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Colorado State vs. New Mexico prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins Saturday night’s matchup between the Rams and Lobos.

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When: Saturday, Nov. 19 – 10:15 p.m. ET
Where: Hughes Stadium, Fort Collins, Colorado
TV Broadcast: ESPN2

Mike Bobo’s Rams (5-5) have not been able to find their groove all season long. They’ve won back-to-back games on two occasions this season and have lost back-to-back games only once. November has yielded a 1-1 record for Colorado State. It hosted Fresno State two weeks ago and won, 37-0. But, last weekend, the Rams visited Air Force and lost, 49-46.

New Mexico (7-3) has seen a much better season and has hit its stride over the past five weeks, winning all five of its matchups in that span. The Lobos took down Air Force, Louisiana-Monroe, Hawaii, Nevada and, most recently, Utah State. New Mexico is currently in first place in the Mountain West’s Mountain division.

Colorado State has a clear advantage over the Lobos in their all-time series, 38-25. The Rams have taken the last six meetings, including last season’s matchup in Albuquerque, 28-21.

What To Know About Colorado State

Nick Stevens had himself a game in the loss to Air Force. The Colorado State quarterback completed 22-of-29 passes for 374 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. One of those scoring throws was caught by Michael Gallup, who balled out for the Rams with 13 catches for 213 yards. Robert Ruiz caught the other touchdown from Stevens. He finished with two grabs for 13 yards.

Dalyn Dawkins provided a much-needed punch on the ground with 102 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries. Izzy Matthews did about half that with the same amount of carries. Matthews totaled 53 rushing yards and a score.

What to Know About New Mexico

As they’ve been doing, the Lobos asked Austin Apodaca and Lamar Jordan to split time at quarterback. Apodaca threw for 109 yards on 6-of-13 passing, and Jordan completed 2-of-4 passes for 45 yards. Neither threw a touchdown, and neither threw a pick. Patrick Reed led with three receptions and finished with 32 yards. But Q’Drennan led with 78 receiving yards on two catches.

On the ground, New Mexico got a solid contribution from Teriyon Gipson. He ran for 107 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries. Richard McQuarley added 44 yards on 14 touches, and Tyrone Owens ran for 37 yards on 10 carries.

Advantages

Offense: Colorado State – Stevens has stabilized the Rams’ quarterback situation, and New Mexico is still going back and forth between Apodaca and Jordan.

Defense: New Mexico – The Lobos are No. 41 in total defense, allowing 374.3 yards per game, and Colorado State is No. 67 (410.6 yards/game).

Special Teams: New Mexico – Jason Sanders has hit all 47 of his extra point attempts, and he’s connected on 10-of-11 field goals, accounting for 77 points.

Coaching: Team – Bob Davie’s team is in first place and riding a winning streak.

Matchup To Watch

Nick Stevens vs. New Mexico defense

The Lobos aren’t going to ask Apodaca or Jordan to drop back and throw the way Colorado State asks Stevens to do so. The Rams need Stevens to not turn the ball over. If the Lobos flip the field on Colorado State, things could go south for the Rams in a hurry. If Stevens completes some short passes early, finds his rhythm and locks in, he’ll start to take shots down the field, and New Mexico could be in trouble.

Betting Odds

Spread: Colorado State -4.5
Over/Under: 61.5

Colorado State vs. New Mexico Prediction

The winning streak will come to an end for the Lobos. Stevens is going to throw for at least 200 yards and will toss a couple of touchdowns. But most of the damage will come from Dawkins. He’ll go over 100 rushing yards once again and will weave his way into the end zone twice. The Rams will come up with some big stops and force New Mexico to settle for field goals. Colorado State wins by one possession.

Colorado State vs. New Mexico Score Prediction: Colorado State 28, New Mexico 20

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