Arizona vs. New Mexico Bowl Pick
Despite playing in their home stadium today, New Mexico finds itself as an underdog versus Arizona in the New Mexico Bowl at 2:00PM ET.
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Oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI currently list the Wildcats as a 9-point favorite over the Lobos despite the fact that this game will be played at University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico. But homefield advantage isn’t the only reason to take the points today with the Lobos.
“We didn’t really play anybody that does what they do offensively,” Arizona head coach Rich Rodriquez said at Friday’s kickoff luncheon. “So that’s what makes it a unique challenge offensively.”
What Rodriguez is referring to is New Mexico’s triple option offense, which has been difficult to contain this season. The Lobos have three players who average over 60 yards a game, led by running back Jhurell Pressley. Arizona ranks in the bottom half of the Pac-12 against the run this season and while the Wildcats did have extra time to prep for the triple option, teams can’t simulate the execution of a real game in practice.
New Mexico will also have its hands full defensively today, as Rodriquez and Arizona get a boost with the return of quarterback Anu Solomon and linebacker Scooby Wright III. But motivation can often play a huge factor in bowl games and Lobo players spoke all week about winning for Bob Davie, who has turned the program around after becoming head coach in 2011.
The Lobos might not have Arizona’s overall talent, but they’ll play hard today in front of their home crowd.
GILDAN NEW MEXICO BOWL FREE PICK: NEW MEXICO LOBOS +9
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