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New Mexico Bowl 2015, Arizona vs New Mexico: preview, predictions, odds and live stream info

By Charles Rahrig V

Nov 21, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Brandon Dawkins (13) is helped up by wide receiver Tyrell Johnson (2) and wide receiver Trey Griffey (5) during the fourth quarter of the territorial cup against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. The Sun Devils won 52-37. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona Wildcats quarterback Brandon Dawkins (13) is helped up by wide receiver Tyrell Johnson (2) and wide receiver Trey Griffey (5) during the fourth quarter of the territorial cup against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. The Sun Devils won 52-37. Mandatory Credit: Casey Sapio-USA TODAY Sports /
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Arizona Wildcats vs. New Mexico Lobos

It’s officially the first game of bowl season this year when the Arizona Wildcats and New Mexico Lobos battle for the New Mexico Bowl. The two teams have battled for the prize before and are no strangers to each other, with both teams squaring off in non-conference play numerous times in the past.

Both teams have had seasons that have gone in different directions in 2015. The Wildcats were coming off a Pac-12 South Championship last season, only to finish 6-6 in 2015. Meanwhile the perpetually struggling Lobos battled hard in 2015, en route to a 7-5 record. These two teams will look to finish out strong on Saturday.

Details for Saturday’s game are below.

Date: Saturday, December 19
Start Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Stadium: Branch Field at University Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN App

Keys to Victory

The Arizona Wildcats have been absolutely depleted by injuries in 2015. Part of the reason that their season was a massive struggle was because they were missing just about every important player on their team that had helped them win their division in the previous season.

On Saturday, the team will have their emotional leader in Scooby Wright III back on defense to help lead the Wildcats defense. Going up against the triple-option attack of New Mexico isn’t going to be easy, but with Wright back on defense the Wildcats will have someone who can stop it.

On offense, the Wildcats are going to have to hit the Lobos with a passing attack that they aren’t used to seeing in the Mountain West Conference. Quarterback Anu Solomon will be under center for the Wildcats on Saturday, after he has missed a lot of time this season due to injury. When he’s healthy he’s as good as any quarterback in the conference and he has home run threats to throw to. The Lobos will have to stop the big play ability.

For New Mexico, it’s simple, as they have to run the ball. They’re one of the best in the nation because of that triple-option that they run. If they can pound the ball on Arizona and slow things down, then they will have a great shot at winning, especially with a crowd advantage.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Arizona -8
Moneyline: Arizona -305
O/U: 65

Prediction

Of all the games slated for Saturday, this should actually be one of the more exciting games. Both teams are going to give up big plays, but neither team is really going to be able to run away from the other.

Each team does what the other struggles at, so that’s going to keep the game pretty balanced. Arizona will look for the big throw, while the Lobos will look for the big run play.

This game is going to simply come down to who can make the big play late in the game, and with a roaring crowd behind them, that’s going to be the New Mexico Lobos running back Jhurell Pressley, who will break off a big rushing touchdown late to give New Mexico the win and the New Mexico bowl.

Final Score: New Mexico 41, Arizona 38

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