23rd Ranked UNM Set to Host UNLV This Saturday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Coming off a 31-3 victory over Nevada, the 23rd ranked Lobos are currently 8-1 on the year and 5-0 in Mountain West play and now the Lobos return home to host the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

UNLV comes into this matchup with a 5-4 record and are coming off a 41-35 loss to Wyoming..

Last season, the Lobos defeated UNLV, 40-35, to become bowl eligible and has sent the program on a different trajectory since then.

Coach Eck spoke on what last year’s win meant for the program and the implications of Saturday’s game.

“That was a big accomplishment. This is the game I had circled going into the offseason. I thought, I had told coach Mullen that I think last year on the field. But I thought with the conference changes that, a lot of times the conference could come down to, it’s us and them over time”, said Eck

One big area the Lobos will look to take advantage is with their defense line.

The Lobos are one of the best in the nation when it comes to team sacks and top five in the nation for tackles for loss.

Facing a battered and injured UNLV offensive line, Coach Eck said the battle in the trenches is going to be key on Saturday.

“I like our D-line against most everybody. I think they have a pretty good O-line. But I think our D-line is a handful. I think they’ve had a few injuries and stuff. So somebody like number 70, I think he’s been banged up. But, I think our D-line needs to play well”, said Eck.

On the other side of the ball, the Lobos ground attack is currently averaging 213 yards per game which ranks 15th in the nation.

Led by Scottre Humphrey who has 13 rushing touchdowns on the season which is tied for seventh in the nation, will be facing a UNLV rushing defense that is currently ranked 131st in the nation yielding 207 yards per game.

Coach Eck believes his team can use that to their advantage and run the ball successfully.

“It’s something that we want to do every week is run the ball well. Statistically, they haven’t been the best. I think they’re actually a little bit better than they were last year. I went back and checked their stats on that last year. they have done well when that’s been their emphasis. Like you look at the NDSU game, I think they did a very good job of stopping the run against them. So I think they have the capable defense to that. So, we got to play well,” said Eck.

With playoff hopes still in sight for the Lobos, every win is critical this late in the season. As pf right now, the Lobos control their own fate.

Game time is set for 5:30 p.m. and if you are unable to make it Saturday, you can watch the game on the CW.

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