Free College Football Picks Today: New Mexico Lobos vs San Diego State Aztecs 11/18/22

The University of New Mexico Lobos (2-8, 0-6 MWC) will be looking to end their losing run when they welcome the San Diego State University Aztecs (6-4, 4-2 MWC) at University Stadium on Friday. The Aztecs are 14.5-point favorites, and the total is 39.5. San Diego State is coming off an impressive 43-27 win over San Jose State at Snapdragon Stadium on Saturday. Jalen Mayden threw for 268 yards with three touchdowns and an interception.

He also ran 13 times for 61 yards. Tyrell Shavers caught four passes for 111 yards and a touchdown. New Mexico dropped a seventh straight game on Saturday, falling 35-3 to Air Force at Falcon Stadium. Justin Holaday was 10 of 21 for 128 yards. Christian Washington carried seven times for 24 yards. Duece Jones had three receptions for 49 yards.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

The Aztecs won the only meeting between the teams last season, a 31-7 victory in October, their third straight win against New Mexico. Greg Bell had a rushing touchdown for San Diego State.

TALE OF THE TAPE

The Aztecs are averaging 21.9 points per game for the season, 106th in FBS, and they are facing a Lobos defense that has surrendered 26.1 PPG (66th). Meanwhile, New Mexico has scored 14.7 points a game this season, 129th in the country, and San Diego State is allowing 21.9 PPG (37th).

The Aztecs rank as one of the nation’s worst teams in passing yards per game (158.1, 122nd), while they are 57th in rushing yards (163.4). The Lobos are 25th in passing yards allowed per game (192.1) and 91st against the run (164.6).

New Mexico has been one of the nation’s least productive passing teams, averaging 108.5 passing yards per game (127th), while ranking 89th in rushing yards (131.0). The Aztecs are allowing 235.3 passing yards (81st) and 117.8 rushing yards per game (24th).

TOP PERFORMERS

Through seven games, Jalen Mayden has thrown for eight touchdowns (4 INT) and 179.0 yards per game to lead San Diego State in passing. In two away games this season, he has two TDs (2 INT) and an average of 223.5 yards passing.

Jordan Byrd leads the team in rushing with an average of 36.4 yards a game over 10 games. He has three touchdowns on the ground. Tyrell Shavers is the Aztecs’ leading receiver with 47.7 yards a game and three TDs.

Miles Kendrick has three passing touchdowns (7 INT) with 107.9 yards per game through eight games to lead New Mexico. In five home games this season, he has thrown for three TDs (4 INT) and an average of 100.0 yards.

Nathaniel Jones has been the home team’s leading performer on the ground, averaging 51.8 yards a game through nine games. He has two touchdowns. Geordan Porter has been the primary target in the Lobos’ aerial attack. He has two touchdowns and a 50.5 yard per game average through six appearances.