Conference USA college football fans will be treated to yet another thrilling New Mexico State Aggies and Louisiana Tech Bulldogs showdown. It’s been an On & Off for both teams until now but this match will give the much needed boost as they head into the final phase.
Team Overview
NMSU at the moment has registered a record of 5-3. That said they started slow and CPS lost their first two games of the season but have recovered with three consecutive wins in the conference. Quarterback Diego Pavia has been stand out in this event and has played a pivotal role in both spraying the ball and making a carry to the other end. That’s the reason why he is such a powerful player for the Aggies he threatens from both positions.
On the defensive side New Mexico State has been good although there are moments they’re not so great especially in passing defence. In this category they stood 95th nationally so they’ll have to refrain from shutting down Louisiana Tech pass catchers. However one area where the Aggies have thrived this season is in putting pressure on the quarterback and Izaiah Reed has been a key part here he has made four sacks this season.
On the other hand, Louisiana Tech comes into the game with only 3 wins and 5 losses. Their season has not been very triumphant, they have lost games they played with some of the most accomplished teams in the conference including Western Kentucky. But they have pulled off some important wins like against FIU and UTEP. Their offense line could use the boost again from the starting quarterback, Hank Bachmeier in their games after returning from injury.
Key Matchup: Diego Pavia vs. Louisiana Tech Defense
The game may be won or lost depending on Louisiana Tech’s ability to limit New Mexico State’s point man Diego Pavia. Well known for his ability to find teammates whether with a pass down the field or a running back Pavia has been putting up spectacular numbers lately. Not only has he passed for multiple touchdowns but he has rushed for over 100 yards in successive games. The only way Louisiana Tech could stop and contain him is if they break his rhythm as right now the opposing team is flat out lucky.
Louisiana Tech’s offense has surrendered in excess of thirty points in several of their encounters this year, and therefore they have a real problem confronting New Mexico State at the moment. But they’ve been decent against weaker teams, which means their form can fluctuate.
Prediction
Indeed, rating the favourite in the present match Louisiana Tech we have a slight edge that the match will be hosted here (-2.5) but relying on New Mexico State’s recent successes and their more stable production on offence we can confidently call them the winners. Louisiana Tech has been a defensive horror show whilst Diego Pavia presents a two-pronged threat thus we may see the Aggies come out on top. Do not expect a blowout and New Mexico State can pull an upset in this one and win outright while winning the spread.
Final Score Prediction:
New Mexico State 27, Louisiana Tech 24
How to Watch
- Time: 7:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM PT
- TV: CBS Sports Network
- Streaming: Available on fuboTV (free trial available)
Conclusion
This could be a typical Conference USA clash that can go either way but the Miners seem to possess the right moment besides great talents to edge out the Aggies. To register a surprise victory against the Aggies it will rely on Hank Bachmeier and a much better defense.