In what is shaping up to be a challenging start to the Bronco Mendenhall era, the New Mexico Lobos find themselves as heavy home underdogs in their first game of the season. According to the SportsLine Consensus, the Lobos are facing a daunting 13.5-point deficit on their own turf against Montana State, a team from the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). This marks the largest margin between an FCS team and an FBS team in over 15 years, highlighting the uphill battle that Mendenhall and his team will face on Saturday.

The last time an FCS team was favored by double digits against an FBS team was back in 2013 when Jacksonville State held a 10.5-point advantage over Georgia State. It's a rare occurrence in college football, underscoring the challenge awaiting the Lobos. The odds have only increased in favor of Montana State since the opening line of 4.5 points, amplifying the task at hand for New Mexico.

While preseason lines can often be deceiving, a win for Montana State would be a significant achievement as they set their sights on a successful 2024 season and possible FCS national championship aspirations. Currently ranked fourth in the FCS Coaches Poll and third in Emory Hunt's preseason FCS Power Rankings, the Bobcats have been a force to be reckoned with. Under the guidance of coach Brent Vigen, they have compiled an impressive 32-9 record over the past three seasons, consistently finishing in the top 10.

Although beating FBS teams is not unfamiliar territory for Montana State, having defeated Colorado 19-10 in 2006, it has been quite some time since their last triumph. On the other hand, the Lobos have been struggling in recent years. Since their last winning season in 2016, where they finished with an 8-4 regular-season record and a victory in the New Mexico Bowl, New Mexico has faltered. Under former coach Danny Gonzales, their record was 11-32, with a dismal 5-26 performance in Mountain West play.

Despite the optimism surrounding Mendenhall's hiring, with many considering it an excellent move for the Lobos, there have been challenges. Departures through the transfer portal and a perceived lack of talent on the team have presented obstacles for New Mexico. College football analyst Taylor McHargue praised Mendenhall's hiring but acknowledged the overall challenge that awaits the Lobos this season, as they are not favored in any game on their schedule.

As kick-off approaches for the season opener, the New Mexico Lobos find themselves up against significant odds in their quest for a successful start to the Bronco Mendenhall era. While Montana State looks to make their mark as a strong FCS contender, New Mexico will need to harness their determination and talent to overcome the daunting 13.5-point underdog status and prove that they are capable of competing at a high level in college football.