Onward and upward.
Utah Defense vs. UNM Offense
Utah D-Line vs. UNM O-Line
Despite returning an experienced line, New Mexico has gained a total of 122 yards rushing in 2 games, and 45 of them came on a flanker reverse. Utah has given up 184 in 2 games. I would like to see more pressure on the QB, but this is a no brainer.
Big advantage Utah
Utah LB's vs UNM Running Backs
Demond Dennis is the leading rusher with 30 yards. Utah's LB's are going to have plenty of opportunity to clean up the scraps left by the D-Line again.
Advantage Utah
Utah's Secondary vs UNM's QB/WR
B.R. Holbrook had 323 yards passing vs. T-Tech last week(albeit on 30 for 50), but has 4 picks on the year. Ty Kirk is their best receiver of the young season with 13-167. 6' 6" TE Lucas Reed was a Freshman All-American last year and is the second leading receiver. Utah is still looking for some consistent play at corner opposite Burton. Blechen will look to build on a solid start.
Advantage Utah
Utah Offense vs. UNM Defense
Utah's O-Line vs UNM D-Line
Zane Taylor is listed as questionable, and there is a good chance(given the opponent) that he will not play. Stevens will move to Center and Sam Brenner would start at RG if Taylor is a no-go. This will break the cohesion of probably the standout unit of the season. The Lobo's have Jr. DE Jonathon Rainey and experience at the other end with . They have some talent but no experience in the DT's. But they have given up over 500 yards on the ground.
Advantage Utah
Utah RB's vs. UNM LB's
Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata continue to be a potent combo for the Ute's, with each taking a leading role in one game. MLB Carmen Messina was a Honorable Mention All-American in 2009 and has been very busy again this year. Look for Utah to run at will this week.
Advantage Utah
Utah's QB/WR vs UNM's Secondary
New Mexico's secondary has been abused early and often by both the Red Raiders and Oregon. Terrance Cain will likely start again and will look to continue his solid performance from last week. The offense should control the ball more this week, giving him more opportunity to shine. Jereme Brooks continues to be the top performer and should find mismatches against the Lobos. Will DeVonte Christopher regain his week 1 magic after a no-show in week 2?
Advantage Utah
Intangibles
So Utah may be up against a special team unit who is struggling more than their own. UNM gave up 2 blocked punts and a 93 yard Kick Off return. Utah had some bright spots with Smithson's punt returns, but the punt unit continued their struggles. Utah had fewer penalties but the ones they had either stopped drives or extended UNLV drives.
Advantage Utah(but only because UNM seems more inept)
Final Analysis
The Lobos are a shell of the Rocky Long led teams that consistently stymied and beat the Utes. This is going to be an old fashion beatdown.
Utah 44, New Mexico 13
Utah Defense vs. UNM Offense
Utah D-Line vs. UNM O-Line
Despite returning an experienced line, New Mexico has gained a total of 122 yards rushing in 2 games, and 45 of them came on a flanker reverse. Utah has given up 184 in 2 games. I would like to see more pressure on the QB, but this is a no brainer.
Big advantage Utah
Utah LB's vs UNM Running Backs
Demond Dennis is the leading rusher with 30 yards. Utah's LB's are going to have plenty of opportunity to clean up the scraps left by the D-Line again.
Advantage Utah
Utah's Secondary vs UNM's QB/WR
B.R. Holbrook had 323 yards passing vs. T-Tech last week(albeit on 30 for 50), but has 4 picks on the year. Ty Kirk is their best receiver of the young season with 13-167. 6' 6" TE Lucas Reed was a Freshman All-American last year and is the second leading receiver. Utah is still looking for some consistent play at corner opposite Burton. Blechen will look to build on a solid start.
Advantage Utah
Utah Offense vs. UNM Defense
Utah's O-Line vs UNM D-Line
Zane Taylor is listed as questionable, and there is a good chance(given the opponent) that he will not play. Stevens will move to Center and Sam Brenner would start at RG if Taylor is a no-go. This will break the cohesion of probably the standout unit of the season. The Lobo's have Jr. DE Jonathon Rainey and experience at the other end with . They have some talent but no experience in the DT's. But they have given up over 500 yards on the ground.
Advantage Utah
Utah RB's vs. UNM LB's
Eddie Wide and Matt Asiata continue to be a potent combo for the Ute's, with each taking a leading role in one game. MLB Carmen Messina was a Honorable Mention All-American in 2009 and has been very busy again this year. Look for Utah to run at will this week.
Advantage Utah
Utah's QB/WR vs UNM's Secondary
New Mexico's secondary has been abused early and often by both the Red Raiders and Oregon. Terrance Cain will likely start again and will look to continue his solid performance from last week. The offense should control the ball more this week, giving him more opportunity to shine. Jereme Brooks continues to be the top performer and should find mismatches against the Lobos. Will DeVonte Christopher regain his week 1 magic after a no-show in week 2?
Advantage Utah
Intangibles
So Utah may be up against a special team unit who is struggling more than their own. UNM gave up 2 blocked punts and a 93 yard Kick Off return. Utah had some bright spots with Smithson's punt returns, but the punt unit continued their struggles. Utah had fewer penalties but the ones they had either stopped drives or extended UNLV drives.
Advantage Utah(but only because UNM seems more inept)
Final Analysis
The Lobos are a shell of the Rocky Long led teams that consistently stymied and beat the Utes. This is going to be an old fashion beatdown.
Utah 44, New Mexico 13
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