One team is going to end Thanksgiving night with their first victory when the New Mexico Lobos (0-4) visit the Utah State Aggies (0-4) on Thursday, November 26, 2020. These are two of the three worst teams in the Mountain West, with UNLV also making a case. This game will air live on FS1 at 7:00 p.m. EST.
Through four games, the New Mexico offense is averaging just 18.5 points per game and 399.5 yards per game, 236.5 through the air and 163.0 on the ground. Bobby Cole leads the team with 255 rushing yards and one touchdown, and Jordan Kress has a team high 12 receptions for 224 yards and two touchdowns. Defensively, the Lobos are allowing 33.0 points and 474.0 yards, 324.3 passing and 149.8 rushing.
The Utah State offense is somehow averaging just 11.3 points per game and 242.8 yards per game, 112.3 through the air and 130.5 on the ground. Jaylen Warren leads the team with 252 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and Deven Thompkins has a team high 20 receptions for 214 yards and one touchdown. Defensively, the Aggies are allowing 37.3 points and 525.8 yards. 321.3 passing and 204.5 rushing.
[metabet_core_odds_compare query=”ncaaf/utah_state” size=”300×250″ site_id=”atsio” css=”float:right; margin-left:10px”]Below is my pick for the New Mexico Lobos and Utah State Aggies. All odds are from FanDuel Sportsbook.
New Mexico Lobos (-4.5) at Utah State Aggies: O/U 53.5 (-106/-114)
Last time out, New Mexico visited the Air Force Falcons and suffered a 28-0 shutout loss. This was a pathetic showing by a bad team. QB Trae Hall went 23/42 for 221 yards, zero touchdowns, and one interception. Five players combined for 83 yards on 25 carries, a 3.3 average per carry. The New Mexico defense allowed 422 total yards and recovered three Air Force fumbles.
The Aggies hosted the Fresno State Bulldogs and lost 35-16 two weeks back. This game was much closer than the scoreboard makes it as Utah State led after the first quarter and it was just a five points game late in the second quarter. Fresno State scored the final 14 points of the game to leave with the three-score win. QB Jason Shelley went 9/24 for 144 yards, zero touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Running back Jaylen Warren was the lone bright spot as he carried the ball nine times for 136 yards, one touchdown, and added three receptions for 27 yards. The Utah State defense allowed 541 total yards and forced two Fresno State turnovers, one interception and one lost fumble.
Series History: Utah State has won the last three meetings between these two schools and have evened up the series at 13 wins a piece.
CFB Predictions: Give me New Mexico -4.5 on the road.
2020 CFB Picks Results: 42-25