New Mexico hosts Utah State on Saturday at University Stadium, the first meeting between both programs since Bronco Mendenhall left the Lobos to become the Aggies' head coach. Three keys, a prediction — plus some other odds and ends — entering one of UNM's most anticipated games of the year: 1.

Preview the Oct. 25 matchup between New Mexico and Utah State, including betting odds, trends, and game information.

His Aggies will treat their latest football game like any other, head coach Bronco Mendenhall insisted during Monday’s press conference, but there are sure to be extra emotions come Saturday

On Saturday, the No. 11 Cougars face a crucial road challenge at Iowa State, a program they haven’t defeated in five tries. Iowa State will have had two weeks to prepare and their backs are against the wall after losses to Colorado and Cincinnati.

A trip to the Mountain West championship game is still a conceivable goal for Utah State’s football team, but the Aggies must find a way to starting winning on the

Jason Ecks Lobos still have games upcoming against UNLV, Colorado State, Air Force, and San Diego State, so there is a strong incentive to beat the Aggies. But Bronco Mendenhall’s Aggies also come in with postseason aspirations to become bowl-eligible.

The game featured great plays and head scratching decisions, but Utah State ultimately made the key plays to win against the Spartans.

Utah State ranks 133rd in FBS in red zone defense, allowing opponents to score on 96.4% of trips. New Mexico’s red zone offense ranks 100th, scoring on 79.3% of red zone opportunities. Utah State is 123rd in the FBS with an average time of possession of 27:25. Passing: Jack Layne, 1,415 yards, 8 TDs, 8 INTs, 66.3 completion percentage