New Mexico prepares for Mountain West opener at UTEP

The 3–1 Lobos host 1–3 UTEP on Oct. 3 in the Miners’ conference debut. New Mexico’s seven-game Mountain West opener skid contrasts with a 10-game home winning streak, strong defense and a nation-leading plus-14 turnover margin. UTEP’s difficult 1–3 start and former Lobo linebacker Jayden Wilson’s return add context, while the key football priorities remain protection, pressure, run defense and passing efficiency.