Normally, rivalry week takes the cake in importance in college football. But the University of New Mexico is looking for something sweeter on Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. against New Mexico State: Recognition. The likes of which is usually reserved for Lobo basketball.

It would seem that the high-riding Lobos (2-1), now two weeks removed from soaking in their upset win at UCLA, would have little concern about getting back up to play the in-state rival Aggies (2-1) at University Stadium in front of an anticipated crowd of 35,000.

Several of the Lobos, however, don’t have that built-in gag reflex when they hear the haunting name of “the Aggies.”

“Certainly, it’s a lot different than it was before the transfer portal and NIL where you had 70 guys back from last year and knew about it from last year,” UNM coach Jason Eck said this week. “A few of the veterans have talked to the team a little bit about the game and what to expect. We’re going to have some former players stop by and talk a little bit about it. It’s an education process.”

Junior saftey David Murphy has been one of the vets who have been tasked with talking about the Lobo-Aggie rivalry. The hometown product out of Rio Rancho’s Cleveland High School has given his share of lectures over the past week.

“We have 70 new guys (this year), a lot less New Mexico guys than before,” Murphy said. “I don’t expect them to love New Mexico as much as I do because I was born and raised here, but they know I’ll lay my life on the field for them, so I expect them to know this one means more to me.

“I have definitely made it known that this is a big deal, not just to the team, but to the community.”

Running back Scottre Humprey, a transfer from Montana State who hails from Seattle, had no background on UNM-NMSU until Murphy’s teachings helped him embrace Lobo-Aggie rivalry week.

“David Murphy really explained to me in-depth, explained how important it is for New Mexico to beat New Mexico State so that’s what we’re going to focus on doing,” said Humphrey, healthy again after playing only the first quarter vs. UCLA due to a leg injury. “Every game is important. But the state of New Mexico, they expect us to win this game.”

UNM has had two weeks to bask in the glow after toppling the Bruins 35-10 in the Rose Bowl. As much as Eck has emphasized the rivalry aspect of the game, it’s a side note to the tastier opportunity for a football program playing in half-empty (or more) stadiums the last 16 years to attract crowds typically reserved for Lobo basketball.

UNM has a chance to go to 3-1 for the first time since 2007 and continue to build precious community support.

If the Lobos accomplish that, the fact the, it comes at the expense of the Aggies represents just the icing on that momentum-baked cake.

“I know what New Mexicans are like; I’ve been in the Pit when it’s packed out so I’m trying to tell these guys you’ll be surprised at what you see,” Murphy says of playing in a full University Stadium. “If you want people to come and support the Lobos for the rest of the season, if you want to see another packed stadium again, play your heart out for the community.”