New Mexico at Utah State - 11/5/22 College Football Picks and Prediction

Nate Jones heads a pedestrian run game. Aside from a 83-yard performance in the win over former Mountain West rival UTEP, the sophomore back hasn’t had much room to operate. Jones leads the Lobos with 308 rushing yards. Hometown product Luke Wysong could surpass his 2021 total this weekend, and he leads UNM in receptions (23) and receiving yards (210).

Utah State fell to 3-5 after losing to Wyoming at home in Week 8. The Aggies found themselves trailing throughout, and a career day from Titus Swen would be enough for the Cowboys to pick up the 14-point win. Utah State scores 19.1 points per game, while passing for 115.6 yards per game (280th), and rushing for 129.4 ypg (190th). The USU defense allows 31.2 points per game.

A season ending injury to Logan Bonner had put the quarterback position in a swirl. Utah State trotted true freshman Bishop Davenport out in Laramie last time out in Wyoming, and he wasn’t able to make much happen. If they elect to sway with Davenport here, watch out.

Calvin Tyler leads the backfield after coming over from Oregon State last season. The senior back is on-pace to surpass last season’s total this weekend after reaching the 100-yard mark three straight times, and going for 83 yards and had a score versus Wyoming. Tyler leads USU with 717 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season. Brian Cobbs, a Maryland transfer, has been the number one option despite the revolving door, and his 10-catch performance versus BYU and 136-yard outing versus Air Force were strong moments this season. Cobbs leads the Aggies in receptions (44) and receiving yards (542).

New Mexico is 6-2 against the spread this season, with a 1-2 record on the road. Utah State is 2-6 against the spread this season, with a 1-3 record at home. The over is 6-2 in Huskies games this season.

This Mountain West contest might just possess two of the poorer quarterback situations in the nation. Utah State had big plans with Logan Bonner after a terrific first season, but it’s been a mess back there with him gone. With a pair of weeks to prepare, hopefully Davenport can give them the game management they’ll need here, because the Aggies won’t require much to prevail here.

New Mexico’s quarterback situation is somehow worse, and this one has a real snoozer vibe to it. The cupboard is extremely empty in this one. Field position, turnovers, and time of possession will go far in what should be a low-scoring matchup. Neither looks capable of putting multiple touchdown drives together right now, so let’s bet on their pedestrian offenses here. Take the under for this UNM/USU matchup Saturday.