It’s the conference opener for New Mexico and Fresno State, both teams are coming of their first wins of the year. The Bulldogs who’s play prior to Saturdays win over FCS school Southern Utah has been unimpressive with three losses over 30 points. The Lobos who beat their Rival New Mexico State have not fared any better losing a close game to UTEP and a blowout loss to Arizona State. A win for both teams is essential but it is much more important for the Bulldogs who came into the season with expectations despite losing starting quarterback Derek Carr and leading receiver Davante Adams to the NFL. The Lobos are looking to avenge last year’s 69-28 loss to the Bulldogs. Fridays a game is only the second meeting between the teams as conference foes.
WEEK 5: New Mexico Lobos vs. Fresno State Bulldogs
WHEN: Friday, September 25th – 6:00 PM, MST
WHERE: Branch Field at University Stadium; Albuquerque, New Mexico
2014 SEASON: New Mexico 1-2 (0-0 MWC), FSU (1-3, 0-0 MWC)
TV: ESPN 2
STREAMING: WatchESPN
RADIO: New Mexico’s Albuquerque radio affiliate is part of the Lobo Radio Network, 770 AM (KKOB).
940 AM ESPN Radio (Flagship Station) and ESPN Deportes Radio 1600 AM
KNZR 1560AM & KSMJ-FM 97.7 FM Bakersfield
SERIES RECORD: Fresno State leads the series 10-4
WEB SITES: GoLobos.com, New Mexico’s official athletic site, www.gobulldogs.com FSU’s official athletic site
Lamar Jordan: Cole Gautsche surprised everyone last week by starting against New Mexico State but he was unable to finish the game sitting out the second half with a hamstring issue. Gautsche is once again questionable and a short week does not give him the best odds to be ready for the Bulldogs. Jordan’s legend around campus continues to grow and despite being the third quarterback to enter the game against the Aggies Jordan had the ball in his hands with the game on the line. He led the Lobos to a game winning touchdown with 27 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Jordan showed the ability to make reads during the option and made critical throws. Jordan gives the ability to run the option while having the threat of throwing the ball, but the fear is the young Jordan still has a learning curve and there is always the possibility of a big mistake. If Gautsche does not play it is unclear if Jordan or Clayton Mitchem would start the game as Mitchem looked better in the Aggies game then in his previous action this year.
1 Josh Harper: Harper is the Bulldogs leading receiver and finished last year behind Davante Adams last year in yards with 1,011. This year he already has 25 receptions for 280 yards with one touchdown. Harper averages 11.7 yards a catch, look for Fresno State’s top wide out to have a big game as the Lobos struggled against New Mexico State who runs a similar offense as the Bulldogs.
2. Marteze Waller: Waller is the Bulldogs leading rusher and is coming off of his first career 100 yard game. He gained 117 yards against Southern Utah and has 294 yards and three touchdowns on the ground so far this year. The 5-foot-11, 209-pound junior is averaging 73.5 yards per game and 5.4 yards per carry. Waller is poised for another big game against the Nations second worse run defense in the Lobos. The Lobos are giving up 302 yards a game and have already allowed two 200 plus yard rushers this year.
3. Fresno State Defense: Defense is important for every team that the Lobos play because the type of offense they run is difficult to plan for. The Triple Option requires discipline and requires every player to stick to their assignments. There is a good reason New Mexico finished fourth in the nation in rushing last year and are currently third averaging 349.7 yards a game this year. The Bulldogs are only giving up 176.5 yards a game on the ground but they will be tested as Lobos are very good at executing the option and have multiple big play threats on the ground. Fresno State’s ability to stop the Lobos on the ground will play a big part on the outcome of the game.
Prediction:
The truth lies somewhere in between for the Fresno State Bulldogs are they the team that lost by 30-plus points to three consecutive opponents, or are they the team that blew out Southern Utah? While New Mexico is not an elite opponent playing them on the road will be a good barometer for the Bulldogs. The game will come down to who can control the time of possession; the Lobos will try to control the ground limiting the amount of possessions that Fresno State has. The Bulldogs are still trying to find their offensive identify this year as they are transitioning from a fast paced pass based offense to a more balanced offense. I can see the Bulldogs having trouble stopping the option but last year they did hold the New Mexico to 168 yards on the ground, I will take the Lobos and the home field advantage for a three point win.
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