The Western Illinois Leathernecks and the New Mexico State Aggies meet in week 1 college football action from Aggie Memorial Stadium on Saturday night.
Western Illinois Team Preview
The Western Illinois Leathernecks will hope to fare better in 2023, it honestly couldn’t get much worse after Western Illinois finished the year with a record of 0-11. Clay Bruno is back at QB for the Leathernecks after throwing for 1,334 yards, 7 touchdowns and 13 interceptions on 50% passing last year, while also rushing for 177 yards, 2nd on WIU in that regard. Bruno is WIU’s top rusher coming back after Erin Collins finished up his time at WIU. The Leathernecks will also have to replace their top receiver from 2022 as Naseim Brantley is now at Rutgers. On defense, the best news for the Leathernecks is that leading tackler Juan DelaCruz is back after recording a team-high 88 total tackles in 2023.
New Mexico State Falls Flat In Opener
The New Mexico State Aggies were involved in a barnburner to start the 2023 season, but fell short in a 41-30 loss at home to UMass as 7-point favorites in week 0. Diego Pavia threw for 248 yards, 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on 16 of 27 passing while Monte Watkins had a team-high 95 rushing yards and a touchdown and Star Thomas added 42 rushing yards as well. Jonathan Brady led New Mexico State with 48 receiving yards while Trent Hudson had 43 receiving yards with 2 touchdowns and Jordin Parker’s lone reception went for 40 yards and a TD. On defense, Nikhil Webb-Walker led the Aggies with 7 total tackles including 6 solo tackles in the losing effort.
Trends
The under is 9-2 in Western Illinois’ last 11 road games. New Mexico State is 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games overall and 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games in September while the under is 4-1 in their last 5 week 1 matchups.
Chris’ Pick
I don’t want anything to do with either of these teams if I’m being honest, but I suppose if I’m forced to pick, I’ll lean towards New Mexico State. Western Illinois was terrible against FCS teams last year and while New Mexico State’s defense was terrible they at least scored 30 points against FBS UMass. I don’t need to tell you there are far better places to have your money on Saturday, but if forced to pick, I’ll take New Mexico State here.