New Mexico vs. Tulsa game preview: Lobos look to go 2-0

The last time that the New Mexico Lobos met the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes, Tulsa walked out of University Stadium with a 44-10 beating of UNM in 2009. Since then lots has Changed, the Golden Hurricanes who  have had two consecutive losing seasons are starting their first season under new head coach Philip Montgomery, while UNM's football program has showed some signs of life. Saturdays game is important for both programs as they not only have a chance  to go 2-0 but they both move one step closer to the magic number of six wins that gets you into a bowl game.

The game is going to be a good measuring stick for both programs; UNM  will be facing a Tulsa team that put up 618 yards and 47 points against Conference USA's Florida Atlantic University. The Golden Hurricanes will test the Lobos defense which only gave up 74 total yards against Mississippi Valley State but on the flip side Tulsa did give up 518 yards against the Owls which is a good sign the Lobos will be able to move the ball.  While we may not know how good the Lobos are after this game, we should have a pretty good idea of just how good they can be if they can win.

WEEK 2: New Mexico Lobos vs. Tulsa University

WHEN: Saturday, September 12, 2015 6:05 PM, MST

WHERE: Branch Field at University Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico (39,224)

2015 SEASON: New Mexico 1-0 (0-0 MWC), UT (1-0, 0-0 AAC)

TV: ESPN 3

RADIO: New Mexico's Albuquerque radio affiliate is part of the Lobo Radio Network, 770 AM (KKOB).

WEB SITES: GoLobos.com, New Mexico's official athletic site and Tulsa e official athletic site Tulsa Football

Game Line: Lobos -4

What to watch - New Mexico:

1. Lobos quarterbacks: After a tight completion over the summer Lamar Jordan has separated himself from Austin Apodaca. Jordan was impressive Saturday and showed why he was named the Lobos starter. He was a perfect 7-7 passing for 103 yards while rushing for 62 yards and a touchdown and a QBR of 223.6. Austin Apodaca on the other hand has some room to improve he went 4-11 for 48 yards and did not record a carry. Apodaca's struggles are understandable as it was his first real game action running Bob Davies triple option offense, expect him to improve as the season progresses but don't expect him to overtake Jordan as the starter anytime soon.

2. Lobo Defense: The Lobos are currently sit at number two in the nation in total defenses and while it was against an inferior opponent 74 total yards and a shut out is still impressive.  I would not expect that type of performance every week but still it was a good confidence builder for a team that is known for bad defense.  They will be tested by a Tulsa team that has a good running back, a good quarterback and big receivers. They have to hold the Golden Hurricanes to around 300 yards of total offense and less than 20 points if they expect to win.   The Lobos offense is good but they cannot be expected to win shootouts this year.

3. Looking back, look forward: They Lobos cannot look back at their 66-0 victory over Mississippi Valley State nor can they look ahead to Arizona State. They must stay focused on the task at hand which is a Tulsa team that is comparable to the Lobos in very many ways so to beat them they must be focused. Bob Davie is not the type of coach to let his players lose focus but it can happen and with the Lobos being the home favorite they should expect to win.

What to watch- Tulsa:

1. Dane Evans; The Tulsa quarterback is currently second in the nation in passing with 416 yards and fourth in total offense.  He went 21-33 with a completion percentage of 63.6% and a QBR of 179.4. The junior was nominated for the Peyton Manning award which is given out the best quarterback in college football each week. Evans has some weapons and has the ability to make the Lobos pay. The Lobos need to pressure him into making bad throws because if he can just stand behind the line he will pick the Lobos secondary apart.

2. Tulsa Wide receivers: When you through for 416 yards you would expect for the teams receivers to have big games and that's just what Tulsa's starting receivers. Keevan Lucas who had 101 catches and 1293 yards last year started 2015 with a bang recording ten catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns. He is the faster of the receivers and will give the Lobos fits deep as his career long is 84 yards.   Their other receiver Keyarris Garrett averaged 32.6 yards per catch while recording six catches for 163 yards, his 6-4 frame will make him hard to defend.

3. Tulsa's defense: For a defense that returns 27 letterman and 6 starters they look to be Tulsa's weakness, they gave up 563 yards of total offense to Florida Atlantic. The 300 yards they gave up would suggest that the Lobos will be able to run all over the Golden Hurricanes. With both teams having potent offenses the game may come down to who can make the first stop or who has the ball last.

Prediction:

If you like offense this is the game for you, expect both teams to put up numbers. The Lobos who showed that they have more weapons on offense than Lamar Jordan and Jhurell Pressley have the home field advantage which means a lot when teams are of similar competition. Expect for the Lobos not to be a top five defense after Saturday but a respectable showing should get them the win. The Lobos will win this game 45-35.