The University of New Mexico Lobos will look to get back in the win column this weekend with a road victory over the Tulsa Golden Hurricane at H.A. Chapman Stadium on Saturday Night. Both teams enter the contest with a 1-2 record, with UNM losing to Boise State last week and Tulsa losing to Toledo in a 54-51 shootout.
In what has the making for a high-scoring affair between two talented rushing attacks, the Golden Hurricane rank third in the nation in rushing with an impressive 363.7 yards per game, while the Lobos finished 2016 with the top ground game in the country. The Lobos have yet to get their vaunted triple-option ground attack going in 2017, but a matchup against a Tulsa team that ranks 126 out of 129 teams in rushing yards allowed may be just what the doctor ordered for the ailing Lobo rushing attack.
On the injury front, starting quarterback, Lamar Jordan has been ruled out for the game due to a concussion sustained in last week’s loss to Boise State. Second string Tevaka Tuioti is also dealing with concussion symptoms, leaving graduate transfer Coltin Gerhart as the likely starter against Tulsa. Gerhart completed 7-of-13 passes for 67 yards, with one touchdown and one interception against the Broncos last Thursday night.
The fact that UNM will be down to a third-string QB and an emergency backup QB will likely mean that the Lobos will rely even more on their ground attack, led by Tyron Owens, Richard McQuarley, and Daryl Chestnut.
Tulsa uses a collection of tailbacks for their rushing attack, led by D’Angelo Brewer and Shamari Brooks. Brewer leads his team with 447 yards on 98 carries, with four Golden Hurricane tailbacks tied for the team lead with four rushing touchdowns.
Quarterback Chad President completed 44 of 75 pass attempts this season, for 546 yards and one touchdown. Like UNM, the Golden Hurricane offense is a run-first attack, with the passing game mixed in on certain down and distances to catch the defense off guard.
Vegas oddsmakers have Tulsa as a nine-point favorite in a projected high-scoring game (68 1/2) points.