What Is 2018 New Mexico Lobos football team

Overview

The 2018 New Mexico Lobos football team competed in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) as a member of the Mountain West Conference (MWC). Led by head coach Bob Davie in his seventh and final season, the team struggled to maintain consistency on both offense and defense throughout the year.

Playing their home games at Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, the Lobos finished the season with a 3–9 overall record and 2–6 in conference play. Despite a few competitive performances, the team failed to qualify for a bowl game for the second consecutive year.

• Season record: The Lobos finished 3–9 overall and 2–6 in Mountain West play, placing fifth in the MWC’s Mountain Division.
• Head coach: Bob Davie was dismissed after the season, ending a seven-year tenure with a 28–58 overall record at New Mexico.
• Home stadium: Dreamstyle Stadium, located on UNM’s campus, hosted all six home games during the 2018 season.
• Key victory: A 30–27 win over San Diego State on October 20 marked one of only three wins and their second conference victory.
• Final game: The Lobos lost 56–37 to Colorado State on November 24, finishing the season on a five-game losing streak.

Season Performance

The 2018 campaign was marked by offensive struggles and defensive breakdowns, especially in the second half of the season. While the team showed flashes of competitiveness, they were unable to sustain momentum over a full game.

• Offensive output: The Lobos averaged 23.6 points per game, ranking 98th nationally, with quarterback Tevante’ Battle leading in total offense.
• Defensive struggles: New Mexico allowed 33.8 points per game, among the worst in the FBS, with frequent breakdowns in pass coverage.
• Turnover issues: The team committed 22 turnovers on the season, including 14 interceptions thrown by quarterbacks.
• Rivalry game: Lost 45–40 to in-state rival New Mexico State in the 113th edition of the Rio Grande Rivalry on November 24.
• Injuries: Key players, including linebacker Dakota Cox, missed multiple games due to injury, weakening the defense.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2018 season compared poorly to previous years in terms of wins and overall performance. Below is a comparison with the 2017 and 2016 seasons:

The decline from 6–7 in back-to-back seasons (2016 and 2017) to 3–9 in 2018 highlighted growing dissatisfaction with the program’s direction. The lack of bowl eligibility and dwindling fan support contributed to the decision to part ways with Coach Davie.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season was a turning point for New Mexico football, marking the end of the Bob Davie era and prompting a program-wide evaluation. The poor performance underscored the need for a coaching overhaul and long-term strategic planning.

• Coaching change: Davie was fired on November 25, 2018, ending a tenure that began in 2012 with initial promise.
• Recruiting impact: The losing record made it harder to attract top-tier recruits in the Southwest region.
• Fan engagement: Average home attendance dropped to around 21,000, down from previous years.
• Program reset: The athletic department sought a new head coach to rebuild culture and competitiveness.
• Conference standing: The Lobos’ struggles contributed to a perception of weakness within the Mountain West.
• Future outlook: The 2018 season served as a catalyst for change, leading to the hiring of Danny Gonzales in December 2018.

The 2018 New Mexico Lobos season, while disappointing, laid the groundwork for a much-needed rebuild. It highlighted systemic issues and set the stage for a new chapter in the program’s history.