College Football: Gildan New Mexico Bowl Odds And Prediction
By Mike Marteny
Here we continue our series of Bowl Predictions with the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. This year, I will do each bowl separately to bring more accurate odds, and a more concise team capsule for you to make your pick or your wager. Whatever the case may be.
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In case you missed them:
Gildan New Mexico Bowl at Albuquerque, NM
Utah State(-10.5)
Wins: vs. Idaho State(40-20), vs. Wake Forest(36-24), at BYU(35-20), vs. Air Force(34-16), vs. UNLV(34-20), at Hawaii(35-14), at Wyoming(20-3), vs. New Mexico(28-21), vs. San Jose State(41-7)
Losses: at Tennessee(7-38), at Arkansas State(14-21 OT), at Colorado State(13-16), at Boise State(19-50)
Record vs. Bowl Teams: 2-4
UTEP
Wins: vs. New Mexico(31-24), vs. New Mexico State(42-24), vs. Old Dominion(42-35), at UTSA(34-0), vs. Southern Mississippi(35-14), vs. North Texas(35-17), vs. Middle Tennessee State(24-21)
Losses: vs. Texas Tech(26-30), at Kansas State(28-58), at Louisiana Tech(3-55), at Western Kentucky(27-35), at Rice(13-31)
Record vs. Bowl Teams: 0-4
Common Opponents:
New Mexico: Both teams beat the Lobos by a touchdown at home, so it’s a push there.
Prediction:
On paper, this looks like a mismatch. The Aggies have one of the best defenses outside of the power five conferences. Sophomore quarterback Darell Garretson has done a very good job in taking over for the injured Chuckie Keeton. The offense isn’t nearly as bad as it was last year without Keeton.
Standing in their way will be an underrated offense led by Jamelle Showers and RB Aaron Jones, who is one of the best backs not in a major conference. UTEP’s defense has bordered on horrendous at times this year (go watch tape of the Louisiana Tech game if you don’t believe me).
Both teams should be well represented in Albuquerque. Utah State is a more tested team, and has risen above adversity this year. I think the defense hold UTEP’s offense enough for them to cover this spread. Pick: Utah State