Montana State has emerged as a powerhouse in the FCS. New Mexico, on the other hand, is striving for its first winning season since 2016. Can the Bobcats continue its dominance against an FBS opponent, or will the Lobos rise from its slump under new leadership?
Here’s the kickoff time, channel, announcers, and more for the New Mexico-Montana State dual.
New Mexico and Montana State Announcers, Broadcast Details, and More
- Start time: 4:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: FS1
- Radio Stations: Sirius/XM 385, 770 KKOB-AM
- Announcers: Tim Brando (play-by-play), Devin Gardner (analyst), Josh Sims (sideline reporter)
- Betting lines: Montana State -13
- Over/Under: 54.5
- Moneyline: Montana State -525, New Mexico +400
- Location: University Stadium, Albuquerque, N.M.
New Mexico vs. Montana State Game Preview
After four lackluster years under Danny Gonzalez, the Lobos handed the program to Bronco Mendenhall. The longtime head coach has a 135-81 career record and was last the leading man at Virginia from 2016-21.
While there is reason for optimism with Mendenhall at the helm, New Mexico landed at No. 128 on our power rankings of all 134 FBS teams. Additionally, the program’s last three HCs went a combined 7-25 in their inaugural seasons.
I’m a believer in sophomore QB Devon Dampier, but 1,000-yard RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Ole Miss) and elite OTs J.C. Davis (Illinois) and D.J. Wingfield (Purdue) left for Power Five programs, and the defense didn’t add any difference-makers after allowing 35.1 points per game in 2023.
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On the other side of the ball, Montana State enters the year at No. 4 on the preseason FCS poll. And although the Bobcats haven’t faced an FBS opponent since losing to Oregon State by 40 points in 2022, the Lobos are not the Beavers — even the 2024 iteration.
Head coach Brent Vigen led his team to three straight playoff appearances, including two semifinals (2021 and 2022). Last season, the Bobcats finished second among FCS teams in points per game (39.9) and rushing yards per game (291.0).
With seven All-Conference selections returning, as well as QB1 Tommy Mellot, WR1 Ty McCullouch, the top four RBs, and five offensive linemen with significant experience, expect Montana State to rack up points once again.
New Mexico hopes to turn a new page under Mendenhall, but Montana State’s depth and experience could prove too much for the Lobos, setting the stage for an FCS-over-FBS upset to kick off the 2024 season.
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