The New Mexico Lobos and the Fresno State Bulldogs meet Saturday in college football action from Bulldog Stadium. New Mexico took on Boise State last Saturday. In that matchup the Lobos fell to 3-7 with a blowout defeat. As for Fresno State, they’re coming off a game against San Jose State. The 8-2 Bulldogs went on to fall in blowout fashion as well. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

New Mexico Lobos 

The Lobos were only able to win three of their first nine games this season despite averaging a pretty solid 30.1 points per game with 37 touchdowns total. New Mexico struggled a bit with the pass during that time, posting 15 TDs, eight picks and 225.6 yards per game. Rush-wise, the Lobos logged 167.4 yards per game with 18 scores. 

In Saturday’s matchup versus Boise State, New Mexico was drilled 32-14 in the first half on the way to a blowout loss 42-14. Devon Dampler posted 200 pass yards, but Jacory Croskey-Merritt did most of the offensive work on 73 rush yards and two scores. Caleb Medford led the receivers with 77 yards from three catches. 

New Mexico Lobos Team Facts

• New Mexico has lost each of its last 26 games in November.
• New Mexico has failed to cover the spread in each of its last 12 November games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• New Mexico has lost the first half in each of its last five road games against conference opponents.
• Six of New Mexico’s last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

Fresno State Bulldogs

Over on the Bulldogs’ side, they only had the one blemish through their first nine outings, a 24-19 loss to Wyoming on October 7. Fresno State scored 34.0 points per game in that stretch however, with 24 touchdowns and eight interceptions through the air. The rush wasn’t quite as good, averaging a middling 109.3 yards per game with 11 TDs and 3.6 yards per attempt. 

Matched up against San Jose State on Saturday, the Bulldogs were down 21-3 after the first frame, giving up points in every quarter during a tough loss 42-18. Mikey Keene (110 yards) and Logan Fife (115 yards) each had one TD and one pick. Malik Sherrod added 68 rush yards and Mac Dalena had 69 yards with a score off six grabs. 

Fresno State Bulldogs Team Facts

• Fresno State has won each of its last nine games at Valley Children’s Stadium.
• Fresno State has covered the spread in each of its last four November home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
• Fresno State has won the first half in four of its last five home games against conference opponents.
• Fresno State has won the first quarter in four of its last five home games against conference opponents.
• Five of Fresno State’s last six November games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll probably stay with Fresno State. The line’s too thick to mess with, though. A lot of the luster has worn off the Bulldogs following their rough road loss to San Jose State, though. Fresno State managed 308 total yards in that one (83 rushing) with 19 first downs and two picks. The major stat is the 313 rushing yards (and thus 7.5 yards per play) allowed by the defense. 

As for New Mexico, they committed nine penalties for 62 yards against Boise State. The Lobos also allowed 484 yards (265 passing) and 24 first downs in a lax defensive effort. I like Fresno State to regroup this week and pull off a decisive win here. If all goes well for the Bulldogs it’ll be hard for the Lobos to keep pace.