TITLE: **CODE BLUE** 2009 BLOWOUT GAME OF YEAR! REASON FOR PICK: For a number of different reasons I believe Nevada is going to absolutely stomp New Mexico State as it pushes to remain perfect and to erase a big upset loss from last year:
Nevada won't "look past" New Mexico State to its game against Boise State next week because the Aggies upset the Wolf Pack 48-45 in Reno last season, giving New Mexico State its first -- and only -- road win in WAC play since joining the league in 2005.
Coach Chris Ault's comments on his teams game plan; "We better not look past it. We're not that good. We have to focus on what we're trying to do, how we're trying to get things done and take care of business." Spoken like a true motivator.
The Wolf Pack has scored at least 35 points in six of their last 7 games and has won seven straight.
Their top two rushers (RB, Vai Taua and QB, Colin Kaepernick) have both rushed for over 100 yards, and both average better than 7.8 yards per rush.
Nevada is 5-2 ATS its last seven and 4-2 ATS vs. conference opponents this season.
Over the last two weeks, the Wolf Pack has outscored its opponents 114 to 21.
On the other side of the field: New Mexico State is 2-3-1 ATS its last six overall.
The Aggies defensive line and secondary is going to be overwhelmed by Nevada's running game, just like everyone else has this season.
RB Seth Smith, nursing a shoulder injury suffered Oct. 31 at Ohio State, had just five carries last week at Hawaii and his status this week against Nevada is unclear.
Bottom line: New Mexico State's offense has not scored an offensive TD in four plus games.
The Aggies just finished preparing for and playing against pass happy Hawaii, and will now struggle having to deal with the exact opposite in the Wolf Packs run oriented offense.
With revenge on their mind from last years upset loss and wanting to come into their game vs. Boise State firing on all cylinders, look for NEVADA to rout the Aggies and move to 6-3 ATS their last nine as a favorite and for New Mexico State to fall to 2-4 ATS against conference opponents.
Nick Parsons 11/24/09 **CODE BLUE* GOY
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