An Eye On The Lobos: vs Wyoming Preview

Wyoming Cowboys vs. New Mexico Lobos

Game time: 12:30 p.m. Mountain

Television: AT&T SportsNet

Radio: Lobo Radio Network (770 AM/94.5 FM KKOB in Albuquerque)

For the 71^st time the New Mexico Lobos will play the Wyoming Cowboys on the football field when the two get together at Dreamstyle Stadium Saturday afternoon in Albuquerque. It will be Senior Day this afternoon as the Lobos will be saying goodbye to 24 Seniors today.

The Lobos will be looking to end a six-game skid, which if they’re unable to do so will be the second consecutive season with a seven-game losing streak to end the season.

Sheriron Jones is expected to get the start at quarterback today. The Lobos might bring in a couple of other quarterbacks depending on the situation. In the game against Boise State last week Bryson Carroll saw action, and don’t be too surprised to see Bob Davie get Coltin Gerhart some snaps, as Gerhart is one of the 24 Seniors bidding the program adieu after today.

The Lobos key will have to be picking up first downs to keep their defense off the field, and not turn the football over. During this six-game losing streak the Lobos have lost the time of possession battle in each game, committed 13 turnovers, and have failed to gain over 300 yards offense in each game. So, if the Lobos want to send their seniors out as winners, they will need long drives and no turnovers.

For the Lobos defensively, they will have to key on Cowboy running back Nico Evans. Now the Senior tailback is a game time decision today against the Lobos with an ankle injury that he suffered last week in the win over Air Force. If Evans does go, he has wreaked havoc on opposing defenses this season, rushing for 1,183 yards and seven touchdowns. He has gone for over 100 yards rushing in six of the nine games he has played this season. Freshman quarterback Tyler Vander Waal will get the start under center for the Cowboys. Vander Waal replaces Sean Chambers, who suffered a season ending leg injury in the 35-27 win over Air Force last week. Vander Waal had started the season as the first-string quarterback, but struggles led to his replacement by Chambers. After Chambers’ injury last week, Vander Waal came in and threw two touchdown passes, and ran for two more, in what was his best game of the season. The Cowboys will need more of that, especially if Evans cannot play.

The long and winding season comes to an end today in Albuquerque. And while the once promising season has not gone the way it had hoped to go over the last six games, the Lobos can end on a high note with a win today and prevent Wyoming from becoming bowl eligible. Wyoming head coach Craig Bohl is 1-3 against the Lobos, and 0-2 in Albuquerque, if history is any indication it might be the Lobos day.