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ALBUQUERQUE -- If any Mountain West Conference opponent knows how to beat a ranked Utah team, its the New Mexico Lobos.
In Urban Meyer's only conference loss, the Lobos knocked off the No. 23 Utes in 2003, 47-35.
In November of 1994, No. 8 Utah had an 8-0 record going into their match-up with New Mexico, including victories over conference partner No. 12 Colorado State and Oregon, who won the PAC-10 and finished the season ranked 11th. The Utes were heavy favorites to destroy a Lobo team that only had three wins on the season. Even though the Utes jumped out early, turnovers fueled a furious Lobo rally, with the Lobos winning 23-21 on a field goal with just over 30 seconds left.
Even in 2004 and 2008, Utah's two BCS busting seasons, the games against the Lobos were close. The Utes, who averaged 45 points a game in 2004, only managed 28 against the Lobos.
"New Mexico has played us tough perennially and it's been a tough match-up," Utah Head Coach Kyle Whittingham said. "It's been a good series since I've been at Utah."
The 2008 match-up was only decided by three points (13-10).
"Albuquerque has been a tough place to play for us," Whittingham said. "We escaped with our lives last time down there."
With former Lobo Head Coach Rocky Long moving over to San Diego State last season, the defense has taken quite a hit. The Utes beat New Mexico 45-14 in Jordan Wynn's first start last year. So far through two games, New Mexico has given up 124 points (72 to Oregon and 52 to Texas Tech), while their offense has equally struggled, only putting up 17 points.
After opening with two wins at home, the Utes hit the road for the first time this season. Most likely Terrance Cain will start again at quarterback for the Utes, allowing Jordan Wynn an extra week to heal from an injury suffered in the first half of the Pitt game (sprained thumb). Center Zane Taylor, who injured his knee in the 4th quarter against UNLV, will also most likely sit out, allowing sophomore Tevita Stevens to move into his position.
Utes on the air
No. 14 Utah (2-0, 1-0 MWC) at New Mexico (0-2, 0-0)
Saturday, 6 p.m.
University Stadium, Albuquerque
TV: The mtn.
Radio: 700 AM
