NM State vs. Wash. State Prediction
Is No. 23 Washington State giving up too many points in its season opener when it plays host to New Mexico State tonight 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 -33 points against New Mexico State. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 65.5 points. The public betting currently has 51 percent going on Washington State as the heavy favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Cougars strong under Leach
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.
Aggies a mess in 2018
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.
College Football Betting Trends
Washington State
Washington State has covered in four straight non-conference games and in 20 of its last 28 home games.
New Mexico State
The Aggies are 4-1 against the spread in their last five against Pac-12 opponents, but just 3-12-1 ATS in their last 16 overall.
Prediction:
Washington State is going to be a top offense no matter who the Cougars are using at quarterback. Leach has proven over his career that he is going to produce points. Against this New Mexico State defense, Washington State may be able to score on every possession. The Cougars showed a big improvement on defense last year as well, so I expect them to keep the Aggies in check. This is a big spread, but I think Washington State will be able to handle it.
College Football Week 1 Prediction: Washington State -33
Related: New Mexico State vs. Washington State Total Prediction