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Game Day Essentials: No. 25 Boise State Broncos At New Mexico Lobos
The Broncos are huge favorites.
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Friday night in New Mexico
Disclaimer: While this article is a ‘neutral conference article’ on Mountain West Wire, I am a Boise State graduate.
In 2015 New Mexico and their head coach Bob Davie did what was thought to be the impossible, they defeated the mighty Boise State Broncos on their Blue Turf. Davie and the Lobos had multiple close matchups against the Broncos up to that point and finally broke through with that victory. However, the Lobos have slid back the last few years and Davie may be on his way out after the 2018 season.
Meanwhile, the Broncos continue their incredible run of 8+ win seasons that date back to the 1990s. Head coach Bryan Harsin has the Broncos on track to be a factor in the conference championship game and a potential big money bowl game. Boise State stormed back into the top 25 with a big victory last week against a ranked Fresno State.
One thing to watch for, or not watch for, is the triple option offense. Davie had installed the triple option several years ago much to the dismay of the Broncos. Boise State has historically struggled against the triple option offense and this was one of the keys to New Mexico’s success against Boise State recently. New Mexico has surprisingly installed a pro-style offense this year to mixed results.
After a big victory last week for Boise State and a huge matchup looming next week versus Utah State, this is a potentially dangerous matchup for the Broncos. New Mexico is at home and catches Boise State on a short week and the Lobos would love nothing better than to play the role of spoiler in this divisional matchup.
Date: Friday November 16, 2018
Where: Albuquerque, NM
When: 7:00 PM MST
Spread: Boise State -19.5 (via Vegas Insiders)
Weather: 57 degrees, sunny (via weather.com)
How to Watch: CBS Sports Network
Streaming: FuboTV – Get a free seven-day free trial
All Time Record: Boise State 8-1 New Mexico
Last Meeting: Boise State 28, New Mexico 14 on September 14, 2017 at Boise, ID
ESPN FPI Win Predictor: Boise State 91%
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Boise State Update
The Broncos started the year off ranked amongst national predictions of another dominant Boise State run. The Broncos, however, stumbled to a 3-2 record and were forgotten in both the national media and the Mountain West Championship picture. Boise State was able to rally and rattled off five straight victories including a home victory over the #23 Fresno State Bulldogs.
Boise State is now firmly back in both polls and got placed at 25 in the most recent College Football Playoff Rankings. While Boise State has its eye on a big matchup against Utah State the following week and potentially the Mountain West Conference Championship Game and a big bowl, they will need a victory versus New Mexico to shore up their conference record first. Boise State will bring with them the 22nd best offense in the country to go along with the 44th best defense in terms of yards into this contest.
New Mexico Update
New Mexico is not very good on offense and even worse on defense. In terms of total yards, the Lobos rank 103rd in offense and 116th in defense. New Mexico defeated FCS opponent Incarnate Ward, in state rival New Mexico State, and fellow conference bottom dweller UNLV to notch 3 wins to go along with 7 losses including 5 straight defeats. New Mexico did play San Diego State and Air Force tough the last two weeks and their offense is capable of putting up points.
With off the field troubles to complement the abysmal football team, Head Coach Bob Davie would like an upset victory over the Broncos to bolster his argument to return to the New Mexico sidelines next season.