The choice: Why New Mexico Will Beat Washington State No. 19

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – Washington State coach Jake Dickert said it best this week.

“Our hands will be full,” he said.

Dickert talked about New Mexico’s defense, which his No. 19 WSU teams will be challenged to beat Saturday night, but the vibe is even better on the other side of the ball. That’s where the Cougars will face UNM’s Devon Dampier, the first dual-threat quarterback they’ve faced all season, a quick and elusive signal caller.

As far as quarterback matchups go, Dampier may represent the highest assignment yet for this WSU defense, which is a week removed from allowing 28 points in a win over Utah State. More to the point, the Cougars have yet to face a QB as good on the ground as Dampier, who has forced 44 missed tackles this season, tied for the most nationally by a quarterback.

The guy he’s tied with will be on the other sideline. WSU QB John Mateer has been at his best in recent weeks, scoring two touchdowns in a comeback win over San Diego State and adding four more in a blowout win over Hawaii last weekend in Pullman. He has been accurate and in control, completing 70% or more of his passes in three straight games.

Mateer only plays on one side of the ball. He can’t help on defense, and that’s where we predict WSU will struggle with its first loss in nearly two months.

The Cougars have improved in the tackling department of late, missing just nine tackles last week, but they remain Pro Football Focus’ second-worst tackling team in the country.

That’s no way to defend a quarterback like Dampier.

The Pick: New Mexico 30, Washington State 26