Rate Bowl: New Mexico Lobos vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Pick & Prediction for 12/26

College Football Preview

The 2025 Rate Bowl is set for Friday, December 26. The New Mexico Lobos will play against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The game will take place at Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ, and will be shown on ESPN.

The Lobos come from the Mountain West Conference with a 9-3 record. They went undefeated at home this season. The Golden Gophers, from the Big Ten Conference, hold a 7-5 record and won all their home games. Both teams aim to end their seasons on a high note.

New Mexico Team Preview

The New Mexico Lobos have shown strong performances in recent games. They won against the San Diego State Aztecs 23-17, with notable rushing yards of 181. The Lobos also had a solid defense, recovering two fumbles and intercepting one pass.

In the game against the Air Force Falcons, the Lobos secured a 20-3 victory. Their rushing game was effective, gaining 172 yards on the ground. The defense was tight, forcing one fumble and achieving an interception.

Quarterback Jack Layne has been key for the Lobos, throwing for 2,398 yards this season. Running back Damon Bankston has contributed with 578 rushing yards. However, the Lobos face challenges with injuries, including key players like Gabriel Lopez and Michael Buckley.

Rate Bowl: New Mexico vs Minnesota Game Day Info

  • Sport: NCAA Football
  • Teams: New Mexico Lobos vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers
  • Venue: Chase Field in Phoenix, AZ
  • Date: Friday, December 26, 2025
  • Betting Odds: New Mexico +118, Minnesota -141

Minnesota Team Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers have had a mixed season with ups and downs. In their recent game against the Wisconsin Badgers, they won 17-7. They performed well defensively, intercepting the ball twice and holding Wisconsin to 87 rushing yards.

Drake Lindsey has been a key player for the Gophers, leading the team in passing yards with 2,235. Darius Taylor has also contributed with 554 rushing yards. Javon Tracy and Le’Meke Brockington have been strong receivers, combining for 81 receptions this season.

The team faces several injuries, with players like Mo Omonode and Joey Gerlach out for the season. Other players like Cristian Driver and Matt Kingsbury are uncertain to play. The injury list could affect their performance in upcoming games.

BTB Betting Pick

The game between New Mexico and Minnesota has Minnesota favored by 2.5 points. New Mexico’s offense ranks higher in scoring, while their defense also allows fewer points than Minnesota. This suggests New Mexico can cover the +2.5 spread, as they have the potential to outscore Minnesota.

The total for the game is set at 47.5. Both teams have defenses that rank outside the top 80 in points allowed. With both offenses capable of scoring, the projected score is New Mexico 28, Minnesota 24, making the over 47.5 a reasonable pick.