Congrats to Lobos football team on another bowl bid

As the rebuilding of the University of New Mexico football team continues successfully under coach Bob Davie, Lobos fans should take advantage of one last opportunity to watch this year’s team at the 2016 Gildan New Mexico Bowl on their home field Dec. 17.

The Lobos are coming off an exciting upset win over Wyoming and earned the bowl berth by compiling an 8-4 record (6-2 in Mountain West Conference play). The team will square off against the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners, a Conference USA team with an 6-6 overall record. Kickoff is set for noon, and the game will be televised nationally by ESPN.

This will be UNM’s fourth appearance in the New Mexico Bowl since its 2006 inception, and it’s an opportunity for the Lobos to balance their New Mexico Bowl record: The team lost 20-12 to San Jose State in 2006, beat Nevada 23-0 in 2007 and lost 45-37 to Arizona last year.

The pack also has a shot at improving its 1-1 record against the Roadrunners. The Texas team — which has adopted the name of our state bird — beat the Lobos 21-13 here in 2013, but lost to UNM 21-9 at the Alamodome in 2014.

One way to boost the hometown advantage is to fill the stands at University Stadium, a feat that has been a challenge this year despite the Lobos’ winning season. Home attendance this year has averaged just 18,708 — the lowest since 1991.

We can do better, and enjoy what promises to be a competitive game. So wrap up warmly, load the gang into the SUV and head for University Stadium a week from Saturday to cheer on this deserving group of Lobos.