— The defense is putting pressure on the offense.
For the most part, it’s been on the offensive side of the ball that they have struggled, but the defense last week gave up over 41 points to the Bulldogs from Fresno State.
The Lobo defense was ranked 22nd nationally and 22nd nationally in total yards allowed to enter the Fresno State game on October 22 – conceded to the Bulldogs that day at University Stadium.
After giving up 41 points, 510 yards, 28 first downs, and a 5.7-yard average per rush Last week in Albuquerque to the Bulldogs.
The Lobos are ranked 56th in D-1 in terms of their opponent’s scoring, allowing 24.1 PPG. They are allowing 4.0 yards per tote and 135.9 yards on the ground per game for the season
Now on the road against the Utah State Aggies, who themselves have had a very tough year, but their losses have been to very good teams.
The Aggies’ losses have been to Alabama, UNLV, Wyoming, BYU, and Weber State. Their most lopsided loss was to Weber State 35-7 a week after the Crimson tide game.
Utah State has had lots of adversity to the point that they started the third-string Quarterback due to injuries and still have won 2 of their last three games.
They have struggled to throw the football; the running game has been solid with Calvin Tyler Jr, who is averaging an impressive 4.7 yards per carry this season.
Running the ball is important for the Aggies because of the Defensive struggles they have had as well, especially with backup QB Bishop Davenport behind center for the offense.
QB Bishop Davenport finished against the Cowboys with 104 yards and a pick, while Calvin Tyler led the rush with 83 yards and a score.
Starting QB Cooper Legas is expected to be back for the Aggies against the Lobos per Coach Anderson: “I expect Coop to be the guy,” Anderson said. “He had a great practice last night in a non-contact environment.”
Utah State beat UConn in their first game this year, then fell to Alabama, Weber State, UNLV, and BYU over the next four.
The Aggies would get an impressive win in a close battle against Air Force and Colorado State before losing to Wyoming in their last game.
In the Wyoming matchup, the Aggies were down 17-7 going into halftime. Utah State was outscored 11-7 from there in a 28-14 loss.
— Play a focused game from the mental side
The Lobos are the 8th youngest team in the country, and it has shown at times this year, giving up some big plays on defense, for example.
They have been called for a total of 55 infractions for 464 yds, which is not mentally smart football if you want to put your team in a position to win a ball game.
Having to play lots of freshmen and sophomores can be a two-edged sword, especially when competing against more established programs
Expect to see flashes of the future and why you recruited them in the first place but at times realize after giving up some big plays that they have to get brighter, bigger, and faster, especially when competing with some of the top MWC players.
So the Lobos, who have made critical plays or penalties at just the wrong time in the games, have cost the Lobos some games.
There is no better way to take a crowd out of the game on the road than but play error-free football as much as possible.
Both Danny Gonzales and Blake Anderson go back many years with their backgrounds in coaching at UNM, high character family men and men of faith but it’s all business for this game, friends later.
Prediction
New Mexico 31 Utah State 27
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