BYU has been one of UNM's greatest football rivals since 1951.
To date the Cougars have a commanding 38-13-1 lead in the series history, but the Lobos finally put an end to the Cougars reign last season in Provo, Utah. It was the first time in 31 years the Lobos beat BYU on its home turf.
UNM held the Cougars to only 188 total yards, even though they were averaging 416 yards per game.
Now for the first time in years, UNM is picked in preseason polls to finish on top of BYU.
This weekend, the Lobos welcome the Cougars to University Stadium and look to start a winning tradition of their own.
UNM head coach Rocky Long said the Cougars are the team to beat this year.
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"They ought to be the dominant team in our league," Long said. "Year in and year out, they have the most advantages."
The first advantage Long notes is BYU is nationally known, which helps draw top players to the program who are often more mature than high school graduates.
Because BYU was founded by Mormon leaders and most members of the Church of Latter-day Saints go on a mission immediately after high school, BYU athletes are generally older and more experienced than other college students.
"There is a dramatic difference between an 18-year-old player and a 24-year-old player," Long said.
Long said some other advantages BYU enjoys include state-of-the-art facilities and the largest football budget in the Mountain West Conference.
The budget is a significant tool in recruiting coaches because of higher salaries.
Bronco Mendenhall, former UNM defensive coordinator, is in his first season as Cougar defensive coordinator. Long said when he was involved in the trade negotiation, he understood Mendenhall, who is originally from Utah, would be receiving a significant salary raise at BYU.
Mendenhall will be an important factor in Saturday's match up, and he gives the Cougars the upper hand.
His intimate relationship with the UNM team could potentially be dangerous for the Lobos.
"They have an advantage with Bronco being there to explain the strengths and weaknesses of our players," Long said. "He knows both our offense and defense, knowing our team so personally."
Right outside linebacker Nick Speegle said playing against his former coach's team does not add to the rivalry. He will focus his strength and attention solely on the opponents on the field.
"When it comes down to it we're playing their players, we're not playing their coaches," he said. "If we focus on Coach Mendenhall, and him leaving the program, we're going to lose the game. We have to focus on what their players are doing."
The one advantage UNM will have Saturday is playing at University Stadium.
Speegle said the team enjoys playing in front of a home crowd, but they won't get too comfortable, knowing the Cougars will be seeking revenge.
"We beat them last year and we put a bad taste in their mouth," he said. "It's definitely going to be a good game. I'm excited."
