The New Mexico Lobos and UMass Minutemen meet Saturday in week 4 college football action at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
New Mexico Lobos Betting Preview
The New Mexico Lobos look for their first road win to get back to a .500 record. New Mexico has lost 9 straight road games. Dylan Hopkins is completing 60 percent of his passes for 635 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Duece Jones and Luke Wysong have combined for 224 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Jeremiah Hixon has 11 receptions. The New Mexico Lobos ground game is averaging 180.3 yards per contest, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt leads the way with 295 yards and 5 touchdowns. Defensively, New Mexico is allowing 29.7 points and 363 yards per game. Tavian Combs leads the New Mexico Lobos with 19 tackles, Kyler Drake has 1.5 sacks and Zach Morris has 3 pass deflections.
New Mexico Lobos Team Facts
- New Mexico has lost 25 of its last 26 road games.
- New Mexico has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven games as an underdog.
- New Mexico has lost the first half in six of its last seven road games against non-conference opponents.
- Five of New Mexico’s last six road games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
UMass Minutemen Betting Preview
The UMass Minutemen need a win here to snap a 3-game losing streak. UMass has lost 5 straight home games. Carlos Davis is completing 63 percent of his passes for 690 yards, 5 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Anthony Simpson and George Johnson III have combined for 420 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, while Christian Wells has 5 receptions. The UMass Minutemen ground game is averaging 130.8 yards per contest, and Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams leads the way with 366 yards and 3 touchdowns. Defensively, UMass is allowing 37.3 points and 442.5 yards per game. Tyler Rudolph leads the UMass Minutemen with 19 tackles, Billy Wooden has 3 sacks and Michael Oppong has 1 interception.
Massachusetts Minutemen Team Facts
- Massachusetts has lost 25 of its last 27 games against non-conference opponents.
- Massachusetts has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium.
- Massachusetts has lost the first half in 24 of its last 27 games against non-conference opponents.
- Five of Massachusetts’ last six September home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Massachusetts ranked 35th among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (4.6).
- Massachusetts scored fewer than 15 points in six road games last season – most of any FBS team.
- New Mexico ranked T11th among FBS teams for Q2 points allowed per game last season (4.8).
- New Mexico was one of only 14 FBS teams to lose 3+ games when leading at HT last season.
Randy’s Pick
I’m not running to the window to back either of these losing programs if we’re being completely honest. However, UMass is at home for just the second time this season, and that has to count for something. The UMass Minutemen are still horrible defensively and are limited offensively, but 3 of their first 4 games this season have come on the road, so we have to show a little grace. New Mexico just lost at home to New Mexico State as favorites last week and is 103rd in scoring defense. If UMass can’t win this game, it’s going to be a long season. I’ll lay the chalk with the Minutemen.