Cats @ New Mexico Predictions

[BobcatBuiltTexan]

With the turnover in players at UNM, primarily on the D, I see their offense being powered by their running back and the QB. On passes I see one read, it it isn't there turn and burn. I see them leaning on the QB to keep them in the game and make plays. I can see them being a little more complex simply because they are more intact from last year and have better chemistry. I think with our defense having a new head of the snake, the DCs, I can see this being used to make a statement of what and who we are going to be this year. I think we can all agree that our offense is a definitive strength on our team and due to that, I can see us being very aggressive not only in play calling but also in attitude. I see that allowing UNM some big plays here and there. We use this game to be very aggressive and it not overly hurt us if we mess around and lose. They coach up the players on mistakes while still telling them to be aggressive.

Defensively I see UNM being told to fly around and disrupt things, similar to us. This will in turn give us big plays but I see our big plays coming more often then UNM's offense. Our offense has to come out equally aggressive minded as our defense. If we are on the attack from the get go we get up early and we then settle into getting things on film while winning the game. I see their defense not being gap sound and not being on a string like a defense needs to be, lots of guys trying to stand out as individuals. That will be the downfall of UNM, too much turnover in one year.

ST could be the kicker, pun intended. This is where I can see us separating ourselves and taking the air out of their chest. A couple of big returns in the kicking game, then they try to kick away and they shank the ball on a punt, that then gives us a short field....things like that. This is the area that typically is the weakest with a new staff and this much turnover. Coaches put so much emphasis on O and D that ST kinda takes a backseat. With our level of consistency of coaching and players we don't have that issue, this is key to our success.

We win by a TD in a game that starts out with us jumping out early....UNM settles in has some good sustained drives and scores....their defense stops our offense in the middle qtrs, but late in the game our experience and steadiness allows for 1 or 2 late scores and we pull out a close one. Game is far from clean but we get some good stuff on film to teach off of and we are looking very polished going into week 2.

I keep seeing the temp being and issue.....being from Texas I find this really funny. It's 90 with 70% humidity at 10am by 2pm it's easily 100+ with 75-80% humidity. If temp is an issue then something to think about is our depth. Will our 2s be able to hold up against their 1s/2s? We may see younger players earlier than we expected because of the heat, are they ready for this out the gate?

[91catAlum]

This is such an important game for the new UNM coaching staff to win. They are going to throw the kitchen sink at MSU to avoid a loss to a lower-tier school (even though we'll be one of the better teams they play this year). The Lobos find a way to get it done at home; then, MSU doesn't lose again this season.
UNM 34
MSU 31

[MSU01]

I'm getting some 2021 vibes from this year's team, both had very talented senior classes and plenty of motivation after playoff disappointments in prior years. I'll take MSU to go 11-1 this year but I think this is the loss, especially given the questions on the offensive line and still unproven kicking game.

NM 24
MSU 23

Please everyone come back and call me a moron if this ends up being wrong!

[84CatGrad]

I’m thinking we’re gonna have a bit of a challenge with this game. Hot temperatures, travel, unknown opponent, new coach that has been successful.
Cats win late by a FG 31 to 28. Happy first win!

Wouldn't that be fun? To win with a FG!

[St George]

Is this proof that CBS (Sports) is fake news?

08-17-24 Cats favored by 8.5 points.
08-18-24 Cats favored by 9.5 points.
08-19-24 Cats favored by 10.5 points.

[thefrank1]

It's a business reacting to the current betting.

[ThoughtUKnew14]

Very winnable game against one of the worst FBS programs.

I say that, by assuming we have a well balanced attack! As I say every year, we must successfully pass the ball when the opportunities present themselves as there are always team who can stack the box and keep our running in check down the stretch.

Cats: 27
UNM: 24

[catatac]

Is this proof that CBS (Sports) is fake news?

08-17-24 Cats favored by 8.5 points.
08-18-24 Cats favored by 9.5 points.
08-19-24 Cats favored by 10.5 points.

Ya, Vegas sets the initial betting line for all games..... and then from that point on the only thing that moves the line is where people are placing their money. So obviously this tells us that after the original line (Might have been 4.5 points?), the vast majority of bets have been on the Cats to cover the spread.

[CodyCat]

They have a pretty good track record against FCS teams. Going back to 2003 they’ve only lost three times. Once was UTSA in 2013 and I’m not sure if they were still FCS then.

MSU, on the other hand, seems to find a way to lose when it plays FBS opponents. I’m not sure MSU has had this good of team when it’s played FBS teams the past 20 years and I don’t think they’ve played a FBS team this traditionally weak.

MSU 31, UNM 30

I agree with this statement. But, if things are going to change for MSU football and they are going to take the next step as a program, Saturday is a good place to start.

[luckyirishguy25]

I like this match up. UNM is a quality team with good athletes, they just haven't played together but they should challenge us. This game we'll get to see the coaches making adjustments to what UNM is doing, since they have no clue what's coming. Should be a great test for the whole team.

I see this game going 1 of 3 ways:

1. Blowout victory - The train to Frisco gets fired up and roaring
2. close loss or win - most probable out come, we should feel good about a close win or loss, they'll most likely be bigger faster and stronger at most positions, except we should have the advantage with a few O line, Grebe, Mellot and team chemistry, so a close loss isn't the end of the world.
3. Blowout loss - grab your pitch forks, there's a mob gathering. This would be absolutely unacceptable and most likely be chalked up to a rebuilding year, which should NEVER happen, we reload.

[CodyCat]

I like this match up. UNM is a quality team with good athletes, they just haven't played together but they should challenge us. This game we'll get to see the coaches making adjustments to what UNM is doing, since they have no clue what's coming. Should be a great test for the whole team.

I see this game going 1 of 3 ways:

1. Blowout victory - The train to Frisco gets fired up and roaring
2. close loss or win - most probable out come, we should feel good about a close win or loss, they'll most likely be bigger faster and stronger at most positions, except we should have the advantage with a few O line, Grebe, Mellot and team chemistry, so a close loss isn't the end of the world.
3. Blowout loss - grab your pitch forks, there's a mob gathering. This would be absolutely unacceptable and most likely be chalked up to a rebuilding year, which should NEVER happen, we reload.

That limb your walking out on is as thick as the trunk.

[LTown Cat]

Cats 37
Dogs 29

[CodyCat]

MSU 27
UNM 15

[Helcat72]

Cats 34
Mountain Dogs 28

[Mtcatfan]

Cats - 31
UNM - 14

[luckyirishguy25]

I like this match up. UNM is a quality team with good athletes, they just haven't played together but they should challenge us. This game we'll get to see the coaches making adjustments to what UNM is doing, since they have no clue what's coming. Should be a great test for the whole team.

I see this game going 1 of 3 ways:

1. Blowout victory - The train to Frisco gets fired up and roaring
2. close loss or win - most probable out come, we should feel good about a close win or loss, they'll most likely be bigger faster and stronger at most positions, except we should have the advantage with a few O line, Grebe, Mellot and team chemistry, so a close loss isn't the end of the world.
3. Blowout loss - grab your pitch forks, there's a mob gathering. This would be absolutely unacceptable and most likely be chalked up to a rebuilding year, which should NEVER happen, we reload.

That limb your walking out on is as thick as the trunk.

I prefer large branches

[CodyCat]

I like this match up. UNM is a quality team with good athletes, they just haven't played together but they should challenge us. This game we'll get to see the coaches making adjustments to what UNM is doing, since they have no clue what's coming. Should be a great test for the whole team.

I see this game going 1 of 3 ways:

1. Blowout victory - The train to Frisco gets fired up and roaring
2. close loss or win - most probable out come, we should feel good about a close win or loss, they'll most likely be bigger faster and stronger at most positions, except we should have the advantage with a few O line, Grebe, Mellot and team chemistry, so a close loss isn't the end of the world.
3. Blowout loss - grab your pitch forks, there's a mob gathering. This would be absolutely unacceptable and most likely be chalked up to a rebuilding year, which should NEVER happen, we reload.

That limb your walking out on is as thick as the trunk.

I prefer large branches

[Loboman 59]

Good afternoon Bobcat Nation! Just wanted to share a link to coach Bronco Mendenhall’s first game week presser. I’m
Sure you’ll like (as I did), that when asked about the Montana State football team, he corrected the press by stating that it’s not just the team we’re going up against, but it’s the Montana State Program! Bronco is very impressed with your program. I think you’ll like what he has to say today…

[Prodigal Cat]

They have a pretty good track record against FCS teams. Going back to 2003 they’ve only lost three times. Once was UTSA in 2013 and I’m not sure if they were still FCS then.

MSU, on the other hand, seems to find a way to lose when it plays FBS opponents. I’m not sure MSU has had this good of team when it’s played FBS teams the past 20 years and I don’t think they’ve played a FBS team this traditionally weak.

MSU 31, UNM 30

I agree with this statement. But, if things are going to change for MSU football and they are going to take the next step as a program, Saturday is a good place to start.

This game is definitely a sort of bellweather for the season in my opinion. One game does not make a season but if the Cats do not win this game, I am dubious on them accomplishing what most on here believe they can. I might even go so far as to say if they don't win comfortably they aren't there either. Plenty of Big Sky teams have won over a MWC team in the last few years that probably weren't National Championship quality. Eastern in '21, Weber and Sac St in '22, Idaho in '23. Those Big Sky teams were good, but not go all the way good and they all won convincingly except Eastern. I think I'm not alone in thinking this Bobcat team is better than those examples. Time to prove that they are winners.

[BelligerentBobcat]

I like this match up. UNM is a quality team with good athletes, they just haven't played together but they should challenge us. This game we'll get to see the coaches making adjustments to what UNM is doing, since they have no clue what's coming. Should be a great test for the whole team.

I see this game going 1 of 3 ways:

1. Blowout victory - The train to Frisco gets fired up and roaring
2. close loss or win - most probable out come, we should feel good about a close win or loss, they'll most likely be bigger faster and stronger at most positions, except we should have the advantage with a few O line, Grebe, Mellot and team chemistry, so a close loss isn't the end of the world.
3. Blowout loss - grab your pitch forks, there's a mob gathering. This would be absolutely unacceptable and most likely be chalked up to a rebuilding year, which should NEVER happen, we reload.

Why are we calling them a quality team?

They were awful last year. They brought in a crap ton of transfers, who probably aren’t that great. Bronco is a solid coach, but it’s year one, game one, first game as a group. It’s possible they’ll be okay, but it’s far more likely they’re a bad FBS team.