SB Nation - New Mexico Lobos

New Mexico Taking on #18 Texas A&M in Houston

Jeremy Mauss — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 05:22:50 -0000

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New Mexico Lobos (9-0)
@ Texas A&M Aggies (8-1)

Saturday, Dec 12, 2009, 3:00 PM PST
Toyota Center - Houston, TX

TV: Fox Sports Southwest

This neutral site game in Houston at the Toyota Center is only 85 miles from Texas A&M. That should give the Ags a home court feel, but this will be a very good game. This game features two teams that can score points and this game should end up in the mid 70's for both sides.

The Lobos have more double digit scorers and out rebound Texas A&M. However, on the other side the Aggies have a solid defense that only gives up 63 per game while the Lobos score 82 per game.

Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon has this to say about New Mexico:

"They're legit. We've played a lot of really good teams. This will probably be the best offensive team we've faced. ... It'll be our toughest challenge defensively."

New Mexico is a deep team and even though Darrington Hobson is their main scorer last game he scored in single digits in their last game while still winning. A win here would go a long way to help New Mexico get back to the NCAA tournament. This goes both ways for the Aggies since a win over New Mexico would help their RPI in hte long run.

New Mexico Stats

			FG			3PT			FT			Rebounds			Misc
	G	M	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	Off	Def	Tot	Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	PPG
Darington Hobson	9	30.9	6.0	13.1	45.8	1.0	3.1	32.1	4.1	6.3	64.9	1.3	6.6	7.9	4.1	1.9	0.7	0.4	1.9	17.1
Roman Martinez	9	30.7	5.3	10.4	51.1	3.6	6.7	53.3	2.6	3.2	79.3	2.6	2.8	5.3	1.6	1.0	1.8	0.4	2.2	16.8
Phillip McDonald	9	24.6	3.8	9.3	40.5	2.1	6.3	33.3	2.3	3.4	67.7	1.1	1.8	2.9	0.9	1.0	0.4	0.2	1.6	12.0
Dairese Gary	9	23.8	2.7	5.9	45.3	0.4	1.0	44.4	3.1	4.8	65.1	0.3	2.8	3.1	3.9	1.6	1.0	0.0	1.9	8.9
A.J. Hardeman	9	23.2	3.4	6.3	54.4	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.3	1.8	75.0	3.6	3.6	7.1	0.3	0.9	0.9	1.1	2.2	8.2
Nate Garth	9	15.4	1.8	3.8	47.1	0.6	1.4	38.5	1.6	2.3	66.7	0.2	0.8	1.0	1.9	1.1	0.2	0.0	1.6	5.7
Jamal Fenton	9	17.3	2.1	3.8	55.9	0.9	2.3	38.1	0.4	0.6	80.0	0.6	1.4	2.0	2.1	1.8	1.2	0.0	1.9	5.6
Will Brown	9	15.8	1.1	2.9	38.5	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.3	0.7	50.0	1.0	2.6	3.6	0.3	0.8	0.4	0.7	2.8	2.6
Chad Adams	8	6.6	0.6	1.4	45.5	0.1	0.5	25.0	1.1	1.3	90.0	0.4	1.0	1.4	0.3	0.5	0.1	0.0	1.3	2.5
Curtis Dennis	9	10.3	0.9	3.1	28.6	0.4	1.8	25.0	0.0	0.1	0.0	0.6	1.0	1.6	0.6	0.1	0.4	0.1	0.2	2.2
Matt Staff	6	3.2	0.5	1.2	42.9	0.2	0.7	25.0	0.2	0.3	50.0	0.3	0.5	0.8	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.2	0.5	1.3

Texas A&M Stats

			FG			3PT			FT			Rebounds			Misc
	G	M	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	M	A	Pct	Off	Def	Tot	Ast	TO	Stl	Blk	PF	PPG
Donald Sloan	9	30.9	5.2	10.6	49.5	1.3	3.0	44.4	4.3	6.2	69.6	0.9	3.2	4.1	2.4	2.1	0.9	0.1	1.7	16.1
Derrick Roland	9	27.3	4.7	9.1	51.2	1.0	3.2	31.0	2.2	2.7	83.3	1.3	2.2	3.6	1.8	1.4	0.7	0.8	1.2	12.6
B.J. Holmes	9	19.8	2.2	5.1	43.5	1.4	3.2	44.8	3.8	4.6	82.9	0.3	1.8	2.1	1.0	2.3	0.7	0.1	1.8	9.7
Bryan Davis	9	23.3	2.8	6.1	45.5	0.0	0.0	0.0	3.7	6.4	56.9	2.8	3.9	6.7	0.9	1.9	1.6	1.4	2.8	9.2
David Loubeau	9	21.7	3.6	6.6	54.2	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.4	2.6	56.5	1.8	2.6	4.3	0.6	0.9	0.1	0.2	2.1	8.6
Dash Harris	9	24.4	1.6	3.6	43.8	0.8	1.7	46.7	1.9	3.1	60.7	0.4	3.1	3.6	3.7	1.1	1.4	0.1	1.8	5.8
Nathan Walkup	9	19.6	2.1	4.4	47.5	0.8	2.3	33.3	0.6	1.0	55.6	1.3	2.1	3.4	0.7	0.6	0.4	0.2	2.7	5.6
Khris Middleton	9	13.0	1.2	3.4	35.5	0.7	2.3	28.6	0.1	0.4	25.0	0.7	2.1	2.8	0.6	0.6	0.6	0.1	1.8	3.2
Naji Hibbert	9	16.4	0.8	3.2	24.1	0.3	1.3	25.0	1.0	1.8	56.3	0.4	2.3	2.8	1.0	0.8	0.3	0.2	0.9	2.9
Chris Chapman	1	2.0	1.0	1.0	100.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	2.0
Derrek Lewis	3	3.3	0.3	0.7	50.0	0.3	0.7	50.0	0.3	0.7	50.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.7	0.0	0.3	1.0	1.3
James Blasczyk	3	1.7	0.3	0.3	100.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.7
Andrew Darko	3	2.3	0.0	0.7	0.0	0.0	0.7	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	1.0	0.3	0.0	0.0	1.0	0.0
Shawn Schepel	2	2.0	0.0	0.5	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.5	0.5	1.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0
Marshall Carrell	2	2.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0

Mountain West and their Road to the BCS: Week 14

Michael Rueckert — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 15:00:31 -0000

More photos » by J Pat Carter - AP

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The Mountain West Conference regular season has officially come to a close, but there is still one final weekend of college football. This is a big weekend that will determine where most teams are going bowling when announced on Sunday.

TCU crushed New Mexico and finished the season undefeated, guaranteeing them their first ever spot in the BCS. They remain ranked 4th in the BCS standings, but still have a shot at the BCS National Championship Game in Pasadena.

Here is a look at the games being played in the final week of the regular season in college football, and how they will affect the Mountain West's BCS outlook:

All times are eastern

No. 3 Texas vs No. 22 Nebraska (ABC, 8:00 PM)

The Big 12 Championship Game. If Texas wins they will play the winner of the SEC Championship Game in the BCS National Championship. If Nebraska wins they will play in the Fiesta Bowl, and Texas will likely be selected as an at-large team.

MWC rooting interest: Nebraska. This is TCU's last chance to get into the Championship Game. If Texas loses TCU should jump to the No. 2 spot over Texas and the loser of the SEC Championship Game. Mountain West fans should all become the biggest Huskers fans on Saturday night.

No. 1 Florida vs. No. 2 Alabama (CBS, 4:00 PM)

A rematch of the 2008 SEC Championship Game. The winner will punch their ticket to Pasadena, and the loser will be going to the Sugar Bowl.

MWC rooting interest: Toss up. TCU has no chance of jumping the winner of this game. There is a good chance that TCU will play the loser of this game in the Sugar Bowl. That is what Jeremy Mauss has been predicting here for a while now. I believe that TCU can beat either of these teams, a MWC vs SEC matchup would be great for the conference.

No. 5 Cincinnati at No. 15 Pittsburgh (ABC, 12:00 PM)

The winner will claim the Big East for 2009 and their automatic spot in the BCS.

MWC rooting interest: Pittsburgh. Cincinnati is not far behind TCU in the rankings. With a win over Pitt there is a very good chance that they can jump the Horned Frogs. It would be awful is Texas loses, but Cincinnati jumps TCU to get into the BCS Championship Game.

No. 10 Georgia Tech vs Clemson (8:00 PM, ESPN)

The ACC Championship Game. The winner will represent the ACC with their automatic spot in the BCS. TCU defeated Clemson earlier this season.

MWC rooting interest: Clemson. TCU has only beated two teams that are currently ranked in the Top 25. It would strengthen their claim to the National Championship Game by having Clemson get back into the Top 25. If Clemson wins, they will likely boot No. 25 Utah out of the Top 25 which actually may be worse for the Mountain West with the AQ Evaluations.

New Mexico State at No. 6 Boise State (3:00 PM, ESPN 360)

A win means another undefeated regular season for the Boise State Broncos, who are looking to get into the BCS as an at-large team.

MWC rooting interest: Boise State. Multiple non-AQ teams in the BCS would be a great thing for all non-automatic qualifier conferences. It can open the door of the non-BCS movement even more. Also, if rumors are true, and the Mountain West chooses to expand; the higher Boise State's final ranking, the better off the MWC would be in the AQ Evaluations.

Making the Rounds: 12/1/09

Jeremy Mauss — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 01:59:41 -0000

Air Force

The Falcons will have to wait till Sunday before they know if they are going to the Armed Forces Bowl or the New Mexico Bowl. Fellas pack your bags for Texas.

BYU

Max Hall's words are still causing quite a stir across the social media sites and the newspapers. BYU is still in consideration for a BCS bowl, even though very unlikely. Is there too much hate? Max Hall apologizes and is publically reprimended by his comments.

Colorado State

The Rams had a disappointing way to end the season ending on a nine game winning streak.

New Mexico

This past season was a complete mess and finally ended in a blowout loss to TCU, but they did get that one win.

San Diego State

Season finished in a disappointing fashion... again.

TCU Coach Gary Patterson is receiving a nice bump in pay from his previous $1.7 million base in a multi-year extension. This means Notre Dame can remove Patterson from their speed dial. Is Andy Dalton worthy of Heisman consideration?

UNLV

Rebels are having a hard time finding their replacement athletic director. UNLV sent out fired coach Mike Sanford with a victory. WR Ryan Wolfe ends his career as one of the best ever at UNLV.

Utah

Utes looking to go to Vegas Bowl and will play loser of USC/Arizona game. Grading the Holy War game. Ute fans are lashing back at Max Hall.

Wyoming

Freshman QB Austyn Carta-Samuels is named frosh of the year. New Mexico bowl is the most likely site for Wyoming.

2009 Mountain West All-Conference Football Team Announced

Jeremy Mauss — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:54:10 -0000

As expected TCU lead the way with all-conference selections, but they ran away with 15 first and second team selections which more then doubles second place BYU with seven spots. The Horned Frogs also took home three of four player of the year awards, and coach of the year -- the one loss was freshman of the year which went to Wyoming's QB Austyn Carta-Samuels.

Some irony in the list is that New Mexico had the first team punter; he did have the most chances to impress. A choice that was not expected when the season started was Utah RB Eddie Wide who ran for over 1,000 yards but was to be the back up before Matt Asiata tore his ACL in the Louisville game.

The offensive player of the year award went to TCU's QB Andy Dalton while the defensive award went to TCU's DE Jerry Hughes. The rest of the awards are after the jump.

2009 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL FIRST-TEAM
Offense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
QB	Andy Dalton	Jr.	TCU
WR	David Reed	Sr.	Utah
WR	Ryan Wolfe**	Sr.	UNLV
RB	Harvey Unga	Jr.	BYU
RB	Eddie Wide	Jr.	Utah
TE	Dennis Pitta**#	Sr.	BYU
OL	Matt Reynolds	So.	BYU
OL	Erik Cook	Sr.	New Mexico
OL	Marshall Newhouse	Sr.	TCU
OL	Marcus Cannon	Jr.	TCU
OL	Zane Beadles*	Sr.	Utah
PK	Ross Evans	So.	TCU
PR/KR	Jeremy Kerley*#	Jr.	TCU
Defense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
DL	Jan Jorgensen**	Sr.	BYU
DL	Jerry Hughes*#	Sr.	TCU
DL	Koa Misi	Sr.	Utah
DL	John Fletcher	Sr.	Wyoming
LB	Carmen Messina	So.	New Mexico
LB	Daryl Washington	Sr.	TCU
LB	Stevenson Sylvester	Sr.	Utah
DB	Reggie Rembert	Jr.	Air Force
DB	Rafael Priest	Sr.	TCU
DB	Nick Sanders	Sr.	TCU
DB	Robert Johnson	Sr.	Utah
P	Adam Miller	Sr.	New Mexico
--Two-Time First-Team Selection *--Three-Time First-Team Selection #--Unanimous Selection
2009 ALL-MOUNTAIN WEST FOOTBALL SECOND-TEAM
Offense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
QB	Max Hall	Sr.	BYU
WR	Vincent Brown	Jr.	San Diego State
WR	DeMarco Sampson	Sr.	San Diego State
RB	Joseph Turner	Sr.	TCU
RB	Jared Tew	Jr.	Air Force
TE	Andrew George	Sr.	BYU
OL	Nick Charles	Sr.	Air Force
OL	Peter Lusk	Sr.	Air Force
OL	Caleb Schlauderaff	Jr.	Utah
OL	Jake Kirkpatrick	Jr.	TCU
OL	Zane Taylor	Jr.	Utah
PK	Erik Soderberg	So.	Air Force
PR/KR	Dion Morton	Sr.	Colorado State
Defense
Pos.	Player	Cl.	School
DL	Wayne Daniels	Jr.	TCU
DL	Ben Garland	Sr.	Air Force
DL	Johnathan Rainey	So.	New Mexico
DL	Cory Grant	Jr.	TCU
LB	Tank Carder	So.	TCU
LB	Mychal Sisson	So.	Colorado State
LB	Brian Hendricks	So.	Wyoming
DB	Andrew Rich	Jr.	BYU
DB	Anthony Wright	So.	Air Force
DB	Tejay Johnson	Jr.	TCU
DB	Chris Prosinski	Jr.	Wyoming
P	Brian Stahovich	So.	San Diego State
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Andy Dalton, Jr., QB, TCU
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jerry Hughes, Sr., DE, TCU
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE YEAR Jeremy Kerley, Jr., KR, TCU
FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR Austyn Carta-Samuels, QB, Wyoming
COACH OF THE YEAR Gary Patterson, TCU

2009 HONORABLE MENTION
Air Force:	John Falgout, Sr., LB; Brandon Geyer, Sr., P; Ryan Gonzales, Sr., OL; Chris Thomas, Sr., DB.
BYU:	Coleby Clawson, Sr., LB; Brett Denney, Sr., DL; Scott Johnson, Sr., DB; Brian Logan, Jr., DB; Riley Stephenson, Fr., P; R.J. Willing, Sr., OL.
Colorado State:	Adrian Martinez, Sr., OL; Nick Oppenneer, Sr., DB; Cole Pemberton, Sr., OL; Shelley Smith, Sr., OL; Tim Walter, Sr., OL.
New Mexico:	Kendall Briscoe, Sr., DL.
San Diego State:	Davion Mauldin, Sr., KR; Jerry Milling, Sr., LB.
TCU:	Evan Frosch, Jr., TE; Antoine Hicks, So., WR; Jeremy Kerley, Jr., WR; Ed Wesley, Fr., RB; Jimmy Young, Jr., WR.
UNLV:	Jason Beauchamp, Sr., LB; Joe Hawley, Sr., OL; Matt Murphy, Jr., OL.
Utah:	Joe Phillips, Jr., K; Sean Sellwood, Fr., P; Sealver Siliga, So., DL; Mike Wright, Sr., LB.
Wyoming:	David Leonard, Jr., WR; Austin McCoy, So., P; Mitch Unrein, Sr., DL.

Talking AQ Evaluation With BCS Executive Director, Bill Hancock

Michael Rueckert — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:00:41 -0000

More photos » AP

Bill Hancock

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Everyone knows that the Mountain West is looking to become a BCS conference. They tried lobbying for it last summer, but was rejected. The only way that they can guarantee automatic qualification BCS status would be to gain it through the "BCS Evaluation Period."

The given criteria for evaluating BCS Conferences is very vague. According to the BCS website, the following is how they determine AQ status:

The evaluation data includes the following for each conference
(1) The ranking of the highest-ranked team in the final BCS standings each year
(2) The final regular-season rankings of all conference teams in the computer rankings used by the BCS each year and
(3) The number of teams in the top 25 of the final BCS standings each year.

Obviously the given information is very vague. Fortunately the new BCS Executive Director, Bill Hancock was kind enough to answer a few of my questions regarding the process of determining automatic qualifier status.

Note: This was an e-mail and not exactly an interview. Bill Hancock gave me permission to quote him on his answers.

If a conference is to expand and add a team during the evaluation period, would the conference be able to use that teams statistics in their evaluation, even if the team gained some of their "points" in another conference?

Yes.

This is big news for Boise State fans. The Mountain West Conference will very likely need to expand and add a team like Boise State since it is a top-heavy conference, with little competition aside from TCU, Utah and BYU. This explains the reason that the MWC has not invited anyone in yet. This is a strategic move, which would allow that team to gain points without beating up on MWC teams. If the MWC does expand they will need to invite a team before July 1, 2010 to use that team in their evaluation data.

There are three rules listed for determining AQ status. Is each rule given an equal weight? If not, which categories are "worth more?"

All are the same weight.

This is good news for the Mountain West. Two of the three criteria the MWC is very strong in. The amount of teams in the final Top-25 and ranking of the highest team are things that the Mountain West is very competitive in. The MWC struggles in the ranking of the entire conference in the computers since it is a top heavy conference. It is definitely a plus that that category will not out-weigh the rest.

Does the number of teams in each conference affect how the statistics are calculated for certain criteria such as, number of teams in Top 25?

No, the data is averaged so that the number of teams in the conference does not affect the rankings.

Another positive for the conference. The Mountain West in 2008 and 2009 finished with three ranked teams in the final BCS standings. The Mountain West is a smaller conference with only nine teams. Having three teams ranked for the Mountain West would be greater in the evaluations than three teams from a larger conference like the Big-12.

Does a current non-Automatic Qualifier conference have to "beat out" a single BCS conference four of the four years of the evaluation period? Or, does that conference just have to finish ranked ahead of a certain conference in the final statistics?

Basically a conference must finish in the top half of each category.

Does this mean that a current non-AQ conference must finish ranked at least third in each of the three evaluation criteria? They must finish ahead of at least three current BCS conferences in each of the three categories?

Actually, no, it wouldn't have to finish at least third. Basically it would have to finish in the top 50 percent in each of the three categories.

This is a confusing topic to me. I'm guessing that they would have to finish in the top 50 percent among the 11 conferences in averaged data at the end of the evaluation. It sounds like the Mountain West would have to finish at least fifth in each category. This is a problem for the "final regular-season rankings of all conference teams in the computer rankings used by the BCS each year" criteria. They may need to expand to finish at least fifth in this category. In the other two categories the MWC seems to be among the top 50 percent.

If a non Automatic Qualifying conference gains Automatic Qualifier status, would the BCS expand to 7 conferences, or would that conference replace a current BCS conference?

There would be seven automatic-qualifying conferences.

This is what everyone expected, but I just wanted to clarify it. This is good news for current BCS conference. If the Mountain West becomes a BCS Conference, no one will get replaced.

A big thanks to Bill Hancock for taking the time answering my questions. He is very involved in the public and seems to be the guy that the BCS is using to boost their public relations.

TCU Beats New Mexico and is Heading to their First BCS Bowl Game

Jeremy Mauss — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 08:06:18 -0000

More photos » by MIKE STONE - AP

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Final - 11.28.2009	1	2	3	4	Total
New Mexico Lobos	0	10	0	0	10
TCU Horned Frogs	9	21	0	21	51

Complete Coverage >

TCU did it again by boat racing New Mexico in their home finale and in the process qualified for their first BCS bowl game in school history. The first points on the board came on a wacky play where New Mexico was punting and the kicker had to hustle to kick the ball out of the end zone to only give up a safety.

That was just the beginning before the chaos broke as TCU ended up scoring the first 30 points in the game. This was the same old TCU everyone has seen all year with a solid defense and a running game that was great and included 3 players rushing for over 40 yards and a total of 202 yards.

The passing game saw more work then normal as QB Andy Dalton passed for 228 yards and four touchdowns. The leading receiver was a different player this week as sophomore Antoine Hicks over half of the yards with 123 and two scores of his own.

After the game TCU head coach Gary Patterson addressed the crowd on the PA system and said this:

"We can play with anybody," said Patterson. "I don't care who you are. We look forward to the challenge. I can tell you this team can play with a lot of people."

The belief is mutual here that TCU is as good if not better then any team in the country: yest that includes the Sainted Tim Tebow and Florida. This game was all for style points for the human voters, because the computer polls will drop the Horned Frogs for playing such a week opponent.

The drop does not really matter because TCU is in the BCS and the only way the computer rankings matter is if somehow Texas losing to Nebraska in the Big XII title game next week.

Triple Header Open Thread: TCU looking to clinch BCS Bowl Berth

Jeremy Mauss — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:30:17 -0000

The regular season is coming to a close after today's game, but they will be good. TCU should crush New Mexico, but a TCU gets them in their first ever BCS bowl. Then there is the Holy War that is always a nasty game and will determine the bowl situation for the league. The finale is UNLV and San Diego State the Rebels are looking for revenge over last years embarassing loss, but they are doing it with a lame duck coach. SDSU is looking for a positive note heading into the off season.

New Mexico @ TCU 12 PM CST

Utah @ BYU 3PM MST and HD

UNLV @ San Diego State 7PM PST

Feel free to comment on the Florida and Florida State game which could affect TCU and their chances in getting to the number two spot.

Let's hear what you think. Register for a free account here on the site and leave your comments, predictions and other game day chatter below in the comments section.

I have now integrated twitter to the open thread. So, within your message you need to put #mwc in the tweet and it will show up and send it to @mwcconnection. Also, if your not following me my twitter name is @mwcconnection

New Mexico is Last Minor Hurdle Between TCU and the BCS

Jeremy Mauss — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 05:28:11 -0000

Next Game

New Mexico Lobos
@ TCU Horned Frogs

Saturday, Nov 28, 2009, 10:00 AM PST
Amon G. Carter Stadium

TV: The Mtn HD

Complete Coverage >

This game is full of irony since all TCU has to do is beat lowly New Mexico and goes to their BCS game in school history. According to Accuscore TCU is going to win 99.9 percent of the time with an average score of 51.7 to 7.7 which is deadly accurate to the current spread which has TCU as a 45 point favorite.

The Lobos are coming off of their first win of the year and should have some confidence heading into this game, but TCU should have a sell out for this historic game and will be pumped for this game.

There is no real conceivable reason for New Mexico to win or even to hang with TCU. The Spit Bloods need style points and if TCU wants to try to inch closer to the number two spot they must keep doing what they have done all year which is pummel opponents. New Mexico has been able to move the ball the past two weeks against BYU and Colorado State, but QB Donovan Porterie will need to be an all-world talent to get anywhere near his recent production.

TCU needs to leave no doubt and get off to an early lead like they did against Utah and not what they did against Wyoming which had the game tied at ten mid way through the second quarter. The TCU rushing game should have its way against New Mexico who have the 81st rated rushing defense by giving up 161 yards per game. Expect those yards to come from all sorts of backs since TCU has no lead back but about four or five --including QB Andy Dalton-- to gain around fifty yards each.

Again, this game is literally a lock for TCU's first ever potential BCS bowl berth, so they should be focused and take out the Lobos at home in an expected sell out crowd.

Mountain West and their Road to the BCS: Week 13

Michael Rueckert — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 03:05:45 -0000

More photos » by Rob Carr - ASSOCIATED PRESS

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It's now the time to feature the games that will affect the Mountain West's BCS possibilities during this rivalry week. This is a great weekend of college football with big games on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

For probably the first time ever, there is a more important game in the Mountain West than the Holy War during rivalry week. Lost in the hype of the BYU vs. Utah game is the (11-0) TCU Horned Frogs, who are looking to finish undefeated against New Mexico.

Still four teams remain ranked ahead of the TCU, whose national championship hopes may be soon coming to a close. They will need losses ahead of them, and this week poses a greater challenge for those teams than prior weeks.

Here is a look at games this weekend that will affect the Mountain West in their BCS hunt:

All times are eastern

New Mexico at No. 4 TCU (The Mtn. HD, 1:00 PM Saturday)

One of the most lopsided matchups in MWC history. The Horned Frogs are a 45 point favorite over the Lobos. ESPN's Accuscore is giving New Mexico a 0% chance of winning.

MWC rooting interest: TCU. What a great scene it will be for the TCU program when they crush New Mexico and finish the season undefeated at home. They will be locked into a BCS bowl, but need teams ahead of them to lose to get into the BCS National Championship.

No. 3 Texas at Texas A&M (ESPN HD, 8:00 PM Thursday)

A Thanksgiving prime time game featuring the (11-0) Longhorns and the (5-6) Aggies in this in-state rivalry game.

MWC rooting interest: Texas A&M. If Texas loses, TCU will go to No. 3 in the polls, and would eventually jump the loser of the SEC Championship game putting them in the National Championship Game. Texas A&M will be playing at home where they are (5-1) this season. This will be tough, but it is possible for an upset. If Texas wins as expected, Nebraska will be have the last shot at ruining their perfect season in the Big 12 Championship Game.

No. 2 Alabama at Auburn (CBS HD, 2:30 PM Friday)

Alabama faces a tough challenge this week against their bitter rival Auburn in the Iron Bowl.

MWC rooting interest: Auburn. This should be a good game. Auburn is a good team, they are (7-4) and are looking to improve their bowl situation, plus gain bragging rights in the state of Alabama. An Alabama loss should drop them below TCU, but if they defeat Florida they could jump back over TCU.

Florida State at No. 1 Florida (CBS HD, 3:30 PM Saturday)

ESPN College GameDay will be on hand for Tim Tebow's last game at the Swamp.

MWC rooting interest: Florida State. The Seminoles crushed BYU's BCS hopes earlier this season, but could greatly improve TCU's with a win this week. Don't expect any upset though. Tim Tebow and the Gators are just too good to lose to this struggling Florida State team, especially in their last game at the Swamp this season. Likewise with Alabama, a Florida loss drops them behind TCU, but winning the SEC could put them back in the top 2.

No. 21 Utah at No. 19 BYU (The Mtn. HD/ CBS-C HD, 5:00 PM Saturday)

It's rivalry week in the Mountain West. The 2009 Holy War features two Top 25 ranked for just the third time ever.

MWC rooting interest: Toss up. What would be best for the Mountain West, is to have both teams remain ranked after this game. One of the criteria for BCS AQ evaluation is how many teams are in the Top 25 at the end of the season. With BYU being ranked higher, they are more likely to remain ranked with a loss but it is more of a toss up for the conference.

Illinois at No. 5 Cincinnati (ABC HD, 12:00 PM Friday)

Cincinnati QB Tony Pike is going to be back in the lineup for the game against the struggling Illini.

MWC rooting interest: Illinois. Undefeated Cincinnati still can jump TCU with a win over Pittsburgh next week. Illinois' best hope is if Cincinnati overlooks them for their Big East showdown next week.

Nevada at No. 6 Boise State (ESPN2 HD, 10:00 PM Friday)

A win means another undefeated regular season for the Boise State Broncos, who are looking to get into the BCS as an at-large team.

MWC rooting interest: Boise State. They are not a threat to jump TCU, so we can now root for the Broncos. Multiple non-AQ teams in the BCS would be a great thing for all non automatic qualifier conferences. If the Mountain West expands to add Boise, the higher their ranking, the better the conference would be in BCS evaluations. (we will have more to come on that next week)

No. 18 Clemson at South Carolina (ESPN HD, 12:00 PM Saturday)

Clemson clinched their spot in the ACC Championship Game against Georgia Tech last week with their win over Virginia. They are the highest ranked team in the BCS standings that TCU has beaten.

MWC rooting interest: Clemson. The higher Clemson climbs in the polls, the stronger TCU's claim is to play in the National Title. They face a tough challenge playing in the SEC, but South Carolina is not playing well as of lately.

No. 9 Pittsburgh at West Virginia (ESPN2 HD, 7:00 PM Friday)

With a Pitt win, the stage will be set for the de facto Big East Championship Game against Cincinnati next week.

MWC rooting interest: West Virginia. A Pittsburgh loss greatly reduces the risk of Cincinnati jumping TCU and also improves Boise State's chances of getting into the BCS as an at-large team.

Blogpoll Ballot -- Week 12 Draft

Truzenzuzex — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:47:17 -0000

My blogpoll ballot has basically calcified in place as far as the top ten is concerned.

For the first time all year, the top ten did not change. At this point in the season, many teams are either done or nearly done with their regular season, and with the exception of some rivalry and league championship games which could prove significant, there is not a whole lot of movement likely. We do no that either the Alabama Crimson Tide or Florida Gators are going to take a hit, but I would be surprised if the Nebraska Cornhuskers found a way to challenge the Texas Longhorns in the Big 12 championship.

More after the jump.

Rank	Team	Delta

1	Alabama
2	Texas
3	Florida
4	Cincinnati
5	TCU
6	Boise State
7	Georgia Tech
8	Pittsburgh
9	Oregon
10	Ohio State
11	Iowa	1
12	Oklahoma State	1
13	Houston	3
14	Virginia Tech	1
15	Penn State	2
16	Clemson	2
17	North Carolina	4
18	Miami (Florida)	1
19	Oregon State	4
20	Southern Cal
21	Stanford	10
22	Nebraska	2
23	California
24	LSU	10
25	Brigham Young
Last week's ballot

Dropped Out: Wisconsin (#22), Navy (#25).

Remarks:

Who would have thought the Ducks would get this high after the first game of the season? Not I.
A Texas loss to Nebraska or the Aggies could pave the way for Cincinnati or TCU to the BCS championship. Another pre-season "Who'da thunk it?"
A collapse at the top still could happen. Florida and Alabama both have big rivalry games, then they play each other. Boise State still has a path to the BCS championship, although it is a long shot.
Could Georgia Tech leapfrog Boise State with a win over the Bulldogs next week? I'm pretty sure the answer is no. But if the Engineers defeat Clemson in the ACC championship, that no becomes a definite maybe, and you can bet some Idaho Congress critter or senator is gonna sue if that happens.
What if Alabama loses to Auburn and Florida loses to FSU, UC loses to Pittsburgh or Illinois and Texas drops a game to either the Aggies or the 'Huskers? Can you say, "BCS buster?"
I think Georgia Tech and Alabama are playing the best football in the nation right now.
TCU is in a great spot right now. With only 1-10 New Mexico left, they have a fair chance of backing into the BCS championship.
How far would an Alabama loss to Auburn or a Florida loss to FSU drop them? Could one of them recover to the BCS championship by winning the SEC championship? I don't know.
Michigan could really muck up rival Ohio State's hope for a big bowl.
How many games has Notre Dame lost by a touchdown or less? All five. Wow. I can't remember ever seeing that before -- five losses, all by a touchdown or less. Poor Domers.
LSU could drop to "Les Miles is in trouble" territory if they lose to Arkansas.
Whither Southern Cal? Oh, there they are -- way down the poll. How's that schedule thing working out for you, Pete Carroll?

Comments welcome and appreciated.

SB Nation - New Mexico Lobos

New Mexico Taking on #18 Texas A&M in Houston

Next Game

Mountain West and their Road to the BCS: Week 14

Making the Rounds: 12/1/09

2009 Mountain West All-Conference Football Team Announced

Talking AQ Evaluation With BCS Executive Director, Bill Hancock

TCU Beats New Mexico and is Heading to their First BCS Bowl Game

Triple Header Open Thread: TCU looking to clinch BCS Bowl Berth

Twitter #mwc

New Mexico is Last Minor Hurdle Between TCU and the BCS

Next Game

Mountain West and their Road to the BCS: Week 13

Blogpoll Ballot -- Week 12 Draft

Remarks: