New Mexico State will attempt to win its fourth consecutive game over New Mexico when the 104th renewal of the intrastate rivalry takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday at Aggie Memorial Stadium in Las Cruces.
Both teams bring 1-2 records into the game. The Lobos hold a 66-32-5 lead in the series, which dates to 1893 and ranks 35th in the NCAA for most games played. The Aggies will be trying to tie their longest winning streak in the history of the series -- four straight wins from 1965 to 1968.
Matt Christian passed for 296 yards and ran for 101 last year in Albuquerque to lead the Aggies to a 42-28 win. The most recent game in Las Cruces was a defensive struggle, with the Aggies prevailing 16-14 on a Tyler Stampler field goal late in the game. New Mexico State's three consectuive wins followed a streak of six wins by New Mexico.
The Lobos, under first-year coach Bob Davie, opened their season with a win over Southern but come into Saturday's game following losses to Texas and Texas Tech.
They run an option attack that is generating 212.3 yards per game on the ground but only 49.3 throught the air. Cole Gaustche is the leading rusher with 159 yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback B.R. Holbrook has passed for just 132 yards and one score.
After a 290-yard performance in last week's loss to UTEP, New Mexico State quarterback Andrew Manley has amassed 789 yards passing and seven TDs. His top target, Austin Franklin, has 20 receptions for 415 yards and ranks second nationally with 138.3 receiving yards per game. He's been added to the Watch List for the Biletnikoff Award, presented to
the nation's top receiver.
