New Mexico @ Fresno State preview

New Mexico at Fresno State

Last Meeting ( Oct 27, 2012 ) Fresno State 49, New Mexico 32

Fresno State will have two things that visiting New Mexico wishes it had when they meet on Saturday - the No. 2 quarterback in the country and a week's rest from a bye. The unbeaten Bulldogs expect to romp behind Derek Carr, the Mountain West Conference's passing yardage leader, en route to their 10th straight victory to start the season against the undermanned Lobos. New Mexico will be without starting quarterback Cole Gautsche and starting running back Kasey Carrier, who have combined for nearly 60 percent of Lobos' offense this season, but are both out because of concussion symptoms.

Carr ranks second in the nation in both passing yards per game (380.1) and touchdowns (32) while having thrown at least one TD in 29 consecutive games. The No. 16 Bulldogs, who are coming off a 48-10 blowout of Wyoming in which Carr passed for 366 yards and four touchdowns, are averaging 44.3 points and 546.6 yards per game. The Lobos are trying to rebound from a 66-42 shootout loss to Colorado State where Clayton Mitchem replaced the injured Gautsche and threw for 116 yards.

TV: 4 p.m. ET, ESPN News. LINE: Fresno State -32.5

ABOUT NEW MEXICO (3-7, 1-5 MWC): The Lobos' triple-option offense will be hard-pressed to make up for the loss of Gautsche and Carrier, who have rushed for 777 yards and 1,122 yards, respectively, to key the second-ranked attack in the nation in rushing average at 323.8 yards per game. The Lobos will likely have to rely more on Mitchem's stronger arm - a concern for Fresno State defensive coordinator Nick Toth. "I think they've become more dangerous because the kid they are playing now at quarterback throws the ball a lot better," Toth said.

ABOUT FRESNO STATE (9-0, 6-0): The Bulldogs are off to their best start since 1989 as one of only six FBS teams still unbeaten this season. Fresno State can clinch the West Division of the MVC by beating the Lobos for the fourth year in a row. Expect Carr to again look for sophomore Davante Adams, who has been his favorite receiver this season with 91 catches for 967 yards and 15 touchdowns to lead the nation in scoring receptions.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Carr has been named one of five finalists for this season's Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in recognition of the country's top college quarterback, which will be announced Dec. 13.

2. The Lobos have tied the 1997 school record by scoring 30 or more points in seven games this season.

3. New Mexico P Ben Skaer ranks fourth in the nation in punting at 46.5 yards per attempt, but has not had to punt in either of the Lobos' last two games.

PREDICTION: Fresno State 48, New Mexico 24