UNM coach expects good game against Utah

(KSL Sports) After dropping 70 points two weeks ago against the San Diego St. Aztecs New Mexico (4-5, 2-3 MWC) was only able to muster 10 points (and four turnovers) last week in their loss to Air Force.

This week the Lobos host an undefeated and rested Utah team. The 9/10 Utes (8-0, 4-0 MWC) are coming off a bye week after perhaps their most complete game the week before against Colorado St.

Utah is making a push for a BCS at-large bid, New Mexico is fighting to get to .500, but the Lobos head coach is not short of confidence.

Rocky Long says, "Both teams pride themselves on similar things. Both teams like to think they can run the ball. And both teams think they play good aggressive defense. So, I think there is a similar mentality in the two teams."

When asked if he noticed the Utes doing anything differently against CSU, Long didn't think so, but noticed they were, "concentrating on things that were only a part of their offense in the past."

Long complimented the Utes defense, ranked 6th in the country, "They're physical up front. They're big and strong in their front seven and their DB's are really aggressive."

Long expects a good, physical game. "Obviously, I think they have played much, much better than we have this year," he says. "But there is a similar mentality or philosophy in the programs so when the two teams get together usually it's a close game."

Kick off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1 in Albuquerque. Catch the live game blog on KSL.com beginning at 7 p.m.

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