New Mexico vs Montana State Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

The Bronco Mendenhall era at New Mexico kicks off against a terrific Montana State team that should be in the mix for the FCS National Championship.

The Bobcats are fourth in the first FCS Top 25, and have a real shot at pulling off a win over an FBS team. The Lobos are rebuilding, and they can’t afford a home misfire.

New Mexico vs Montana State Game Preview

New Mexico vs Montana State How to Watch
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024
Game Time: 4:00 pm
Venue: University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
How to Watch: FS1
2023 Records: New Mexico (4-8), Montana State (8-4)
- Week 0 Schedule, Predictions

Why Montana State Will Win

The ground game should once again be devastating.

The Bobcats finished second in the FCS last season running for 293 yards per game with 41 touchdowns on the year.

Most of the top runners are back. Julius Davis ran for 718 yards and six scores. QB Tommy Mellott ran for over eight yards per carry, and Scottre Humphrey ran for eight touchdowns.

The New Mexico run defense was an issue last year, there wasn’t any pass rush whatsoever, and …

Why New Mexico Will Win

The Lobos are trying to fix the glitch on the defense front through the transfer portal.

Four key new guys are coming in around USC transfer De’jon Benton for the front three, and the back eight is relatively experienced.

The offensive line is full of all transfers, but the skill parts are in place. The Lobo ground game will be strong.

It’s a Bronco Mendenhall team. It’ll be well coached from the start - the penalties and mistakes of last year should stop.

New Mexico vs Montana State: Who Will Win

New year, new parts, new coaches, new players, new teams, but …

The last time Montana State played an FBS team was in early 2022. It was loaded, and lost to Oregon State 68-28. The 2021 team played for the FCS national title, and started the season with a loss to Wyoming.

Montana State lost 45-10 to Texas Tech in 2019. 31-0 to Washington State in 2017. 37-10 to Arkansas State in 2014. 31-30 to SMU in 2013.

27-10 to Utah in 2011. 23-22 to Washington State in 2010. 44-3 to Michigan State in 2009. 69-10 to Kansas State and 35-23 to Minnesota in 2008 …

You get the idea. It would take something slightly historic for the Bobcats to win this, and they’re just good enough to do it.

New Mexico, though, hasn’t lost to an FCS team since 2011, and it’ll barely survive here as a big underdog.

New Mexico vs Montana State Prediction, Betting Lines

New Mexico 27, Montana State 26
Line: Montana State -8.5, o/u: 53.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 1.5
New Mexico vs Montana State Must See Rating: 3