This matchup will allow one team to no longer winless, and not to spoil anyone it will be UNLV who comes out with the win (at least they better). We all know New Mexico is bad, but now they have an injury to quarterback B.R. Holbrook who is out until mid October since he had arthroscopic knee surgery last week, and the replacements are going to be Brad Gruner who played some last year or freshman Tarean Austin. Gruner will get the start, but look for Austin to get some playing time in this game.
The Lobos finally get a break from playing Oregon, Texas Tech, and Utah; now they get to matchup with someone who is closer to their own level. Do not expect a blowout either way, but the Lobos will need to have some type of rushing attack to move the ball, and to keep defenses honest since the Lobos can actually throw ball well enough to be a threat. The New Mexico offensive line will have to stop the Rebels defensive front of: Isaako Aaitui, Sidney Hodge and B.J. Bell; all of these players recorded sacks against Idaho last week, and Isaako Aaitui is considered to be a NFL prospect.
UNLV is very thin at safety, which means that former quarterback Mike Clausen will see extended playing time and might start as well. The other starting safety is also a former Rebel quarterback in Travis Dixon. The UNLV secondary will need to keep an eye on wide receiver Ty Kirk who is one of the few players that is making an impact for the Lobos.
The running game for both sides could see some improvement, because both teams are ranked 100 or lower in yards allowed on the ground. The question could be that who will be able to stop the run. UNLV has Channing Trotter and C.J. Cox, both of who will be getting the bulk of the carries against New Mexico. Odds are that one of the two will have a good game against the Lobo front seven. New Mexico has Demond Dennis who by virtue that the Rebel front seven is not the best should be able to get some yardage.
This game will be either a high scoring or a low scoring game as it all depends on if the defenses are really that bad for either side. UNLV should be able to win since they have actual play makers with experience on offense with QB Omar Clayton and WR Phillip Payne; look for that combo to be called all night.
UNLV's defense while is not great, they should have little problem stopping the Lobo offensive attack. This could get ugly for New Mexico, and who knows maybe Mike Locksley will get fired after this game and not the New Mexico State game.
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