Lobos seek first San Jose State win since 1969

The University of New Mexico football team travels to San Jose State on Saturday afternoon to break a long-standing losing streak. The Lobos have not beaten the Spartans since 1969. In the 57 years since that last victory, UNM has lost seven games and tied one in the Bay Area.

A win on Saturday would keep UNM at the top of the Mountain West Conference standings. It would also strengthen the team's position among Group of Six hopefuls for the College Football Playoff. The initial rankings from the College Football Playoff selection committee are scheduled for release Tuesday night. Assuming a victory, the Lobos are expected to compete with Boise State and Oregon State for the top spot in that tier.

The team is missing star linebacker Jaxton Eck for this game. His damaged right shoulder will sideline him for at least three more weeks, with the potential for four. The defense has performed well in his absence. The unit currently leads the country in scoring defense, allowing 11.3 points per game. It also ranks among the nation's best in yards allowed and rushing defense.

Head coach Jason Eck noted that the team's focus is on maintaining momentum. UNM defeated North Dakota State 21-16 last week in a nationally televised game. Eck warned against complacency, citing other highly ranked teams that have lost following major victories.

The Lobos are off to their best start in 29 years. They remain undefeated at home and have won nine consecutive games in Mountain West play. A win against San Jose State would be UNM's 16th since the start of last season. That total would tie the school record for wins over a two-season span.

Eck's 15 victories are the most for a Lobos head coach in his first 20 games with the program. This marks one more win than Marv Levy and Bub Henry achieved in comparable early tenures. The coaching staff is also managing personal schedules around the games.

Eck is making this road trip without his wife for the first time since arriving at New Mexico. The couple has five children, and the youngest three are actively participating in Halloween traditions. Eck stated he will not wear a costume this year, citing the absence of his family on the trip.

Men's basketball coach Eric Olen is preparing for his team's season opener against Utah Tech in The Pit on Monday night. Olen plans to go trick-or-treating in his neighborhood before the game. He intends to wear the same skeleton outfit he has used for the past five or six years. His children will dress as a vampire and a bat.

Women's basketball coach Amy Eagan is taking a different approach to the holiday. She will visit a local costume shop to find a scary outfit for her film study session after Saturday's practice. Eagan aims to surprise her team with a jump scare. Her team plays Seattle at 11 a.m. Monday, a game expected to draw a large crowd of local children.

The matchup with San Jose State arose from scheduling adjustments in the conference. Former athletic director Fern Lovo moved the UTEP game to Albuquerque to give both regional rivals a home game. This forced the conference to move one of UNM's home games to a road location. San Jose State was the designated choice, with the teams set to meet in Albuquerque next fall.