In week 5 the Fresno State Bulldogs head to University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico to face the New Mexico Lobos Friday. The Bulldogs are 1-3 SU and ATS. The Lobos are 1-2 SU and 0-3 ATS.
Fresno State is coming off a huge win over Southern Utah 56-16 last week. Quarterback Brian Burrell who has 570 passing yards and 5 touchdowns leads the offense this season. Marteze Waller leads the rushing game with 294 yards, 3 touchdowns and a 5.4 yards per carry average. Josh Harper leads the wide receivers with 280 yards and 1 touchdown.
Fresno State’s defense is one of the worst in the country allowing 45.5 points per game and 543 yards per game.
New Mexico is coming off a close win over in state opponent New Mexico State 38-35. Quarterback Lamar Jordan who has 146 passing yards and 2 touchdowns leads the offense this season. Cole Gautsche leads the rushing game with 237 yards, 2 touchdowns and a 11.9 yards per carry average. Teriyon Gipson leads the wide receivers with 79 yards and 1 touchdown.
New Mexico’s defense has not been very good this season, allowing 41.3 points per game and 518 yards per game.
Keys to Fresno State win
Fresno State will have to stop the rushing game of New Mexico. The defense will find it hard to stop the Lobos offense, but if they can get a few three and outs early, the offense should give them a good cushion.
Keys to New Mexico win
New Mexico has to stop the passing game of Brian Burrell and to do that they will have to bring pressure. In addition, quarterback Lamar Jordan has to get the passing game going.
Injuries
Fresno State – Dillon Root, Shannon Edwards, Malique, Dontel James, Colin McGuire, Corey Ferguson, Kurt Scoby
New Mexico – Carlos Wiggins, Cole Gautsche, Nik D’Avanzo, Richard Winston, Teriyon Gipson, Johnny Vizcaino, Caleb Kimbro, Daniel Henry
Favorite
Fresno State -5.5
Conclusion
This will be a very close game. However, with Cole Gautsche questionable for Friday’s game it should make it easier on Fresno State.