The 2025 Rate Bowl features the 9-3 New Mexico Lobos and the 7-5 Minnesota Golden Gophers. Here is the 2025 Rate Bowl Preview.
New Mexico won nine games to make their first bowl game since 2016. They defeated three bowl-eligible teams this season: Utah State, UNLV and San Diego State. One of their three losses was to a team that didn’t make a bowl game: San Jose State.
The Lobos score 27.9 points per game, ranking 67th in the country. They pass for 214.5 yards (ranked 84th) and rush for 155.1 yards (ranked 73rd) per game.
Jack Layne has been the quarterback for the Lobos this season. He has passed for 2,398 yards, 13 touchdowns and nine interceptions on 65.9 percent completion. Four players have over 250 receiving yards for the Lobos. Keagan Johnson, a former Kansas State and Iowa receiver, leads the team with 57 receptions for 730 yards and three touchdowns. Dorian Thomas and Damon Bankston have been productive with 545 and 374 yards apiece.
Bankston leads the team in rushing with 578 yards and five touchdowns. D.J. McKinney and Scottre Humphrey were solid assets to the offense, as they had 454 and 349 rushing yards, respectively. Backup quarterback James Laubstein has also helped the rushing attack, as he put up 306 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, they concede 22.5 points per game, tying them for 48th in the country. They allow 113.4 rushing yards (ranked 25th) and 236 passing yards (tied 96th) per game. Coach’s son Jaxton Eck leads the team in tackles with 126. Keyshawn James-Newby leads the team in sacks with eight, while Brett Karhu added seven. Drew Speech made plays on the ball with seven passes defended.
The Golden Gophers won seven games to make their fifth-straight bowl game. They defeated one bowl-eligible team this season: Nebraska. All five of their losses were to bowl-eligible teams: California, Ohio State, Iowa, Oregon and Northwestern.
Minnesota scores 23.2 points per game, ranking 97th in the nation. They pass for 193.5 yards (ranked 102nd) and rush for 103.1 yards (ranked 127th) per game.
Drake Lindsey has taken over at quarterback for the Golden Gophers. He has passed for 2,235 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions on 63.2 percent completion. Five players have over 200 receiving yards on the season for the Golden Gophers. Le’Meke Brockington leads the team with 46 catches for 484 yards and four touchdowns. Javon Tracy and Jalen Smith have also been productive with 439 and 355 receiving yards, respectively.
Star running back Darius Taylor battled injuries, but still rushed for 554 yards and three touchdowns. Fame Ijeboi filled in well for Taylor when he was injured, amassing 441 rushing yards and two interceptions.
The Golden Gophers’ defense gives up 23.4 points per game, tying for 57th in the nation. They allow 121.5 rushing yards (ranked 31st) and 220.8 passing yards (ranked 66th) per game. Maverick Baranowski has made plenty of tackles. totaling 86 on the season. Anthony Smith has been a great pass rusher with 10.5 sacks. John Nestor has made an impact in the secondary with six passes defended and five interceptions.
New Mexico has had a great season, but may not have the offensive firepower to attack Minnesota. The Golden Gophers should be able to get after the passer and shut down New Mexico’s offense.
Minnesota Golden Gophers 23 New Mexico Lobos 17
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