2015
New Mexico
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
New Mexico is entering its fifth season with Bob Davie at the helm and there hasn’t been a ton of improvement throughout the years. While the Lobos are well removed from their three-straight one-win seasons, they haven’t surpassed Four wins with Davie in charge. Because of that, their over/under is set at 4.5 (at 5 Dimes). But due to a friendly Schedule in 2015, that number can be easily attained.
LAmar Jordan is back at quarterback, but he’s actually been pushed by transfer Austin Apodaca, so nothing has been set there. Jordan was great on the ground last year (612 rushing yards), yet only completed 52.7% of his passes on 112 attempts. This will still be a run-first team, but they’ll need more from the passing Game to improve.
The Lobos return their top two rushers, which should help plenty. Jhurell Pressley (1,083 yards, 9.5 ypc, 12 TDs) and Teriyon Gipson (809 yards, 8 TDs) are expected to see a heavy workload again. Unfortunately for the passing Game, they don’t return a whole lot and their top-returning receiver is tight end Reece White (eight receptions). The offensive line returns most of its talent from last year and where there are new starters, they still have experience in the system.
The defense has never been a strong suit for New Mexico and that’s expected to be the case once again, although they decided to switch to mainly five defensive backs. However, only one of those guys was a starter last year in cornerback Cranston Jones. The other Four spots have some experience, but not much. The front end of this group isn’t bad, but they did allow almost 270 rushing yards per Game last year.
Dakota Cox is the man to watch at middle linebacker. He injured his knee last year and the defense needs him healthy to do anything worthwhile. The other two LB spots are set, as well as on the line with Cole Juarez and Nik D’Avanzo. If injuries brew up for some of the experienced guys, this defense will be in more trouble.
The good news for the Lobos is that their Schedule is favorable in and out of conference. In non-Conference play, they host MVSU, Tulsa and New Mexico State, all three being favorable matchups. They also don’t face an extremely difficult MWC team until November. New Mexico draws Nevada, Hawaii and San Jose State out of the West division.
If the Lobos don’t reach five wins this year, it would be a major disappointment. Their running Game should gash a number of weaker opponents and if they stay healthy on defense, should get past the Four-win mark. But again, that may require a road win somewhere on the Schedule.
2015 New Mexico Football Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Mississippi Valley State
Sept. 12 vs. Tulsa
Sept. 18 at Arizona State
Sept. 26 at Wyoming
Oct. 3 vs. New Mexico State
Oct. 10 at Nevada
Oct. 17 vs. Hawaii
Oct. 24 at San Jose State
Nov. 7 vs. Utah State
Nov. 14 at Boise State
Nov. 21 vs. Colorado State
Nov. 28 vs. Air Force