Bowl-O-Rama: The New Mexico Bowl

Bringing you some college football bowl insight one game at a time...

Teams: Nevada & New Mexico
Location: University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
Miles Traveled By Each Team: Nevada(1,023), New Mexico(0)
Related Cereal: Dinersaurs(To celebrate the rich dinosaur fossil record found throughout the state.)

Breakdown: Nevada rolls into town with the nation's #11 ranked rushing offense(225yds/gm, 25TD's) and the #35 ranked pass attack(263yds/gm, 29TD's). Overall, their offense is ranked #7. On defense, their ranked #79 against the run(172yds/gm, 25TD's), and #67 against the pass(231yds/gm, 20TD's). The Wolf Pack's total defense is ranked #71, and gives up an average of 403yds/gm and has allowed 49 total touchdowns.

Taking the field across from the them will be New Mexico, and their #84 ranked rushing offense(131yds/gm, 16TD's) and #57 ranked passing offense(226yds/gm, 14TD's). Overall, their offense is ranked #84 in the nation. On defense, the Lobos bring in the #31 ranked rush defense(126yds/gm, 9TD's) and #22 ranked pass defense(202yds/gm, 16TD's). New Mexico's total defense is ranked #23, and allows an average of 329yds/gm and has given up 28 total TD's.

Signature Wins: Nevada-Utah State?(It sparked a three game win streak, and a stretch of six games where two losses came by a combined five points). New Mexico-Arizona?

Common Opponents: New Mexico State and UNLV. Nevada beat New Mexico State 40-38. New Mexico beat them 44-34. Nevada beat UNLV 27-20. New Mexico defeated them 27-6.

Prediction: At full strength I would easily give the win to New Mexico. Their offense isn't quite as potent, but their defense is better and they have homefield advantage. However, their top two running backs(Freguson & Love) are both out which will really put pressure on their passing game and Donovan Porterie. Watch for Ezra Butler to be very active for Nevada's defense, and their offensive attack will eventually get them the win. Nevada beats New Mexico, 35-17.