Week 9 delivered a seismic shift in the college football landscape, headlined by USC’s stunning upset of Ohio State, yet the broader implications extend far beyond that single result. The weekend was defined by narrow escapes for Miami, Indiana, and BYU, with the Hoosiers requiring overtime to secure their victory. As multiple fringe Top 25 teams accumulated their second or third losses, the competitive door swung wide open for one-loss Group of Six contenders, specifically UTSA and New Mexico, who are now firmly entering the national ranking conversation.
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New Mexico’s latest performance solidified their case for inclusion in the elite tier, as the Lobos defeated San Jose State 21-16 in a gritty road contest. Despite quarterback Toa Fa’avae throwing three interceptions, the defense remained a dominant force, continuing a season-long trend of holding opponents under 20 points. The offensive line and backfield carried the load, with Kiefer Sibley rushing for 102 yards on 12 carries and Scottre Humphrey adding 87 yards and two touchdowns on 16 attempts. This resilience highlights a team that has proven capable of winning ugly, a trait that has historically been undervalued in early-season rankings.
The Lobos’ only blemish remains a 14-6 loss to Oklahoma in Week 3, a result that has not diminished their standing given their undefeated Mountain West record and stingy defensive play. Looking ahead, New Mexico faces a critical test at Nevada next week, with a road matchup against Wyoming on Nov. 21 representing their most difficult remaining schedule hurdle. For B/R’s panel of experts, the combination of a quality win, elite defensive metrics, and a manageable remaining slate makes New Mexico a prime candidate to climb further in the Top 25 as the season progresses.
Source: Bleacher Report
