Colorado state Rams vs. New Mexico Lobos: A Historic Rivalry

The colorado State Rams are making what will be their last scheduled stop in Albuquerque for a considerable time, as CSU joins the Pac-12 in 2026. Historically, the aggies/Rams hold a strong record against the New Mexico Lobos, boasting a 45-25 overall record as 1935. This includes a 22-14 record in Albuquerque,a 21-11 record in Fort Collins,and a 2-0 record at neutral sites – Denver (1940) and Las Vegas (1997 WAC Championship game).

The Beginning of a Border Rivalry

The rivalry between the Rams and their southern border counterpart began in Albuquerque on November 28,1935. This Thanksgiving Day contest at University Field, the original home of Lobos football, marked the first meeting between the two programs. Coach Harry Hughes,in his 25th season leading the Aggies,ended a challenging season on a positive note. His son, playing as an end for the Aggies, secured a touchdown with a catch from halfback gordon “Fire Chief” Winn at the end of the first half. The Aggies ultimately won 7-6,narrowly avoiding defeat due too a missed extra point by the Lobos.

Early Years and Thanksgiving Tradition

The Aggies returned to Albuquerque in 1938 and 1939, following the Lobos’ initial visit to Fort Collins in 1936. Both the 1938 and 1939 games were played on Thanksgiving Day, resulting in losses for Colorado State. However, each game featured notable moments in CSU football history. In 1938,Silver…