The Colorado St. Rams take on the New Mexico Lobos in an early season conference match and for Colorado State is a key game if they want to get back to a bowl game for the first time since their 2008 New Mexico Bowl win over Fresno State. The line on this game favors Colorado State by 4.5 points and the odds makers must not like New Mexico at all because a home dog to an opponent that won three games last year is uncommon.
Even though this is not the biggest game on the college football schedule there are people who like to go out and pick every single game and here are their predictions.
Mike Locksley, 2-21 in two seasons, is on the hottest of seats at New Mexico. The Lobos were outgained by 207.8 yards in their eight MWC games last season. They might be better in 2011 - but not good enough.
Colorado State 28, New Mexico 14
This is one of three conference games this weekend. New Mexico has won just twice in the past two seasons - and one of those wins was over Colorado State, in 2009. Unbelievable but true: New Mexico hasn't scored a TD in a season-opener since '06.
Colorado State 20, New Mexico 10
This isn't exactly going to be a classic, but both teams are just mediocre enough to come up with a good, tight battle. The New Mexico defensive front won't touch Thomas, and it'll show as the Rams come up with big numbers and set a pace the Lobos won't be able to follow. New Mexico won't look as woeful as it did last year, but it won't come up with the even game needed.
Colorado State 31, New Mexico 17
My own prediction on this game falls in line with everyone else's and for a score I will go with Colorado State 31 New Mexico 13