Howling With The Lobos: Wyoming Game Preview

What: New Mexico Lobos at Wyoming Cowboys

When: Saturday October 19^th, 2019 1:00 p.m. Mountain

Where: War Memorial Stadium, Laramie, Wyoming

Coverage: Game will be broadcasted on AT&T Sports Network. As usual, the Lobo Radio Network will handle the call on the AM/FM dial.

Series: Wyoming holds a 37-34 edge in the series. Also having won the last two, including a 31-3 victory in Albuquerque last season.

Breakdown:

The New Mexico Lobos (2-4, 0-2) head for the toughest part of their Mountain West Conference schedule starting with a Saturday afternoon tilt against the Wyoming Cowboys (4-2, 1-1). The Lobos enter the game on a three-game losing streak that has all but dashed the bowl hopes for a team in need of postseason play. The skid has also revived talks around Albuquerque of the job security of Bob Davie. UNM has finished with back-to-back 3-9 seasons and are on the verge of once again collapsing after a promising start. Beginning

Beginning with Saturday’s contest, all of the Lobos’ final six opponents currently have a record of .500 or better. With the road not getting much easier, the Lobos will need big time plays from all facets of their game.

Quarterback Situation:

Last week against Colorado State Sheriron Jones struggled going 8-for-17 for 89 yards and an interception through the air and adding 54 yards on the ground off of 17 carries. Interestingly enough it was reported that Tevaka Tuioti refused to warm up in case the coaches wanted to use him in the second half. Leading many to believe that even some players would like to see some continuity when it comes to the position under center. Expect Jones to once again get the start this weekend.

Aerial Assault Time:

Jones will have to beat the Cowboys with his arm seeing as how the Pokes allow just 89.5 yards per game rushing. Bryson Carroll did break thru with 193 yards on 26 carries last week against Colorado State, but this Wyoming defense is predicated on stopping the run. Getting 193 yards on the ground will be exactly what the Lobos will need to stay in this game.

Can These Guys Stop Anyone?

Heading into last week’s contests with CSU it appeared as though the Lobo secondary might have it easy as the Rams only averaged a shade under 300 yards passing on average entering the contest. That proved to be a wrong theory as the Rams’ Patrick O’Brien torched the suspect defensive backfield of the Lobos for 420 yards and three touchdowns. That leaves one to wonder if they can’t stop anyone at this point.

They’ll get another shot this weekend facing a Cowboys offense that averages just 115 yards passing. If the Lobos defense can load up and stop the running game, this game could come down to who’s secondary can out defend the opposing receivers. Right now, that upper hand still remains in the hands of the Wyoming Cowboys, but stranger things have happened.

Prediction:

At the time of this writing the Lobos are 19-point underdogs. While I think the game will be a bit closer, this one does seem a bit of an uphill climb by the Lobos. I got Wyoming 24 Lobos 17.