For the first time in nearly a decade, New Mexico has a legitimate shot at making a bowl game.
The Lobos head into the final four games of the season with a 4-4 record (2-2 Mountain West), meaning they’re just two wins away from bowl eligibility. The last time UNM went into the month of November with a .500 record or better was in 2007, which was also the last time the Lobos made a bowl appearance.
The road to a possible bowl berth won’t be an easy one for UNM. Three of its last four opponents have winning records, including this weekend’s opponent Utah State (5-3, 4-1 MW).
UNM is a 14.5-point underdog when it hosts USU on Saturday at University Stadium.
“That is what I feel right now, and I know we have a shot, but we have to get better to take advantage of that shot or we are going to have a hard time winning another game,” head coach Bob Davie said. “But I think we are capable of doing it.”
A bonus for UNM is that three of its last four games are at home, starting with Utah State. The Lobos only road game over the last month of the season is a Nov. 14 road trip to Boise State.
Home-field advantage has worked for UNM this season as the team is 3-1 on the year. It’s only loss at University Stadium was a 40-21 decision to Tulsa.
Wide receiver Dameon Gamblin said he’s confident UNM will be able to win two more games over the final stretch of the season.
“We got to win these games. We pride ourselves winning at home in front of our home fans,” he said. “Winning at home: there’s just nothing like it. It gives the fans something to come out for and cheer for.”
USU has started to hit its stride the past five weeks. With the exception of a 48-14 loss to San Diego State on Oct. 23, the Aggies last four victories have been by an average of 28.5 points.
In three of its last four games, USU has shredded opponents offensively. The Aggies scored 50 points or more and racked up almost 470 yards of offense in three wins.
Quarterback Kent Myers and running back Devante Mays will give UNM problems. Myers has played exceptionally this season; he’s the second leading rusher on the team and completes 65.1 percent of his passes. Mays is the top rusher for USU and he averages 7.1 yards per attempt.
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“They’ve got a good scheme that they’ve been a long time,” Davie said. “They do a good job of keeping you off-balance because they do a lot of different things.”
The Aggies defense plays an aggressive style that forces turnovers. USU ranks 13th in the nation in turnovers forced with 18, but haven’t had any takeaways the last two games. Most of the Aggies’ turnovers came in a win over Boise State, where USU tied a school-record with eight turnovers.
“They’re aggressive and they’re experienced that’s the main two things,” Gamblin said. “They don’t shy any from anybody. We have to expect their best game.”
Thomas Romero-Salas is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @ThomasRomeroS.
