exploiting the Warriors’ recent offensive struggles.
Hawai’i (4-7) enters the game seeking redemption after a devastating 55-10 loss to Utah State.
After this loss, the Rainbows will seek redemption for that game and the season. That evening, 23 Seniors will also be honored.
So Mendenhall’s Lobos must be prepared for an electric atmosphere and the emotional play of the Rainbows; they play well at home.
While their record reflects inconsistency, Brayden Schager has been a steady presence at quarterback, showing flashes of brilliance amid the challenges.
To have a chance against New Mexico’s growing confidence, the Rainbow Warriors must deliver a complete effort: solid execution, a revitalized defense, and a balanced offensive attack led by Schrager’s leadership.
The Warriors allow 25.6 points per game, ranking 75th in college football. This season, they’ve given up 1,683 rushing yards (153.0 per game), 17 rushing touchdowns, and 282 total points.
Their pass defense has allowed 214.5 yards per game (59th nationally) and 18 passing touchdowns.
The defense has been on the field for 712 plays (48th nationally) and has recorded four fumbles and six interceptions.
Look for OC Jason Beck to throw the ball using Devon Dampier’s solid arm to talented WRs Luke Wysong, Nic Trujillo, Caleb Medford, and Ryan Davis.
The atmosphere at the Ching Athletics Complex is expected to be electric as Hawai’i hopes to rally behind its home crowd and snap its losing streak.
To remain competitive, the Warriors must tighten their defense and limit mistakes. At the same time, New Mexico aims to capitalize on its momentum and Dampier’s dynamic playmaking.
The Rainbow’s goal to keep this New Mexico offense in the game is to prevent the large chunk of plays it has been very good at all season.
Prediction: With bowl eligibility on the line, expect the Lobos to play purposefully. Dampier’s recent form and the Lobos’ balanced attack may prove too much for a struggling Rainbow Warriors squad.
Final score prediction:
New Mexico 38 Hawai’i 28.
This game has all the makings of an exciting college football showdown. Who will rise to the occasion under the Pacific lights? Tune in to find out!