posted December 19, 2007 at 09:58 in NCAA F Articles

The relative superiority of the Nevada Wolf Pack football team over that of the New Mexico Lobos is evidenced by the fact that the football betting line favors the Pack by a field goal in a bowl game even thought New Mexico has the distinct advantage of playing in front of their home crowd and on their own field. Considering the fact that the Lobos have won five out of the six games they have played at home in 2007, this advantage must be taken into account if you bet on college football odds and want to place one on this game.

Nevada Wolf Pack -3 vs. New Mexico Lobos +3

Nevada runs what is known as a Pistol offence and it features quarterback Colin Kaepernick and running back Luke Lippincott. In the Pistol, the QB is lines up in the shotgun with his RB behind him a couple of yards. What this allows for is the possibility of having a strong downhill running game while also allowing the quarterback the quicker reads made possible by being in the shotgun. It seems to be working for the Pack’s running game, as Lippincott has amassed 1,380 yards on 257 carries and has scored 15 TDs. He is fast of the line and well balanced in his running and his game is helped by the fact that Kaepernick possesses the ability to also take off downfield. The fact that both key elements of the Pistol offense are able to run the ball makes it very tough for defenders to prepare for and ward off.

New Mexico Bowl @ University Stadium: 4:30 PM EST, Saturday, December 22, 2007

Kaepernick is a very smart QB and the offensive coordinators of the Pack design quite a few running plays for him. Still, when a play is busted, they can relax even more knowing that their QB can pick up what has gone wrong quick enough to make something out of nothing with his legs. This does not necessarily mean downfield, though. Kaepernick has been playing a very well managed passing game, with 19 TDs through the air, compared to just three INTs in only his first year as a starter.

He and the rest of the offense will have to play a careful game against a Lobos defense that ranks 25th in the nation in scoring. They have the issue of size on their part, which should help, but the New Mexico Lobos are fast and smart. If Nevada can establish the run early and pound the ball for a few drives to start the game, they should be able to maintain a lead and cover this field goal spread.

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