When scanning the landscape of college football, no region sticks out more for its subpar football and questionable atmosphere than the southwest. They do have some good food though. Albuquerque, New Mexico is no different and ranks number 97 in our Top 100 College Football Towns in America countdown.
To celebrate 100 days until the start of the college football season, HERO Sports is counting down the Top 100 FBS College Football Towns in America. Each day, starting May 17 and ending Aug. 24, a new city will be revealed. We will analyze the city, the program, the good and bad of the city as well as the bottom line. If you got a problem, @me on Twitter.
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97. Albuquerque, New Mexico – University of New Mexico
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The Program
Former Notre Dame head coach Bob Davie has installed a new breath of hope into the New Mexico football program. After a combined 19-67 record since 2008, Davie was able to get the Lobos to two straight bowl games. Its history is highlighted by one of the greatest linebackers to ever play the game, Brian Urlacher. Off of Urlacher, head coach Rocky Long and the Lobos had their best six-year stretch ever from 2002-'07. Unfortunately, that mark was 43-41. The Lobos currently reside in the Mountain West, where the level of competition is adequate at best. Yet, they have not won a conference championship in over 50 years.
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The City
Travel + Leisure named it one of "The 50 Best Places to Travel." From the annual hot-air balloon festival to a proud Native American culture, there is plenty to see, do and learn about in the ABQ. That includes a world-class southwestern delight for your belly. For the TV junkies take a tour of famous landmarks seen in the hit show "Breaking Bad." Maybe even throw a pizza on a roof?
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The Good
New Mexico's cuisine is one of the best in the country. Native to New Mexico is the green chile–and they put it on everything. Scrambled eggs with green chiles, hamburgers with green chiles, enchiladas with green chiles and an egg on top. It's a 24/7 party in your mouth in Albuquerque.
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The Bad
With over half a million people living in Albuquerque, New Mexico's home field, Dreamstyle Stadium, has proven to be a snore on Saturdays. Less than 20,000 people show up, despite not a lot of competition for evening entertainment. It's hard to blame them. The Lobos have gone 37-86 over the last 10 seasons.
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Bottom Line
Come for the green chiles, but the football will give you heartburn.
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NEXT: No. 98 – Starkville, Mississippi
