New Mexico Bowl sees return of Scooby Wright in Lobos home game
Gildan New Mexico Bowl
Arizona (6-6) vs. New Mexico (7-5)
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dec. 19, 2015
This matchup isn’t the most exciting way to kick off the 2015 bowl slate, but there are a few fun things to keep an eye on.
First, Bob Davie’s rebuilding effort at New Mexico has gone under the radar. The former Notre Dame head man returned to the sideline after a 10-season coaching hiatus. Now in his fourth year with the program, the Lobos are back in the postseason for the first time since 2007. That’s a great story. The Lobos came up just short in their effort to win the Mountain division and play for a Mountain West title, but a playing a bowl game on your home field isn’t the worst consolation prize.
The Lobos’ option offense has the potential to give Arizona fits. Running backs Jhurell Pressley and Teriyon Gipson and quarterback Lamar Jordan each gained more than 650 yards and at least six touchdowns on the ground. Richard McQuarley also had seven scores for the Lobos, so they can attack you with various personnel. However, New Mexico will likely be in big trouble if it falls behind. Between Jordan and Austin Apodaca, the Lobos threw for a total of 1,579 yards, five touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season.
As porous as the Arizona defense has been at times this year, the Wildcats should be in good shape if they can handle the option. Of course, the return of All-American linebacker Scooby Wright will certainly help. Wright, a junior, missed the majority of the season with various injuries, but is expected to play in what could be his final collegiate game before heading off to the NFL.
His presence would be a huge boost for Arizona, which stumbled to a 6-6 record after starting 5-2. In addition to Wright, starting quarterback Anu Solomon is also expected to return from a concussion that kept him out of the season finale – a Territorial Cup loss to Arizona State.
The New Mexico defense – led by junior linebacker Dakota Cox (89 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks) – is solid, but it’s been a while since that unit has faced an offense with the playmakers that Arizona has. Solomon has four wideouts with at least 40 catches, plus reliable backfield options in Nick Wilson (725 yards, 8 TDs) and Jared Baker (691 yards, 6 TDs).
Perhaps a home crowd will give the Lobos an added boost.
Picks
Graham: New Mexico has been underrated all season, but its rushing game is No. 8 in the country and the Arizona defense has been dismal against the run all season. I like the Lobos to take this 34-21.
Nick: With Anu Solomon and Scooby Wright back for the game, Arizona is going to be a big favorite. But at 6-6 are the Wildcats going to care? I’m not so sure. Arizona 24-23.
Sam: New Mexico is going to keep this one close, but Arizona, especially with several key players returning, has too much talent. Once the Lobos are behind, they’ll have to go to the air, and it probably won’t go too well. Arizona 33, New Mexico 24.
For more Arizona news, visit GOAZCats.com.
For more New Mexico news, visit LoboLand.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
