Art Briles returns to college football, UNM set for season opener and Week 3 prep football picks

The past week of The Santa Fe New Mexican's sports coverage was an eventful one for being so early in the fall sports season. It included the return of former Baylor football coach Art Briles to college football after a decade and a Santa Fe football rivalry going down to the wire.  In the latest episode of "The Sports Den" podcast, sports writers Will Webber and James Barron discuss Briles' debut as head coach of Eastern New Mexico University in the Greyhounds' opener against New Mexico Highlands in Las Vegas, N.M. The Division II showdown delivered on the drama, with Highlands making a goal-line stand on a two-point conversion to sneak out a 35-34 victory.  Briles didn't have much to say after the loss. Barron talks about his brief interview and the guys discuss how it will be difficult for Briles to escape questions about his past at Baylor as he travels around the Lone Star Conference in his first season with Eastern New Mexico.  There also happened to be a thrilling — yes, thrilling — 3-0 overtime win for St. Michael's football team over intracity rival Santa Fe High at Ivan Head Stadium last Friday. Will and James reflect on what they learned about each team after a game where the result wasn't so much a surprise but the score certainly was.  The guys then get into previewing the University of New Mexico's season opener against Central Michigan, a team they think has the potential to give the Lobos trouble. UNM will have to play without returning starting quarterback Jack Layne, who has an elbow injury that coach Jason Eck says will keep him out for the season.  In the second segment, the guys make their Week 3 picks for local prep football teams. Saturday's St. Mike's showdown with rival Robertson could be a big test for the Horsemen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.