The Rate Bowl matchup between the New Mexico Lobos and the Minnesota Golden Gophers is almost here. Set for December 26, 2025, the game kicks off at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ.
ESPN will be broadcasting it live. Minnesota, with a 7-5 record, is a slight favorite at a 2.0-point spread.
New Mexico, though, comes in with a stronger 9-3 season. They’ll be looking to flip the script and pull off an upset.
This preview takes a closer look at team stats, standout players, and the odds—hopefully giving you a better feel for what’s coming.
Team Overview
Both teams have had pretty different seasons. Their numbers give us a hint at what might go down in the Rate Bowl.
New Mexico Lobos
New Mexico’s season has been impressive, finishing 9-3. Their last game? A 23-17 win over the San Diego State Aztecs.
The Lobos ran 60 plays for 308 total yards, balancing their attack. On the ground, they rushed 35 times for 181 yards—averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
Defensively, they gave up 193 rushing yards on 42 attempts, about 4.6 per run. Over the season, the Lobos have racked up 4,435 total yards, with 17 passing touchdowns and 22 on the ground.
Turnovers have been a bit of a problem, though—they’ve given it away 22 times. Their ground game averages 155.1 yards per contest, which puts them 73rd in college football.
They’re scoring 27.9 points a game, which isn’t too shabby.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
Minnesota wrapped up their season at 7-5. In their most recent outing, they beat the Wisconsin Badgers 17-7.
They managed 218 yards on 56 plays, for an average of 3.9 yards per snap. Their run game put up 128 yards on 32 carries—so, 4.0 yards per attempt.
Defensively, they held the Badgers to just 86 rushing yards on 28 tries, averaging 3.1 per carry. Minnesota’s offense has had its struggles, averaging 296.6 yards per game—which ranks them 128th nationwide.
The Gophers have 1,237 rushing yards this year, or 103.1 per game. Penalties have been an issue, too, with 319 yards racked up on 40 infractions.
They’re putting up 23.3 points per game on offense.
Key Players to Watch
There are a few players on both sides who could really shake things up in this bowl game.
New Mexico Lobos
- Quarterback: New Mexico’s QB has been a big reason for their success, with 17 passing touchdowns this season.
- Running Backs: Their backs averaged 5.2 yards per carry against San Diego State. If they can keep that up, Minnesota’s defense might be in trouble.
- Defensive Line: The Lobos’ defense has held opponents to just 22.5 points per game, ranking 48th in the nation. Not bad at all.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Quarterback: The Gophers’ QB has thrown for 2,322 yards, which averages out to 193.5 per game. He’ll need to be sharp.
- Running Backs: Averaging 4.0 yards a carry in their last game, they’ll have to step it up against New Mexico’s front.
- Defensive Backs: Minnesota’s pass defense is solid, giving up 220.8 passing yards per contest.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Minnesota is favored by just 2.0 points. The over-under is sitting at 44.5. It’s got all the makings of a nail-biter.
If you’re thinking of placing a bet, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- New Mexico’s Offense: They’re averaging 27.9 points per game, so their offense could be a real test for Minnesota.
- Minnesota’s Defense: The Gophers allow 23.4 points per game. Their defense will need to be on point to keep it close.
- Turnovers: New Mexico’s 22 turnovers this season could be a problem if Minnesota can take advantage.
Want more in-depth predictions and tips? Check out the full article over at DocSports.
Conclusion
The Rate Bowl between the New Mexico Lobos and the Minnesota Golden Gophers is shaping up to be an exciting matchup. Both teams have their strengths, but there are definitely some weak spots too.
It’ll be interesting to see how things play out on December 26, 2025. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a bettor, or just tuning in for the fun, this one’s worth watching.
For more expert analysis and betting tips, check out the detailed predictions on DocSports.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
