EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 The historic rivalry between the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and New Mexico State University (NMSU), known as the Battle of I-10, is facing an uncertain future as UTEP prepares to move to the Mountain West Conference next season.<\/p>\n
This transition means the two teams will not face each other next year, as UTEP’s non-conference schedule is already full.<\/p>\n
Fans gathered at the Sun Bowl for what could be the final matchup, at least for the foreseeable future. <\/p>\n
RELATED: UTEP and NMSU gear up for the 102nd Battle of I-10<\/a><\/p>\n “If this is our last one with the Aggies, let it be a beat down and let’s start a new one next season,” one fan said. <\/p>\n Another added, “Always a great rivalry, it doesn’t matter who’s on top or not.”<\/p>\n UTEP announced last year that it had accepted a formal invitation to join the Mountain West, a move that takes effect next season.<\/p>\n Despite the change, UTEP has expressed interest in continuing the rivalry, as long as NMSU agrees.<\/p>\n In a statement from July, a UTEP representative said, “We are interested in continuing to play NMSU in football from 2027 onwards.”<\/p>\n UTEP Head Coach Scotty Walden remains hopeful about the future of the series.<\/p>\n “I guess it is what it is, I guess we’re not playing these guys anymore. I’m not taking no for an answer, we want to find a way to keep this game on the schedule,” Walden said.<\/p>\n As fans reminisce about past games, the rivalry spirit remains strong.<\/p>\n “We’ve been coming to these games since the early ’70s and I’ve always looked forward to it, so it’ll be a sad day when they’re not playing it again,” a long-time attendee shared.<\/p>\n Despite the uncertainty, the passion for the Battle of I-10 endures.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: New Mexico State hoops rolls past Samford to 4-0<\/a><\/p>\n