UTSA, New Mexico start college postseason amid similar paths

Published Dec. 7, 2016 6:33 p.m. ET

foxsports

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Six years ago, New Mexico's football team was at one of the lowest points in its history. UTSA was about to start its football program.

On Dec. 17, the two schools with rising programs will kick off the college postseason in the New Mexico Bowl.

First-year UTSA head coach Frank Wilson says it's an honor to lead the Roadrunners in the school's first ever bowl appearance. UTSA (6-6) won five of its last eight games to become bowl eligible for the first time in the program's six-year history.

The Lobos (8-4) shared the Mountain West's Mountain Division title and are in a bowl for the second year in a row following years of losing records. New Mexico head coach Bob Davie said he was happy to play in back-to-back New Mexico Bowls.