New Mexico enters Friday’s matchup with a clear imperative: keep winning and hope the math works out. While Boise State holds the inside track for the Group of Six College Football Playoff berth, the Lobos (7-1) must focus on securing the Mountain West title to build a compelling resume. A victory in Reno would solidify their position ahead of a gauntlet that includes home games against UNLV and Air Force, plus a trip to Wyoming. The stakes are high, as a strong finish is the only path to a New Year’s Six bowl game.
Can the Lobos’ ground game break down a dangerous Wolf Pack defense?
Nevada (3-5) presents a deceptive threat, proving to be far more capable than its win-loss record suggests. The Wolf Pack are historically dangerous in this rivalry, having won five of the last six meetings, including the previous three. However, New Mexico’s strategic advantage lies in its ability to control the tempo. Nevada’s run defense has been a liability, with the Wolf Pack going 1-5 when opponents exceed 80 rushing yards. By targeting that weakness, New Mexico aims to hold the ball for approximately 33 minutes, limiting Nevada’s offensive opportunities.
The prediction leans heavily toward New Mexico, who are expected to run the ball at least 40 times to exploit Reno’s defensive gaps. If the Lobos can keep the game physical and time-consuming, they neutralize Nevada’s potential for a comeback. A win here not only avenges last year’s narrow 24-22 loss but also keeps the Lobos’ playoff hopes alive heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
