New Mexico St. vs. Wash. St. Total Pick
Is No. 23 Washington State set to put up another big total when the Cougars play host to New Mexico State in the season opener on Saturday at 10PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
211 New Mexico State vs. 212 Washington State
Saturday, August 31, 2019
10PM ET – Martin Stadium
TV: Pac-12 Network
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Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Washington State is heavily favored at home, as the Cougars are getting odds of -32 points against New Mexico State. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 64.5 points. The public betting currently has 57 percent going on New Mexico State as the big underdog. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Aggies coming off shaky season
The New Mexico State football team didn’t have a lot of positives last season as the Aggies were just 3-9 overall in the sixth season of head coach Doug Martin. He is just 20-53 thus far with the program. The Aggies were just 2-9-1 against the spread and 7-5 with the over.
Defense was a big issue for New Mexico State a year ago, as they allowed 41.3 points and 475.9 yards per game. The defense does have six starters back this year, but that may not mean much. Offensively, New Mexico State averaged 25.3 points and 370.5 yards per game in 2018. The offense has eight starters back, which could lead to some growth. Josh Adkins threw for 2,563 yards and 13 touchdowns under center and he is back to lead the offense in his sophomore season. He has some experience back at receiver and his top two rushers back as well.
Cougars turning the corner
Washington State was in the national championship discussion for a brief period last season, as the Cougars ultimately went 11-2 overall and 7-2 in the Pac-12. Mike Leach is in his eighth season as head coach and is 49-40 thus far with the program. Last year, Washington State was also 11-2 against the spread while going 7-6 with the over.
Not surprisingly, Washington State had the nation’s top passing attack last season, averaging 373.8 yards per game through the air. Washington State put up 37.5 points per game as well. The team graduated quarterback Gardner Minshew, so the reins will be turned over to Gage Gubrud, a transfer from Eastern Washington. He has a veteran line in front of him and some very capable receivers. Dezmon Patmon led the team with 816 receiving yards in 2018. Defensively, Washington State was actually quite respectable. The Cougars gave up just 23.3 points and 359.5 yards per game last year. The defense has six starters back and has a veteran secondary.
College Football Betting Trends
New Mexico State
The Aggies have hit the over in 35 of their last 52 road games and in seven of their last 10 games on fieldturf.
Washington State
Washington State has hit the under in four of its last five overall and four of its last five at home.
Prediction:
We know Washington State can put up points, but can New Mexico State put up enough to hit the over? The Cougars had a 41-19 win over Wyoming last year and a 31-0 win over San Jose State. I think this game could in that same area. Washington State should win easy, but I think its defense actually play quite well and keep this struggling Aggies offense from producing much scoring. The Cougars aren’t going to put up 50-60 points on their own for the sake of doing so.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: New Mexico State/Washington State Under 64.5