The Gophers are aiming for their ninth consecutive bowl victory and seventh in a row under coach P.J. Fleck when they take on the Lobos in Phoenix.

New Mexico (9-3) is bowling for the first time since 2016. History: This is the first matchup between the two programs and was an unlikely pairing that first needed two Big XII Conference teams (Iowa State and Kansas State) to opt out of bowl bids.

Get real-time updates on Minnesota Golden Gophers vs New Mexico Lobos live coverage, minute by minute of the match, score, stream information and latest updates in Rate Bowl of 2025-26 NCAAF Regular Season with VAVEL.

College football fans suggested that the New Mexico Lobos scored a touchdown with their turquoise uniforms for the Rate Bowl against Minnesota.

Preview the Dec. 26 matchup between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and New Mexico Lobos with predictions, odds, over/under, spread, betting lines and more.

Minnesota offensive tackles Nathan Roy and Dylan Ray will also have their hands full on Friday with defensive ends Keyshawn James-Newby and Brett Karhu. The pair have been disruptive all season long for New Mexico, racking up a combined 23.5 tackles for loss, 15 sacks, and 11 quarterback hurries.