The New Mexico Lobos and the Boise State Broncos meet Saturday in college basketball action from Albertsons Stadium. New Mexico played UNLV last weekend. In that matchup the Lobos dropped to 3-6 overall with a blowout loss. As for Boise State, they’re fresh off a road matchup versus Fresno State. The 4-5 Broncos would go on to fall in a close game. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

New Mexico Lobos 

The Lobos struggled to a 3-5 record over their first eight games, routinely giving up lots of points along the way. New Mexico scored pretty well in that span however, averaging 32.1 points per game with 35 total touchdowns. The Lobos posted 229.3 yards per game via pass, with 14 scores and eight picks. The ground game was a strength with 5.0 yards per play and 17 more TDs. 

In the UNLV game on Saturday, the Lobos were drilled in the first half 35-7 on the way to a rough loss 56-14. Dylan Hopkins threw for 187 yards on 15-of-23 passing and Jacory Croskey-Merritt posted 86 rush yards. DJ Washington was tops in receiving with his 78 yards off five catches in the defeat. 

New Mexico Lobos Team Facts

• New Mexico has lost each of its last 25 games in November.
• New Mexico has failed to cover the spread in each of its last 11 November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• New Mexico has lost the first half in each of its last four road games against conference opponents.
• Each of New Mexico’s last six games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Boise State Broncos 

Over on the Boise State side, they were in something of the same boat over their first eight games with a 4-4 record and a lot of points given up. The Broncos also scored pretty well though, averaging 30.0 points per game. Similarly, Boise State had more success on the ground (5.0 yards per carry; 18 TDs) than through the air (12 touchdowns; seven interceptions). 

Last weekend versus Fresno State, the Broncos were down 20-10 by halftime but made ag game of it in an eventual 37-30 loss. QB Maddux Madsen posted 258 yards, one TD and one interception, while George Holani led the rush with 79 yards and a score. Eric McAlister added 85 yards with his eight catches as well. 

Boise State Broncos Team Facts

• Boise State has won each of its last six games against New Mexico.
• The home team has covered the spread in eight of Boise State’s last nine games.
• Each of the last four November games between New Mexico and Boise State have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Boise State has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of 10 points or less of any FBS team this season (3).
• Boise State has suffered the equal-most road losses by a margin of five points or less of any FBS team this season (2).

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stay with Boise State. The Broncos were able to hang with a good Fresno State team on the road in their last outing, but couldn’t quite finish off the win. Boise State ended up with 488 total yards (311 passing) in that one with 25 first downs and 9-of-18 on third-down tries. Boise State is scoring very well these days; they’ve hit the 30-point mark in each of the last seven outings. 

As for New Mexico, they suffered another big loss in their last game. The Lobos managed 362 yards (196 passing) in the defeat with a 4-of-12 success rate on third downs. The bad news for New Mexico is that they’ve given up 31 or more points in five of their last six games. Boise State shouldn’t have too many issues scoring in this one.