The 2024 NCAA college football season kicks off this Saturday with a four-game Week 0 lineup, featuring a game between the Montana State Bobcats from the FCS and the New Mexico Lobos from the FBS. Last season, Montana State achieved an 8-4 overall record and a 6-2 record in Big Sky Conference play, concluding their season with a narrow 35-34 overtime defeat to North Dakota State in the second round of the FCS playoffs. In contrast, New Mexico finished 2023 with a 4-8 overall record and a 2-6 record in the Mountain West Conference. This meeting marks the third clash in history between the Bobcats and the Lobos and their first since the 1947 Harbor Bowl, which ended in a 13-13 tie.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 4 p.m. ET at University Stadium in Albuquerque, NM. Surprisingly, the Bobcats are favored by 12.5 points according to the latest betting odds, with the total points line set at 53.5. Montana State is seen as a strong contender with a money line of -550, making them the first double-digit FCS favorites against an FBS team since 2013. Before making any predictions for this matchup, it’s recommended to consult expert insights, including those from Emory Hunt, founder and CEO of Football Gameplan and a former college running back.
Hunt has been analyzing football at all levels since 2007 and had a successful record of 93-78-5 with his college football picks last year. He has now focused his analysis on the game between Montana State and New Mexico and has released his predictions.
In terms of betting lines, here are the most notable figures for the Montana State vs. New Mexico game:
– Spread: Bobcats -12.5
– Over/Under: 53.5 points
– Money line: Bobcats -550, Lobos +400
Montana State is looking to break a streak of 13 consecutive losses to FBS teams, while New Mexico has been dominant against FCS opponents with a 20-3 record, winning their last nine encounters.
The Bobcats boasted one of the best offenses in the FCS last year, scoring an average of 39.9 points per game and amassing 473.1 yards. Key players include quarterback Tommy Mellott, who threw for over 1,000 yards and ran for additional touchdowns, and returning running backs Julius Davis and Scottre Humphrey.
On the other hand, New Mexico experienced a substantial increase in scoring, averaging 27.3 points last season, up from 13.1 the previous year. New starting quarterback Devon Dampier, who showed potential last season, will lead the Lobos, with Andrew Henry set to take over as the primary running back.
Hunt’s analysis suggests a lower score for the game, but he has identified a vital factor influencing the spread. For the latest picks and expert insights, fans can check SportsLine. The anticipation surrounding this game is building as both teams look to start the season strong.