ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – New Mexico opens Mountain West play against UTEP on Saturday, with a 44-33 all-time series lead and a new starting quarterback in Toa Fa’avae.

The Lobos host the Miners in Albuquerque this weekend as UTEP joins the Mountain West Conference. The last time the teams met as conference opponents was in 1998 as members of the Western Athletic Conference.

UTEP enters the game with a 1-3 record. New Mexico coach Jason Eck said he wants the Lobos to build momentum before their bye week.

“Getting off to a good start getting the win I think is very important. Excited to play UTEP. You know another regional rival. Hopefully we have a great crowd for this game. Hopefully this game is perfect, good weather and good time.” Jason Eck said. “I think it’s important that we create some momentum, first conference game, and then go going into our bye week on a good note.”

Fa’avae takes over as the Lobos’ No. 1 quarterback moving forward after New Mexico’s win against New Mexico State on Saturday. He threw for 174 yards and ran for 57 in that game.

Eck said he has liked Fa’avae’s progression through the first four games and said the quarterback took a step forward after getting all the practice reps.

“You know, I thought he took a step forward from how he played in the first three games. So I’m happy that he is, improving,” Eck said.