NEW MEXICO UTAH STATE AT
2 p.m., Maverik Stadium (25,100). Radio: 770 AM/94.5 FM. Live streaming: Stadium (Facebook) Series: UNM leads, 13-11. Last meeting: USU 24, UNM 10, Nov. 4, 2017.
SCOUTING THE LOBOS
New Mexico suffered its second straight loss in falling to Fresno State, 38-7. The worst part of the loss was the way the Lobos compiled nine penalties for 125 yards, including five flags for personal fouls or unsportsmanlike conduct. However, the team remains fairly confident, especially on offense, where quarterback Sheriron Jones directs the spread.
RB Tyrone Owens was a bright spot last week, as he ran hard against the Bulldogs.
On defense, senior linebacker Evahelotu Tohi has stepped up since the loss of fellow senior LB Alex Hart, who suffered a season-ending knee injury Sept. 15. Tohi has a team-best 48 tackles, which includes one sack, six tackles for loss.
SCOUTING THE AGGIES
Last week, Utah State beat host Wyoming 24-16 to earn its sixth straight win and become bowl eligible for the seventh time in the last eight years. This is the earliest Utah State has ever been bowl eligible. The Aggies’ offense has been a big reason for that, averaging 47.7 points per game, which is No. 4 in the nation in scoring offense.
Sophomore quarterback Jordan Love has led the way. Love is one of nine returning starters on the Aggies’ offense. USU also has nine returning starters on defense.
The Aggies are on the verge of breaking into the Associated Press Top 25. For the third straight week they garnered 50 votes in the AP Poll. That puts them 27th. The last time USU received votes prior to this season was in 2015.