Friday, September 26, 2014

University Stadium in Albuquerque

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

Fresno State comes into the meeting with New Mexico sporting a 1-3 record and one of the worst defenses in the nation. That being said the Bulldogs flipped the tide on their last opponent and hung 50 on them instead of the opposite which happened the first three games. They look to ride that momentum against a Lobo team who also grabbed their first win of the year a week ago. There can be only one two-game winner after this display of bedlam.

Fresno State (1-3) allows 45.5 PPG which is definitely not something to hang on the refrigerator and be proud of. That being said the first 3 games came against USC, Utah, and Nebraska which are superior talented teams. Unfortunately the Bulldogs didn't prove they could hang with the elite in college football, losing 52-13 at USC, 59-27 at Utah, and 55-19 at home to Nebraska. Fresno State is dead last in the FBS in allowing 16 TD passes thus far in 2014 but still finds themselves as favorites on a Friday night road game in New Mexico.

The Lobos find themselves as home underdogs despite sporting the 3rd best rushing attack in the FBS at an incredulous 349.7 YPG. Coach Bob Davie likes to beckon back to the time before the forward pass was invented with his play-calling as the Lobos have thrown just 34 passes all season. UNM also has experience with a quality opponent, losing 58-23 versus Arizona State on September 6th despite running for 207 yards and opening up the air attack for 130 more. To say the Lobo defense has struggled stopping the run would be an understatement, as the team is second to last in allowing 302.7 yards per game.

One team can't stop the pass and the other sees less resistance in the run game than a 5K walk/run but this game should still be quite entertaining. Behind future Oakland Raider Derek Carr the Bulldogs squeaked out a 69-28 win over UNM in Fresno last year with the QB throwing for 522 yards and 7 TD. Carr may even be in attendance in New Mexico to thank the Lobo defense for getting him an NFL contract. The Bulldogs are struggling playing QB roulette this season in an attempt to replace Carr which could open the door for New Mexico to run their way to a home upset.

Fresno State Bulldogs Betting Trends

Fresno State Bulldogs are 1-3-0 Against the Spread

Fresno State Bulldogs are 3-0-0 against the Over/Under

New Mexico Lobos Betting Trends

New Mexico Lobos are 0-3-0 Against the Spread

New Mexico Lobos are 2-1-0 against the Over/Under

Injuries to Watch

Fresno State Bulldogs

09/22/14 WR Dillon Root Leg injured last game, doubtful Friday vs. New Mexico
09/22/14 DB Shannon Edwards Shoulder injured last game, "?" Friday vs. New Mexico
09/17/14 Backup RB Malique Micenheimer Shoulder out indefinitely
09/14/14 Backup RB Dontel James Leg out indefinitely
09/04/14 PK Colin McGuire Personal has left team
08/29/14 DB Corey Ferguson Disciplinary has been dismissed
08/21/14 RB Kurt Scoby Concussion out indefinitely

New Mexico Lobos

09/22/14 OL Johnny Vizcaino Concussion "?" Friday vs. Fresno State
09/21/14 Backup QB Caleb Kimbro Knee "?" Friday vs. Fresno State
09/16/14 S Daniel Henry Shoulder out indefinitely

Guy's Pick: Take Fresno State

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Guy Bruhn