Battle of I-25 Preview: New Mexico State Aggies at New Mexico Lobos

The New Mexico Lobos and the New Mexico State Aggies square off Saturday in the 110th meeting of the rivals in a very important game for both sides.

Not only is this a big rivalry for both schools, it is a must win if either teams hope to make it to bowl eligibility.

Personally, I think this game is a bigger deal for the Aggies because they have a much more favorable schedule than the Lobos, who probably won’t make it to a bowl game regardless of how this one turns out.

Bowl aspirations aside, this one should turn out to be another fun game between in-state rivals. Let’s look at how this one stacks up.

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Game Time: Saturday, September 21, 2:30 pm MT

Location: Dreamstyle Stadium, Albuquerque, New Mexico

TV: AT&T Sports Network

Radio: KXPZ 99.5, as always!

Weather Forecast: Mostly sunny and a high of 83

Series History: New Mexico leads the series, 71-33-5

Last Meeting: The Lobos took advantage of Aggie turnovers last year and stole a win from the good guys, 42-25.

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Offensive Scouting Report

The Lobos come into the game at 1-1, having beaten Sam Houston State, 39-31, and being obliterated by Notre Dame, 66-14. That first game was so close that is caused Bob Davie to have to go to the hospital with what is described as a “serious medical issue.” He did not coach the game at Notre Dame and will not be on the sidelines this weekend. Saga Tuitele will be coaching in his place.

Sherrion Jones replaced opening week starter Brandt Hughes at quarterback in Week 2, but is not expected to start Saturday, after going 4-pf-15 for 19 yards and three interceptions against Notre Dame.

Photo by Lawrence Iles/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Instead, Tevaka Tuioti will get the start after leading New Mexico to a scoring drive in South Bend. Tuioti had been the starter last season, but missed the game against the Aggies with a concussion. The sophomore from Long Beach has only played a few drives and doesn’t have much for stats this season but is a dual threat and can hurt us in more than one way.

Ahmari Davis is the featured tailback and leads the team with 129 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns. It will be important to keep him contained and not let he and Tuioti run wild. Aaron Molina is the leading receiver, but let’s be honest, New Mexico doesn’t really have receivers so I won’t talk about them much.

Defensive Scouting Report

Defensively, I’m not too impressed by what the Lobos have done but then again, I haven’t been impressed by the Aggies either so it should be a fun game Saturday, eh?

Linebacker Alex Hart is the captain of the defense, but is second in tackles with 14. Leading the team in tackles is safety Johnny Hernandez. Rounding out the top four is linebacker Dylan Horton and safety Patrick Peek.

New Mexico has yet to force a turnover, so the Aggies will need to take care of the ball and not give the Lobos any confidence. As long as they do that, I think the Aggie O is good enough to score plenty on this team and raise their offensive PPG up from 9.

Prediction

The game stays close through the first two quarters, but the Aggie O wears down the Lobos, and the Aggie D forces a few turnovers to help the NM State beat New Mexico for the third time in the last four years.

NM State 48, New Mexico 31