New Mexico almost pulled off something special.
It’s just getting going in the new era under Bronco Mendenhall, and it had a fantastic FCS team in trouble. Montana State needed 21 fourth quarter points to beat the Lobos 35-31 in Week 0.
Arizona is beginning life as a Big 12 program with a few easy home dates against the Lobos this week and Northern Arizona to follow, and that’s okay with what’s next.
At Kansas State, at Utah – the Wildcats have to get the Brent Brennan era up to speed over the next two weeks.
Arizona vs New Mexico Preview
Arizona vs New Mexico How to Watch
Date: Saturday, August 31, 2024
Game Time: 10:30 pm ET
Venue: Arizona Stadium, Tucson, AZ
How to Watch: ESPN
2023 Records: Arizona (10-3)
2024 Record: New Mexico (0-1)
– Week 1 Schedule, Predictions
Why New Mexico Will Win
Bronco Mendenhall had his defense dialed into the big plays. It forced two turnovers in the loss to Montana State and took both fumble recoveries for scores on the way to a 31-14 lead.
There was a lot of bending without breaking, at least until the fourth quarter. The D was able to hold up well until a big momentum shift. Arizona struggled in pass protection and has some work to do under the new coaching staff – the Lobos have to keep attacking.
Offensively, the Lobos found their quarterback in Devon Dampier who ran well and hit the midrange passes, but …