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Opinion

OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week: NFL week 6 edition

Marley Herndon | October 15

Where there are winners, there are losers; however, not all losers are created equal, as some teams feature players who single-handedly cost them the game. These players are favorably called bobbleheads. “You win some, you lose some” is a phrase you’ve probably heard at least a few times in your life. It's also something these players in the NFL probably had to hear from their coaches after their dismal performances in week six of the NFL season. Here are the guys whose play this week earned them the title of bobblehead.

Sports

New Mexico United draws with Orange County SC in Oktoberfest thriller

Alex Joe | October 13

New Mexico United clinched a playoff berth last week versus Phoenix Rising FC and welcomed the Orange County SC on Saturday, Oct. 11. United had a chance to clinch a home game in the playoffs with a win, and an El Paso loss, but it did not go as planned. Despite a 2-1 lead in the first half, United allowed two unanswered goals, which ultimately led to the game ending in a 3-3 tie.

Sports

Broncos drive Lobos out of Boise

Wyatt S. Padilla | October 13

The Blue proved to be too much for the University of New Mexico Lobos as the Boise State University Broncos bucked UNM back to Albuquerque with a 41-25 loss. This marked the third loss of the season, and second conference loss in a row for the Lobos. Lobo Head Coach Jason Eck’s squad was outsized and overmatched as the Broncos were able to bully their way to a victory after shaking the Lobos off their backs. The night started rough for the Lobos, as the fewest penalized team in the Mountain West committed the first penalty of the game – a delay of the game – which pushed the Lobos back before the ball was even snapped. UNM Quarterback Jack Layne then fumbled the ball on the Lobos' 18, which then resulted in a field goal by the Broncos.

Sports

Lobos shut down Antelopes 4-1

Wyatt S. Padilla | October 13

Delayed by lightning strikes, the University of New Mexico women’s soccer team experienced technical difficulties in their match against the Grand Canyon University Antelopes, but ultimately defied Zeus’ wrath, securing a 4-1 victory. Though the game was delayed, and both teams were challenged to remain ready and warm for some late-night Mountain West play on Thursday, Oct. 9, the Lobos broke out of the game ready to compete. The Lobos immediately defined the game and took control in the first half of play, earning four shots on the goal, compared to one by the Lopes by the 19 minute mark. The aggressiveness paid off for the Lobos, as defensive midfielder Kennedy Brown scored the first goal of the night on an assist from forward Mercedes Morris.

Sports

Lobo volleyball show resilience in loss to Wyoming

Austin Bishop | October 6

The Lobos, still finding their rhythm after some difficult conference matchups, were outmatched in a 3-1 loss. In a match charged with energy from the first serve, the University of New Mexico women’s volleyball team met the University of Wyoming Cowgirls on Saturday, Oct. 4. Set one started off strong for the Lobos with setter Madeleine Miller earning the Lobos an ace for the first point. The Lobos went on a five point run from there, setting an early, hopeful tone. Leading the offensive push, setter Addison France totaled four kills in the first set, forcing the Cowgirls to adjust to her attacks. The Lobos surged in the beginning of the first set, but as it progressed, the Cowgirls matched UNM’s energy, turning the set into a back and forth rally. Even with Wyoming pushing back, the Lobos refused to give up the advantage, staying in the lead the whole frame. The first set closed out with the Lobos winning 25-19.

Sports

Lobos’ comeback falls short against San José State

Marley Herndon | October 6

The University of New Mexico Lobos football team walked into San José looking to improve on their 3-1 start, but instead returned with a second loss. Despite a late comeback effort, they were unable to overcome an early deficit as they fell to the San José State University Spartans 35-28. Coming off a rousing win against their rival, the New Mexico State University Aggies, the Lobos defense came out looking sluggish as they allowed a five-minute and 50-second opening drive that was capped off by Spartans’ freshman Steve Chavez-Soto’s first college touchdown.

Sports

Lobos Basketball howls again in first event of the preseason

Alex Joe | October 6

The University of New Mexico Lobo Men and Women’s basketball teams returned to The Pit for their opening event of the preseason: The Lobo Howl — the first time in seven years the event has been held. The Howl introduced fans to the new men’s basketball Head Coach Eric Olen, along with the entirely new team he assembled. Fans also met the head coach of the women’s team, Mike Bradbury, and his team of seven new faces and six returners. “It’s a great opportunity to engage with fans, and let them see our players for a little bit. Obviously, we don’t start for another month, but it’s cool to get a little taste of it here in early October,” Olen said.

Opinion

OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week: NFL week 3 edition

Simon Reseigh | September 30

The NFL season is in full swing, and teams are looking to build momentum for the long grind that lies ahead. Where there are winners, there are losers. But not all losers are created equal, as some teams feature players who single-handedly cost them the game. These players are favorably called bobbleheads. Here are the bobbleheads from the NFL’s week three that helped stall any momentum their teams built from the first two weeks.

Sports

Lobos stomp Aggies in front of 37,000

Esmeralda Lozano | September 29

The University of New Mexico Lobo Football team showed out in front of their largest crowd since 2007, a sellout of 37,440 people, and dominated their rival, the New Mexico State University Aggies, sealing a 38–20 home victory. Lobo Head Coach Jason Eck fed into the moment with his trademark intensity. After one play where a false-start penalty was called on NMSU, Eck turned toward the crowd and credited the fans for their impact. “I want (the crowd) to know they have an impact on the game by making a lot of noise causing that guy to jump offsides,” Eck said.

Sports

Lobos Men’s Golf freshman wins individual title

Alex Joe | September 22

The University of New Mexico Men’s Golf Team hosted the 70th William H. Tucker Invitational at The UNM Championship Course on Friday, Sept. 19, and Saturday, Sept. 20, for the lone home event of the season. The Lobos started strong at 18 under par, entering day two with a three-stroke lead, but after a slow start and some missed shots, the Lobos hit an even par in round three, finishing in second place behind Long Beach State, who finished -23.

Sports

Culture and Curveballs: Michael Lopez reflects on his roots

Marley Herndon | September 22

University of New Mexico Baseball Associate Head Coach Michael Lopez is not ashamed of his heritage. Like his father before him, he was raised with the phrase, “don’t let them call you a lazy Mexican,” Lopez said. Lopez gives the phrase partial credit for growing up in a household where hard work and discipline were preached. No one would dare call Lopez that today, as he has steadily improved the Lobo’s pitching staff since entering the picture in July. Earned run average, walks and hits per innings pitched and walks per nine innings are all down as Lobo baseball trends in the right direction.

Sports

Lobo football to take on the Aggies for 115th time

Wyatt S. Padilla | September 22

New Mexicans will soon look to University Stadium once again to decide who reigns supreme in the state’s football: the Lobos or the Aggies. On Saturday, Sept. 27, the University of New Mexico Lobos and their rivals, The New Mexico State University Aggies, will be battling it out for the 115th time in their long-rivaled history. Over time, the Lobos have claimed 74 of the wins, while the Aggies have claimed only 35 — with five ties between the teams — but over the last decade, the rivalry has been nearly split, with the Lobos barely passing the Aggies 5-4.

Sports

UNM Volleyball drops the ball against Aggies, ending win streak

Wyatt S. Padilla | September 22

It’s Rivalry Week across NCAA Volleyball, and the Battle of I-25 was on full display as New Mexico’s two division one universities competed till the end. The University of New Mexico Lobos ultimately were bested by their Rio Grande rival, the New Mexico State Aggies, on Wednesday, Sept. 17. This NMSU victory marks a snap in a three-game win streak in the rivalry for the Lobos Head Coach Jon Newman-Gonchar’s volleyball team. Both squads fought till the end, as the match went five sets. The first set was won by the Aggies 25-18, the second and third going to the Lobos, 25-23 and 25-18 respectively, before things swung back in favor of the Aggies, who took the fourth set 25-23 and fifth 15-7.

Sports

UNM Volleyball takes home win against NMSU

Marina Olmstead | September 19

The University of New Mexico Women’s Volleyball team had a rivalry match with the New Mexico State University Aggies on Tuesday, Sept. 16. NMSU came with fire, but UNM was not going to let go of their winning ways. NMSU came for blood in the first set of the match, with the score being tugged back and forth between the two teams. With outside hitter Uliana Yastrub bringing in UNM’s first kill, the score quickly turned in favor of the Lobos. The first break was called with a score of 15-11 with the Lobos on top. Only seconds back into the game, middle blocker Zoe Leonard slammed down NMSU’s attempt at a point. A timeout was called by NMSU, as they were hurting from a 23-17 score. NMSU brought back the heat, creeping up on the Lobos, but the first set ended in triumph for UNM as they secured it 25-21.

Sports

United falls in close match to FC Tulsa

Esmeralda Lozano | September 19

After a nail-biting night at New Mexico United’s home turf, fans were left disappointed as the team fell short, losing to FC Tulsa on Saturday, Sept. 13. United is currently at 10 wins, three draws and 10 losses. The game began when University of New Mexico Lobos Football Head Coach Jason Eck helped United get first possession of the ball after winning a coin toss. The energy was high from the start, as both players and fans carried passion and hope that another victory would be added to their record. The first half played out much as United had envisioned, with sharp distribution and precise timing with smooth momentum.

Opinion

OPINION: Bobbleheads of the week: NFL week two edition

Rodney Prunty | September 19

Where there’s a victor, there’s a loser, and sometimes, certain athletes contribute to their team’s shortcomings. These athletes are favorably called bobbleheads. NFL week two has come and gone and we saw blowouts, comebacks, thrilling conclusions and, of course, bobbleheads. Here are a few bobbleheads who should’ve stayed at home this week.

Sports

Lobo Aquatics hosts Jeff Mortensen Memorial Open

Marina Olmstead | September 15

The Lobo Aquatic Club hosted the Jeff Mortensen Memorial Open swim competition on Sept. 13-14 at the University of New Mexico Seidler Natatorium. Under the lead of their coach, Jarrod Trainor, the Lobos were eager to show off their hard training during the home meet. The competition itself is dedicated to Jeffrey Mortensen, who died in 2016. Before his death, Mortenson was a prominent member of the Lobo Aquatic Club Masters Swim Team, as well as a supporter of UNM’s women’s swim team.

Sports

A thorn in the Bruins’ shoulder

Wyatt S. Padilla | September 15

The University of New Mexico Lobo football team pushed the University of California, Los Angeles Bruins to their limits, beating the Bruins 35-10. The Lobos proved their ferocity both on defense and offense, during the game on Friday, Sept. 12, at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. This Lobos victory marks their first-ever win over a Big Ten opponent in football and their first triumph against a Power Conference program since the 2008 season. The last time UNM faced UCLA was in 2002, when former Lobos kicker Katie Hnida became the first female player in a bowl game.

Sports

OPINION: NFL Bobbleheads Week One

Simon Reseigh | September 12

The long wait is over as Week One of the 2025 NFL season wrapped up Monday night with the Minnesota Vikings shocking the Chicago Bears 27-24 at Soldier Field. Where there are winners, there are losers. But not all losses are created equal, some teams feature players who single-handedly cost them the game. These players are favorably called Bobbleheads. Here are the biggest Bobbleheads from Week One who helped their teams start the season on the wrong foot.

Sports

Isotopes go head-to-head against Round Rock

Elizabeth Bolke | September 10

This past week, the Isotopes went up against Round Rock in a back and forth series starting on Sept. 2 which finished with both teams trading wins and tying at three games a piece. Jose Torres was the star of the first game of the series with two home runs, the first at the bottom of the third inning and a second home run at the bottom of the seventh inning. The Isotopes would win game one 8-6. The second game of the series was a slow one, with only three runs from Round Rock, which was enough to get them the win as the Isotopes got shut out. The first and second games set a similar pattern for the next four games of the series.