Maine at New Mexico 9/3/22 - College Football Picks & Predictions

The Maine Black Bears visit University Stadium in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday to play the New Mexico Lobos. Maine finished 6-5 last season after opening the season 1-4. Quarterback Joe Fagnano will start under center for Maine. Last season Fagnano passed for 794 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions, but had his season cut short with an ankle injury.

Maine lost its top two receivers from last season and tight end Shawn Bowman is expected to be the leading receiver in 2022.  Transfer Kobay White is expected to give Maine a receiver who can stretch the field but has been plagued by injuries over the last two seasons. Running back Freddi Brock, who rushed for 720 yards and 10 touchdowns last season will be one of the focal points of the offense.

Last season New Mexico finished 3-9 overall and 1-7 in the Mountain West Conference. New Mexico suffered through a poor season on offense last year, averaging only 12 points and 235 yards per game. Miles Kendrick has joined New Mexico from Kansas and will be the starting quarterback. The running attack will be led by Nathaniel Jones, who was the second leading rusher in 2020 but missed all of last season.

Luke Wyson returns as the leading receiver after last season catching 23 passes for 228 yards. Tight end Trace Bruckler is back and last season led the Lobos with three touchdown receptions. New Mexico's defense was improved with the addition of Tavian Combs at safety. Ronnie's Wilson returns after making 54 tackles last season but the top player for the defense is Jerrick Reed, who led New Mexico with 89 tackles.