The New Mexico Lobos and the Nevada Wolf Pack meet Saturday in college football action from Mackay Stadium. New Mexico is coming off a matchup versus Hawaii. In that game the Lobos improved to 3-4 overall with a 21-point victory. As for Nevada, they last played San Diego State back on Saturday. The Wolf Pack went on to get their first win of the year in low-scoring fashion. Check back all season long for free college football picks at Sports Chat Place.

New Mexico Lobos 

The Lobos got off to a rocky start this season, going just 2-4 in their first half-dozen games. The two wins came courtesy of Tennessee Tech 56-10 and UMass 34-31 (OT). Otherwise New Mexico fell to Texas A&M 52-10, New Mexico State 27-17, Wyoming 35-26 and San Jose State 52-24 during that time. RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt posted 68 yards and a pair of scores in the loss to the Spartans. 

On Saturday versus Hawaii, New Mexico posted 14 points in each of the first two quarters (and scored in every quarter) during a 42-21 win. Quarterback Dylan Hopkins finished with 202 yards and three scores, and Andrew Henry led the rush this time with 112 yards and a TD. Croskey-Merritt added 46 yards and a pair of scores as well. 

New Mexico Lobos Team Facts

• New Mexico has lost 19 of its last 20 road games against conference opponents.
• New Mexico has failed to cover the spread in 14 of its last 17 games in October.
• New Mexico has lost the first half in each of its last three road games against conference opponents.
• Seven of New Mexico’s last eight games as an underdog have gone OVER the total points line.

Nevada Wolf Pack 

Over on the Nevada side, it’s been a rough season so far. The Wolf Pack started out the year at 0-6, with only one of those games being decided by single-digits. Nevada lost to USC 66-14, Idaho 33-6, Kansas 31-24, Texas State 35-24, Fresno State 27-9 and UNLV 45-27 in those first half-dozen losses. 

In the San Diego State game, the Wolf Pack only managed a couple of field goals on the scoreboard but that was enough for a 6-0 victory. QB Brandon Lewis managed just 98 yards on 9-of-22 passing and had 40 rush yards. Sean Dollars added 49 yards on 11 carries and Dalevon Campbell led the receivers on a 44-yard catch. 

Nevada Wolf Pack Team Facts

• Nevada has lost each of its last eight games at Mackay Stadium.
• Nevada has failed to cover the spread in each of its last seven home games against conference opponents.
• Nevada has lost the first half in each of its last six home games against conference opponents.
• Five of Nevada’s last six games have gone UNDER the total points line.

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m staying with New Mexico. The Lobos put together a nice game versus Hawaii over the weekend, compiling 429 total yards (227 rushing), 25 first downs and no turnovers. New Mexico came up with four takeaways on defense and held the Warriors to just 1-of-10 on third-down attempts. It was a pretty sloppy game though, featuring 10 Lobos penalties. New Mexico has now scored 24 or more points in four straight games. 

As for Nevada, it was nice for them to get into the win column with a great defensive effort versus San Diego State over the weekend (204 yards allowed; 0-of-10 third down conversions). The Wolf Pack have scored less than 10 points in three of their last six games though, so they probably won’t hang a big total in this one. Should be New Mexico’s cover/win to take if they play well.