The Boise State Broncos (0-1) take on the New Mexico Lobos (1-0) in Mountain West Mountain conference play on Friday night for week two of college football action. Continue reading for detailed analysis and our Boise State vs New Mexico betting predictions.
NCAAF Scoreboard
Boise State is 0-1 this season following their week one loss to Oregon State. With every other team in the Mountain West securing a victory this season, the Broncos sit at the bottom of the conference with Colorado State, who are also winless.
The Lobos are 1-0 this season, sitting atop the Mountain West Mountain conference tied with Air Force, who are also 1-0 this season. Utah State and Wyoming are sitting right behind the Lobos with 1-1 records.
Boise State vs. New Mexico Betting Analysis
The Broncos Will Look to Put the Past Behind Them
The Boise State Broncos odds of getting blown out in the season opener were slim to none, but expectations went down the drain early for the Broncos.
After finishing last year with their worst record in over a decade, Boise State had high hopes coming into this season with a roster full of veterans and a competitive training camp. Following their loss 34 – 17 loss at Oregan State, it’s back to the drawing board for the Broncos.
Bachmeier: Broncos Starter Quarterback
Starting quarterback Hank Bachmeier was horrible with three turnovers in the first quarter, including interceptions on back-to-back drives.
The highly touted Bachmeier was eventually benched in the second quarter to redshirt freshman Taylen Green who showed great athleticism, making plays with his legs.
The Broncos didn’t do much in the running game on Saturday night, either. Boise State only rushed for 23 yards in the first half.
Don’t be fooled by the final stat line, either. Seventy-four of their 123 yards in the second half came on one play.
Broncos Defense
Defensively, Green did get a little help from the defense, who forced three turnovers in the second half, but to no avail.
The secondary was really talked about this offseason in a good way, but that meant nothing, as they gave up 292 yards and big plays in bunches.
Even the special teams were off for Boise State. Kicker Jonah Dalmas who set a program record last season with 26 made field goals, missed a 32-yarder to end the first half for the Broncos.
Bringing in the New Season with a Bang
The 41-0 shutout put together over Maine was the Lobos’ first shutout under third-year head coach Danny Gonzales and the program’s first shut since their season opener in 2015 when they blanked Missippi Valley State 66-0.
New Mexico was clicking on all cylinders Saturday night, holding the Black Bears to 119 yards while not allowing a first down in the first half and only 49 yards heading into halftime.
Senior linebacker Reco Hannah showed up in a big way for the Lobos, putting on an impressive performance with 1.5 sacks, 1.5 tackles for a loss, and a fumble recovery.
Lobos Defense
The Lobos were incredibly efficient on offense with 437 yards, including 267 rushing yards.
Four different players in New Mexico scored, including Junior running back Sherod White, who had 58 yards on 13 carries with two touchdowns, and Sophomore Luke Wyong, who shinned with 128 all-purpose yards, 43 rushings, 58 receiving, and both a receiving and a rushing touchdown.
Wide receiver Gordon Porter and freshman wide receiver Jah’mar Sanders also reached the endzone for the Lobos, adding to New Mexico stats that were already impressive.
NCAAF Stats
No decision has been made on Hank Bachmierer, who came into this season with high expectations. The quarterback for Boise State stats were all career highs for the senior last season, throwing for 3,079 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 252 completions, all career bests.
With the quarterback competition going on this week between Bachmeier and redshirt freshman Taylen Green, we may not know the starter until game day.
With Green playing up to the standards of Bachmierer, who does or doesn’t start will not have any impact on our Boise State vs New Mexico betting predictions.
New Mexico Lineup for this Week
Running back Nate Jones will return to the lineup this week for New Mexico Lobos. The redshirt freshman sat out week one for non-disciplinary reasons, with coach Gonzales confirming he’ll be back this week.
After not meeting expectations last season, Jones was put on the scout team. He would then return to the team after entering the transfer portal.
Boise State vs. New Mexico Betting Preview
Boise State is -17 at most sportsbooks. The over/under for this contest is set at 46 ½.
The Broncos went 7-5 against the spread last season, with the under going 9-3 in those matchups. New Mexico was 1-11 against the spread last season, with the over/under going 6-6 for the Lobos.
Boise State vs. New Mexico Betting Prediction
Even coming off a blowout loss in week one, it’s hard to fade the Broncos in our Boise State vs New Mexico betting predictions.
The Broncos have an overabundance of talent and simply match up really well against the Lobos. What New Mexico did in week one was nice, but Boise State isn’t Maine, and the Lobos are definitely not Oregon State.
Boise State is outscoring the Lobos by 28.6 points per game over their last five matchups, including the Broncos thumping New Mexico by well over 17 points per game in three straight. This game will be no different.
NCAAF Pick: Boise State -17 (-110)
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