It’s a new day in Loboland.

Social media stars and Albuquerque celebrities were part of a rare sellout crowd at University Stadium on Saturday to provide an electric atmosphere for the Lobos’ Rio Grande Rivalry win over New Mexico State. Santa Fe New Mexican sports reporters Will Webber and James Barron have seen a lot of UNM games over the years, but it was hard to compare the environment of Saturday to anything they’ve experienced before.

In the latest episode of “The Sports Den,” Will and James discuss what they called a “special experience” for Lobo fans. They also discuss how first-year UNM coach Jason Eck has used his personality to draw in the fans and the community like no football coach has since Rocky Long.

At 3-1, Will says the Lobos join Utah State and Hawaii as the Mountain West teams that are exceeding expectations so far this year. Needing three more wins to become bowl eligible, Will says they should shoot for trying to qualify for a postseason appearance beyond the comfortable New Mexico Bowl.

In the second segment, Will and James talk about the return of professional hockey to the state with the unveiling of the New Mexico Goatheads, and hate on the team’s logo.

The guys then get into a prep sports update, talking about local football, volleyball and soccer teams.

It&rsquo;s a new day in Loboland.
Social media stars and Albuquerque celebrities were part of a rare sellout crowd at University Stadium on Saturday to provide an electric atmosphere for the Lobos&rsquo; Rio Grande Rivalry win over New Mexico State.&nbsp;Santa Fe New Mexican&nbsp;sports reporters Will Webber and James Barron have seen a lot of UNM games over the years, but it was hard to compare the environment of Saturday to anything they&rsquo;ve experienced before.
In the latest episode of &ldquo;The Sports Den,&rdquo; Will and James discuss what they called a &ldquo;special experience&rdquo; for Lobo fans. They also discuss how first-year UNM coach Jason Eck has used his personality to draw in the fans and the community like no football coach has since Rocky Long.
At 3-1, Will says the Lobos join Utah State and Hawaii as the Mountain West teams that are exceeding expectations so far this year. Needing three more wins to become bowl eligible, Will says they should shoot for trying to qualify for a postseason appearance beyond the comfortable New Mexico Bowl.
In the second segment, Will and James talk about the return of professional hockey to the state with the unveiling of the New Mexico Goatheads, and hate on the team&rsquo;s logo.
The guys then get into a prep sports update, talking about local football, volleyball and soccer teams.

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.   
The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of The Santa Fe New Mexican.

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.&nbsp;&nbsp; The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of&nbsp;The Santa Fe New Mexican.

The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.  

The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of The Santa Fe New Mexican.

Hosted by award-winning sports scribes Will Webber and James Barron, The New Mexican Sports Den podcast provides coverage of the local sports scene in Northern New Mexico with a focus on prep sports and the University of New Mexico Lobos. Dialed into the New Mexico sports landscape for decades, Will and James share their insight on the latest developments from season to season. They also welcome guests for lively and colorful conversations.&nbsp;&nbsp;
The New Mexican Sports Den with Will and James is a production of&nbsp;The Santa Fe New Mexican.