Gophers Set for Rate Bowl Clash with New Mexico: A First-Time Matchup in the Desert
It’s game day in Phoenix, and the Minnesota Golden Gophers are back in bowl season form, this time squaring off against the New Mexico Lobos in the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. CT on ESPN, with pregame coverage starting an hour and a half earlier on FOX 9.
This one’s got some history behind it-and some history yet to be made.
First-Ever Meeting, Familiar Bowl Setting
This will be the first time Minnesota and New Mexico have ever shared a football field. But for the Gophers, the Rate Bowl is familiar territory. This marks their fifth appearance in the game, and they’re looking to build on their last showing here-an 18-6 win over West Virginia back in 2021.
For a team that’s turned postseason consistency into a calling card, there’s plenty riding on this one. Minnesota enters the matchup riding an eight-game bowl win streak-the longest active run in the country and the longest in Big Ten history. That streak dates all the way back to the 2015 Quick Lane Bowl, and it’s become a hallmark of the PJ Fleck era.
Speaking of Fleck, he’s a perfect 6-0 in bowl games as Minnesota’s head coach. That includes last year’s 24-10 win over Virginia Tech, a game that ended with Fleck getting doused in mayonnaise thanks to the title sponsor.
It wasn’t pretty, but it was fitting-because in bowl season, Fleck just finds a way to win. His six victories account for nearly half of Minnesota’s total bowl wins in program history (13), and they’ve come with a mix of grit, discipline, and timely execution.
Local Ties on the Lobos Sideline
New Mexico head coach Jason Eck brings a bit of Minnesota flavor to this matchup. Before rising through the coaching ranks out west, Eck spent time in the Upper Midwest, including assistant roles at Winona State (2007-2008), Minnesota State-Mankato (2013-2014), and South Dakota State (2016-2021). That last stop helped launch his head coaching career-first at Idaho, now at New Mexico.
So while this may be the first meeting between these two programs, Eck’s no stranger to the football culture in Minnesota. That familiarity could add an extra layer of intrigue to a matchup already full of storylines.
Taylor’s Commitment Speaks Volumes
One of those storylines? Darius Taylor’s decision to suit up.
The Gophers’ standout running back has made it clear: the transfer portal isn’t on his radar.
“Portal is not an option,” Taylor said this week. “The biggest thing is playing in the bowl game, getting my body together, excited to play with the seniors one last time.”
That’s a strong message in an era where bowl opt-outs and transfer movement are the norm. Taylor, who’s racked up over 3,000 yards from scrimmage in his three seasons, missed three games this year due to injury but still led the team with 572 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Early signs point to him returning in 2026, but for now, he’s locked in on finishing the season with his teammates.
Smith at a Crossroads
On the other side of the ball, defensive lineman Anthony Smith could be playing his final game in maroon and gold.
Smith led the Big Ten with 10.5 sacks and added 13.5 tackles for loss-a disruptive force all season long. He still has a year of eligibility left, but the NFL is very much on the table.
“What I’m really taking into consideration is who is going to coach me the best, who am I going to get coached by, who is going to push me,” Smith said.
It’s a decision that looms large, not just for Smith’s future, but for the Gophers’ defense moving forward. Whether he returns or heads to the pros, his impact this season has been undeniable.
What’s at Stake
For Minnesota, this game is about more than just another win. It’s about continuing a legacy of postseason excellence, sending off seniors the right way, and setting the tone for 2026. For New Mexico, it’s a chance to break through on a national stage under a coach who knows the region well.
And for fans? It’s one last chance to see this version of the Gophers take the field-with a few key names potentially suiting up for the final time.
The streak is on the line. The lights are bright. And the Gophers are ready.