New Mexico Lobos vs. Colorado State Game Rams
Can the Lobos Keep Rolling?
The college football matchup between Colorado State and New Mexico at Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium will begin at 5:00 p.m. ET on Saturday.
- Who: New Mexico vs. Colorado State
- TV: MW Network/Altitude Play-by-Play: Brian Roth
Analyst: Mike Sanford - Radio: Lobo Radio Network, Play-by-Play: Robert Portnoy
Analyst: DonTrell Moore - Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
- Time: 5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT
- Venue: Sonny Lubick Field at Canvas Stadium
- Point Spread UNM +7215/CSU -260
- Over/Under: 65
The University of New Mexico (3-4, 2-1 MW) will look to extend its three-game winning streak and, at the same time, end a 12-game losing streak to the Colorado State Rams (4-3, 2-0 MW)
UNM heads to Canvas Stadium for a Saturday, 3 p.m. matchup on the Mountain West Network/Altitude in what promises to be an exciting football game.
Both teams are coming off key victories, with the Rams defeating Air Force 21-13 on the road and the Lobos securing their third straight win, a high-scoring 50-45 triumph over Utah State.
Photo Courtesy of PredictEM!
As both teams seek to climb the conference standings, this matchup could be pivotal in determining who gains momentum for the remainder of the season.
The question now is, who has the edge this week?
Colorado State enters this matchup on a two-game win streak, winning three of their last five games.
Colorado State has Mountain West victories over San José State (31-24) and Air Force (21-13), tying them for first place with No. 17 Boise State, UNLV, and San Diego State.
The Rams are above .500 for the first time since finishing 7-6 in 2017.
In their 21-13 victory over Air Force, quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi threw for 178 yards and one touchdown.
This season, he’s accumulated 1,312 passing yards, while running back Avery Morrow has rushed for 622 yards, and receiver Tory Horton added 353 receiving yards.
Colorado State averages 22.4 points per game, while their defense will look to contain New Mexico’s potent offense.
New Mexico comes in with momentum, riding a three-game win streak, including a thrilling 50-45 victory over Utah State.
The New Mexico Lobos had a rough start to the season, including a close loss to FCS team Montana State, 35-31.
However, they’ve since turned things around with three consecutive wins, scoring 152 points in those games.
Despite facing teams with a combined 4-17 record, the Lobos deserve credit for staying resilient after a tough start.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Quarterback Devon Dampier was stellar, throwing for 272 yards and two touchdowns.
Devon Dampier, the current Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week, threw for 272 yards, rushed for 105, and scored four total touchdowns in a thrilling 50-45 comeback win over Utah State.
The Lobos overcame a 17-0 first-half deficit and a 31-15 second-half gap, marking the school’s largest second-half comeback since 1946.
He’s totaled 1,488 passing yards and 382 rushing yards this season, while wide receiver Luke Wysong has added 507 receiving yards.
The Lobos have averaged an explosive 38.4 points per game over their last five matchups. They hope to maintain that offensive firepower on the road against Colorado State.
Last Saturday, they overcame a 38-23 deficit to beat Utah State 50-45, showing grit and determination.
The Lobos trailed 17-0 in the first half and 31-15 in the second half, making it the largest second-half comeback in school history (since 1946).
Still, their defense remains a concern. They have allowed 301 points in seven games as they prepare to face Colorado State.
Still, they did show up at a critical fourth-down stop last week, which the Lobo offense took advantage of to win the game.
The Lobos’ Offensive Resurgence
A major storyline for New Mexico this season has been the resurgence of its offense, which is primarily driven by the leadership of offensive coordinator Jason Beck.
Known for his ability to transform offenses, Beck has quickly left his mark in Albuquerque, especially with the talented quarterback who was already here under then-head coach Danny Gonzales.
Bronco Mendenhall’s hire of his OC was a big factor in the Lobos’ offense. We are talking 50-point games back to back.
Mendenhall has undoubtedly turned this lowly program into a very entertaining and competitive team.
Don’t be surprised to see this team possibly go bowling in Bronco Mendenhalls first year as the head coach.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
For a third consecutive week, the Lobos have scored 50 points, the first time in 108 years.
Under his direction, the Lobos have adopted a dynamic approach that capitalizes on the talent and speed available across the roster.
While Colorado State’s offense hasn’t been dominant, it could find its stride at home with conference play heating up.
This would challenge New Mexico’s defense, which has struggled compared to its recent offensive output. This game will be an essential test for both teams in Mountain West play.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
What to Expect from the Rams
Last week’s win gave Colorado State momentum. It marked their second straight victory and improved their record to 2-0 in the Mountain West.
While the Rams haven’t seen the offensive fireworks from the Lobos, they’ve displayed steady competence and a defense capable of being tough on the right day.
They’ll aim to slow New Mexico’s high-powered offense at home. Still, injuries, including losing top receiver Tory Horton, could hamper their attack.
Horton is one of the top receivers along with UNLV Ricky White, and at 6’3, 190 pounds, he is expected to be a second-round draft pick; this will be huge for the Lobos not to have to contend with him.
Quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi and running back Avery Morrow must step up for Colorado State to keep pace.
Photo Courtesy Denver Gazette
The Rams’ offense has been slow to start at times, which could give the Lobos’ offense, led by dual-threat quarterback Devon Dampier, opportunities to strike early.
With both teams fighting for position in the Mountain West, this will be a crucial test of whether Colorado State’s defense can withstand New Mexico’s explosive attack and whether its offense can generate enough firepower without key pieces.
Pick Analysis:
New Mexico faces a tough challenge. They haven’t beaten Colorado State in conference play since 2009, even during some of the Rams’ weaker seasons.
Colorado State has won 12 straight in the series since winning what was not just the conference opener but the season opener in 2010, losing that game 14-10.
New Mexico’s last win in the series came on a walk-off field goal in 2009, 29-27, and the last win in Fort Collins was also on a walk-off field goal, this one in 2006, 20-19 with Kenny Byrd Kicking the field goal under then head coach Rocky Long.
This writer watched this game on the sideline as Rocky Long’s volunteer team Chaplain. This series has always been a very close and physical game.
Playing on the road adds to the difficulty. While Colorado State’s offense has been inconsistent, they typically perform well at home, especially with conference stakes rising.
This could be trouble for New Mexico, whose defense has struggled, allowing 301 points over seven games.
If Colorado State finds its rhythm offensively, the Lobos could be in for a challenging game.
New Mexico’s high-scoring offense will clash with Colorado State’s tough defense, especially at home, where the Rams have won three of four games.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
The Lobos’ recent offensive surge, averaging 50.7 points per game over their last three, could give them the edge. I
The Lobo offense continues to ride the high-scoring wave, which could spell trouble for the Rams; Devon Damphier, Luke Wysong, Nic Trujillo, Medford, Davis, and other skilled guys will also be a lot to handle.
Now, TE Trace Brucler looks healthy and is also a significant factor in this Lobo offense.
Photo Courtesy of UNM Athletics
Final score prediction: New Mexico wins 34-30.
