We finally return to University Stadium for the first massive home matchup of the season, as the Lobos (5-1, 2-0) are set to host North Dakota State (6-1, 3-1) for the first time. This game has a lot of implications as we enter the back half of the schedule, including MW Championship, and potentially some College Football Playoff implications for both teams. The Lobos will look to control the ball, which is something that they have done a great job of except for the first half of the game last week in Hawaii. The Lobos defense was able to step up once again in that game and pull off the comeback win and set up this game between the one loss teams. This could be the start of a good rivalry in the new looking Mountain West, and could be the first of two meetings this year depending on the rest of the way. The game should be starting a little late because of lightning in the area, and there is a chance we could see some delays through the game. We are expecting roughly 35,000 at this game tonight, which should lead to a pretty great crowd. As always, I will be updating this throughout the game as well as on Twitter and Bluesky. Here’s to a good game.

NDSU wins the toss and will defer. Lobos will be getting the ball to start the game. Which will be starting in about 5 minutes on The CW.

Touchback on the opening kickoff. Lobos will start the first drive of the game at the 25.

Toa to Keith for a big pass play on the first play of the game. After a couple of stops by NDSU, the Lobos are able to open up a hole for Buchanan for the massive first down pickup. Sibley takes it the rest of the way for the Touchdown! What a start for the Lobos in this one.

11:51 1Q: Lobos 7 NDSU 0.

After a good return, NDSU will be starting their drive at the 35. Lobos blew that first play up for a 4 yard loss. Very loud start to the Lobos defense night at the offense, ends up with an INT by McBean.

Lobos drive will start at the +30. Nothing doing for the Lobos on that drive, and it ends with an INT for the NDSU defense on 3rd and 8. Not sure the Lobos would have been in FG range, but that wasn’t a good pick for the Lobos offense.

NDSU’s drive will start at their 30. After a big run play, the Lobos defense has forced a 3rd and 4 for NDSU. NDSU with a big pass play to set them up at the 8. Lobos call their first TO of the half to set up their defense for the 2nd and goal from the 8 play. Lobos get the stop and NDSU QB is down on the play. 3rd and goal from the 8.

5:18 1Q: Lobos 7 NDSU 3.

Lobos drive will be start at the 35 after the kickoff went out of bounds. Nothing doing for the Lobos on that drive, and the Lobos will be punting.

NDSU will be starting this drive from the 31. Mercury Swaim has been insane for the Lobos in the first 15 minutes. Lobos defense gets the stop and NDSU will be punting when we start the 2Q.

End of 1Q: Lobos 7 NDSU 3.

Lobos drive will start at the 19 after the punt. Toa breaks a run for 12 yards and the first down. Nothing else doing for the Lobos on the drive, and they will be punting. Great punt by the Lobos, but NDSU with a big return to set them up well.