Rutgers 2016 Season Game 3: New Mexico

                                                                                                        (AP Photo)

WHO: New Mexico (1-1, 0-0) at Rutgers (1-1, 0-0)

WHEN: Saturday at noon ET

WHERE: High Point Solutions Stadium; ESPNews (TV); 710-AM, 1450-AM, 97.3-FM, 920-AM (Radio)

COACHES: New Mexico: Bob Davie (fifth season, 19-33); Rutgers: Chris Ash (first season, 1-1)

SERIES: This marks the first-ever meeting between the two schools.

LAST WEEK: After falling behind two touchdowns, Rutgers rallied past Howard to win its home opener, 52-14. New Mexico lost by one point on a touchdown late in the fourth quarter at in-state rival New Mexico State.

RUTGERS WINS IF: The Scarlet Knights show improved leverage in their perimeter defense. An undermanned FCS school just came into Piscataway and lit up Rutgers with a few big plays on the outside. You can bet New Mexico’s triple option pistol offense will test the Knights in space early and often. Rutgers can’t afford to nosedive in the first quarter again.

NEW MEXICO WINS IF: The Lobos dictate the line of scrimmage. New Mexico is speedy and physical on both sides up front. Washington State QB transfer Austin Apodaca orchestrates an exotic offense. Lineman Garrett Hughes leads an odd man defensive front that has generated eight sacks in two games.

EXTRA POINTS: Rutgers has won 12 of its last 15 games against nonconference schools. ... The Scarlet Knights are 2-4 all-time against current Mountain West opponents. ... This will be New Mexico head coach Bob Davie’s second visit to Piscataway. The former Notre Dame head coach guided the Irish to a 45-17 victory against Rutgers on Nov. 18, 2000. ... The Lobos have no players from New Jersey on their roster.

PREDICTION: Rutgers 34, New Mexico 24

Game week stories

Preview: Rutgers emphasizes tackling, reading keys against New Mexico's triple option pistol offense

Film Review: Analyzing Rutgers' run game, zone read against Howard

Notebook: Rutgers' Robert Martin, Jawuan Harris to start; Janarion Grant named Special Teams Player of the Week

Got a comment or feedback? You can tweet me @gregp_j or email gjohnson@trentonian.com. Enjoy Rutgers' final nonconference game before Big Ten action commences.

— Greg Johnson