fltheadgriz said:
New Mexico is a dumpster fire amongst dumpster fires.
I think Maine has a chance in this one.
I despise Northern Iowa but them beating Air Force would not shock me.
One of my choices.
And, after reading the latest bits out of the UNM program, I've somewhat upped my expectations for an upset. The one positive note out of their camp on offense is how well a WR have come back from a broken ankle. The other fact of note is that they have installed a new triple option attack ... and they're excited to have FIVE quarterbacks lined up to compete for that position. The top candidate seems to be a senior who transferred in from Kansas (whoopee!). He may have done option in high school, but zip on that since. Properly executed, the triple option can be hard to handle for teams that seldom see it. But execution is bound to be a problem in a first game ... as of four days ago, they had not actually picked a starter. Advantage: Maine.
As mentioned in my earlier note, the Lobos love their defense (because it largely stuffed their inept offense :? ). But a look under the hood shows that they are thin and lack quality experience (and they were crappy last year). Advantage: Pickum.
I'd be willing be bold on this one, except for two points: (1) The Black Bears are breaking in a new Head Coach. Plenty of FCS experience, but new to Head. (2)
Barring a big surprise, it's going to be HOT in Albuquerque. Maine could run out of gas.