It’s officially an FBS team’s second game of the 2024-25 college football season. The New Mexico Lobos host the Montana State Bobcats in a game that could be closer than the casual fan might expect. The Lobos have some new players who are expected to get even stronger under new head coach Bronco Mendenhall. Meanwhile, Montana State has been one of the more impressive FCS programs of the last decade (and before) and is unlikely to quietly return to Bozeman.
Here you will find everything you need to know about the duel.
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Montana State Bobcats (0-0, 0-0 Big Sky) @ New Mexico Lobos (0-0, 0-0 Mountain West)
Date: Saturday, August 24
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. MT/1:00 p.m. PT
Location: University Stadium – Albuquerque, New Mexico
TV: FS1
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Storylines
– There’s an entirely new team in Albuquerque this season. Former BYU and Virginia head coach Bronco Mendenhall was hired in the offseason to lead the program after parting ways with Danny Gonzales. Jason Beck and Nick Howell are in their first seasons as offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively. As the Lobos try to create a new identity, these changes raise many questions, including what the biggest priorities are after seven years without a bowl appearance.
– The return of redshirt junior receiver Luke Wysong is highly anticipated by the Lobos after he redshirted last season due to injury and saw very little playing time. Wysong was the Lobos’ top pass receiver in both 2022 and 2021. The versatile local product should be heavily used again in New Mexico’s offense.
– Montana State enters the season ranked No. 4 in the FCS Coaches Poll after an 8-4 season in 2023. Brent Vigen has a 32-9 record in three seasons as head coach, with three FCS playoff appearances and a berth in the FCS championship game at the end of the 2021 season. The Bobcats were picked to finish second in the Big Sky Conference in this summer’s media poll.
