Preview week 8

New Mexico State vs. Utah State. 1 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 20, 2012 at Romney Stadium

Utah State is coming up off a BIG win against WAC opponent San Jose State. I apologize for not giving a prediction/follow-up on that game. If you missed it, USU had a school record of 13 sacks in the game against a San Jose State team that was 4-1 coming into the game. USU came away with a W 49-27.

This week, the Aggie Bowl will take place as the USU Aggies come home after a road trip to SJSU last week and a tough loss in Provo 2 weeks ago. It will be during fall break, but I still expect to see alot of Aggie students in the stands to support the team. I know I'll be there to support.

Let's break this game down, NMSU is 1-5... losing 5 straight games in a row against Ohio, UTEP, UNM, UT-San Antonio, and Idaho. Last year in our bowl game, USU lost to Ohio by ONE point and Ohio, who is very comparable to our Aggies, handled the NMSU Aggies 51-24. NMSU has a sophomore QB, Andrew Manly. He's thrown for 11 TD's... along with 6 INT. His main target is a wide receiver that USU tried to recruit as well, Austin Franklin. His longest pass of the year was an 84 yd play and Franklin averages 17.7 yards per catch and has 7 TD's on the year. In this game, USU will mainly try to hush the passing game of the crimson Aggies. USU's defense still rates #14 in the nation in overall defense, and 3rd in nation in sacks. News to NMSU... you're gonna have a bad time moving the ball down the field.
I look for the USU defense to make another statement in holding the NMSU Aggies to a big fat 0 on the score board. Chuckie Keeton and company have the USU Aggie offense in post-season form as they look for one more win to become bowl eligible.

Prediction:
NMSU 0-USU 38
I hope that USU makes a big statement in this game. They certainly have the opportunity to get a lot of momentum as they get ready to head to UTSA and the Alamodome next week, they currently have the #1 WAC spot in the conference. I am from New Mexico, and sincerely hope the USU Aggies bring the wood this week and hit the Pistol Pete's where it hurts!