Aggies vs. New Mexico Lobos Week 1: How to Watch, Betting Odds
Entering Texas A&M Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher's sixth season, a lot is on the line. The Aggies had a largely disappointing season last year to say the least, underperforming on all fronts, and while there were positive moments — especially surrounding likely starting quarterback Conner Weigman — the general focus for this season's Texas A&M squad is playing better together.
To kick off the season, the Aggies will get a chance to add to that momentum with a non-conference opponent that — before last season's Appalachian State meltdown — would normally count as a win prior to kickoff. The same can no longer be said, though Fisher and company aren't likely too worried.
The Aggies have won the other two matchups against the Lobos since joining the SEC, winning 55-14 in 2017 and 34-0 in 2021. Both games featured a different Aggie quarterback, though both times, the starter prevailed, throwing for more than 250 yards and three touchdowns both times. Overall, the Aggies are riding a five-game winning streak all time, dating back to 1926, and have never lost to the Lobos.
Obviously, there isn't pressure for Weigman to perform the same way. There isn't a streak being kept, but the Aggies would like to see a strong showing from the second-year quarterback.
The defense that they're up against might make that easier, however. New Mexico suffered a big loss on the defensive end, losing seven of their nine top tacklers to graduation or transfer portal. Returning for his fifth year, however, is cornerback Donte Martin, who will look to have a breakout season alongside senior linebacker duo Syaire Riley and Ray Leutele.
Keeping the Lobos out of the end zone will be the Aggies' top priority as they look to slow down Dylan Hopkins — the Lobos' most recent quarterback graduate transfer. Last season, Hopkins started for UAB, throwing for 1,913 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions on a 63 percent completion rate. He's new to the system, and so are New Mexico's receivers.
As a program, the Lobos lost five receivers but gained eight, most notably bringing in Jeremiah Hixon from Alabama State and Ryan Davis, also from UAB. Together, the new receiving corps will be trying to mesh in a real-game scenario, making disrupting rhythm crucial for Aggie defenders. A win for Texas A&M would mark its sixth straight against the Lobos, and start the program out on the right foot for the season, as it would be 1-0 heading into a Power-5 non-conference matchup against the Miami Hurricanes.
WHO: New Mexico Lobos (0-0) at Texas A&M Aggies (0-0)
WHERE: Kyle Field, College Station, Texas (102,733)
WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, 6 p.m. CT
HOW TO WATCH: ESPN / FuboTV (try it free)
HOW TO LISTEN: Radio (Texas A&M Sports Network), 1620 AM / 94.5 FM
TICKETS: SI Tickets
BETTING via SI Sportsbook
SPREAD: Aggies -3830
TOTAL: 49
MONEYLINE: Not Available
