ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —

More than 35,000 fans gathered for the Rio Grande Rivalry, celebrating a tradition that many fans cherish.

"I love the in-state rivalry games because of the fans and energy that it brings out," former UNM Lobo Club president Sherman McCorkle said.

This year, the rivalry felt different, with both teams showing promise early in the season.

"Watching the pageantry and celebrating New Mexico and seeing 35,000 people at a football game in this state is huge," NMSU fan and Volcano Vista football head coach Chad Wallin said.

Fans on both sides of the stadium enjoy the competition and the bragging rights that come with victory.

NMSU fan Jacob Jensen said, "Half my friends go to UNM and the other half go down there [NMSU], and it just really brings out the rivalry and the

See Full Page