Here’s a complete preview and prediction for the battle between New Mexico and UTSA in the New Mexico Bowl.
After falling short in their own bowl game last season, the New Mexico Lobos are looking to regain their throne at the 2016 New Mexico Bowl on Saturday. They will play the UTSA Roadrunners in the windy conditions of Albuquerque.
For those that want to watch New Mexico and UTSA on Saturday, the game can be seen on TV on ESPN. It can also be seen online via a live stream via the WatchESPN app. The live stream will require a subscription for use. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the game online, including TV info, live stream info and more. Details for Saturday are below.
Date: Saturday, December 17, 2016
Start Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Venue: Branch Field at University Stadium
TV Info: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
This is the first time in over a decade the Lobos have had consecutive winning seasons. They like to run the option consistently and force teams to try and bite on what they’re doing. If they want to defeat UTSA and pick up a bowl win at home, they need to force the issue and consistently run this option until the Roadrunners can’t take it.
UTSA is making their first trip to a bowl game ever. They’ve worked a long way to get to this point and they feel they have the team to knock off the Lobos. While New Mexico likes to take advantage on the ground with the option, the Roadrunners just like to pound the football period. The Lobos will have to stack the box to try and stop star running backs Jalen Rhodes and Jarveon Williams.
Prediction
This is going to come down to which team can run the football the most effectively. While the elevation of Albuquerque can test anyone that rolls through, this is a tough place to play in the winter. The conditions aren’t bad, but New Mexico is better suited and more prepped to take what is basically a home game. It will be close like last year and Teriyon Gipson will lead his way to the victory.
Pick: New Mexico 38, UTSA 27