Washington State Cougars vs New Mexico Lobos Prediction, Odds and Picks for Saturday, 11/16/24

One of the later games on Saturday will feature the New Mexico Lobos hosting the 18th ranked Washington State Cougars. Washington State has won 4 straight games after dropping a road game 45-24 against Boise State back in September. The Cougars’ last game was a 49-28 win against Utah State. Running back Wayshawn Parker had his best game of the season running for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns. The effort for Parker gave quarterback John Mateer some needed help. The dual-threat quarterback currently leads the Cougars in both passing yards and rushing yards. New Mexico went into last weeks game as slight underdogs and beat San Diego State 21-16. Running back Eli Sanders ran for 173 yards and 2 touchdowns in the victory. Sanders has been on a tear his last two games. On November 2, Sanders ran for 205 and another 2 touchdowns. The last two weeks have been the only time Sanders has rushed for over 100 yards this season.

If there is any available path to the College Football Playoff is in question for the Washington State Cougars, but what is not in question is if there will be a lot of points scored in this game. These are two talented and electric offenses going against two struggling defenses. New Mexico has been giving up high totals all season. They have had 5 games this season go over 90 total points. That is due to poor defense and a solid offense that has been able to keep up with the points. New Mexico currently ranks 120th or worse in numerous defensive categories. They currently are 132nd in defensive EPA and have numerous injuries to their secondary. With this game being played in New Mexico, I see both quarterbacks putting up a good performance. The Lobos’ sophomore quarterback Devon Dampier can compete with both his legs and his arm. I expect a high scoring game to close out the night in college football.

Over 72 available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.