by Daniel S. Archuleta
Daily Lobo
Kole McKamey said the UNM football team's 2-0 record means nothing coming into the Lobos' annual matchup with in-state rival New Mexico State on Saturday.
"When it comes time to play this game, win-loss records never come up," he said. "It doesn't matter."
While the records do not matter, the level of intensity and dislike among the programs will be present.
"It's the Aggies," he said. "We can't stand those guys. It's going to be a hard-fought game like it is every year."
McKamey has high expectations of the crowd as well.
"It's going to be the biggest crowd in New Mexico history," he said. "That makes it really exciting."
As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 29,000 tickets had been sold. Around 1,500 tickets have sold per day, according to Media Relations Director Greg Remington. The attendance at last year's Aggie-Lobo game was 31,214.
The Lobos are riding a two-game winning streak against the Aggies.
Last year, UNM trampled the Aggies in a 38-3 victory in Las Cruces.
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In 2003 the Lobos won 24-17 at University Stadium.
Lobo head coach Rocky Long said he appreciates the intensity the rivalry brings with it.
"This game is more intensely competed," Long said. "Any time you play your in-state rival there is a special feeling about the game. So there is more intensity."
Long received his record 42nd win which is the most in UNM history with last week's victory over Missouri.
Tyson Ditmore, who plays safety for the Lobos, is a Las Cruces native with more ties to his hometown then some of the Aggies.
Not only was he a standout wide receiver and defensive back for the Las Cruces High Bulldogs, but his father, mother and brother are all NMSU alumni. His brother, Dustin, played football for the Aggies.
Although his family bleeds the crimson and white of NMSU, they will be cheering for the cherry and silver of UNM.
Ditmore said this game means a lot to him.
"Being from Las Cruces it makes it that much more special for me," he said. "Growing up, everyone thought that I was going to be an Aggie. Plus I got a bunch of guys that I played against in high school. A lot of them are good friends and it's a good time to go out there."
