The New Mexico Bowl match-up between New Mexico (6-6) and San Jose State (8-4) looks like a game college football purists will love. While the game pairs two good football teams, it doesn’t attract the attention a match-up two teams of BCS level would draw. But it’s a game that will challenge any handicapper’s skill. Games are played on turf but if played on paper, this one looks to be a doozey. The New Mexico Bowl kicks off at 4:30 p.m. (EST) from University Stadium in Albuquerque, NM and is televised by ESPN.
Las Vegas and offshore sportsbooks opened betting favoring the Lobos minus 5-points with a total of 49 ½. The Spartans were the early favorite with bettors forcing the line to ease favoring New Mexico minus 3 ½ where it currently sits. By kick-off the line could drop another half point or more. An interesting aspect to the game is the betting public isn’t buying the built in home-field advantage the Lobo’s should enjoy. Take away the home-field chalk this game looks to be dead even and 64% of the public are fading the Lobo’s and laying money on San Jose State.
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The Spartan’s have been on my top-ten list of cover teams against the spread all year and the reigning kings of UNDER. A dream team for the betting man is a consistent team. San Jose State has been consistent with the line covering 8-of-12 ATS and were equally impressive on total bets with eight games cashing for the UNDER.
The Lobos and Spartans are defense and run oriented teams in leagues traditionally known for aerial attacks and philosophy, the best offense is the best defense. The team that gets the ball last wins. Solid running games and sound defense are just two of the similarities between the New Mexico Bowl participants.
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New Mexico has rallied in the fourth quarter to win three times this season. San Jose State has come back four times to win. The Lobos are allowing 361.8 yards a game defensively and have caused 25 turnovers. The Spartans' numbers are 353.1 yards and 26 turnovers forced.
The Lobos boast the conference's top rusher in sophomore Rodney Ferguson, who is averaging 94.3 yards per game and is coming off a 210-yard performance against San Diego State. The Spartans have Yonus Davis, who is averaging 82 yards a game and is just 16 yards shy of 1,000.
New Mexico has two receivers, Travis Brown (57-784) and Marcus Smith (47-787), with at least 47 catches and more than 700 yards on the season. Likewise for the Spartans in James Jones (64-787) and John Broussard (48-738).
The game features good cornerbacks. New Mexico sophomores DeAndre Wright (13) and (12) rank 2-3 in the MWC in passes defended while San Jose State junior Dwight Lowery is tied for the national lead with a school-record 9 interceptions.
