New Mexico State at Western Kentucky - 2025 Matchup Preview
New Mexico State logo New Mexico State Aggies at Western Kentucky HilltoppersWestern Kentucky logo
Saturday, November 1st 2025 (12:00 AM EDT)
Houchens Industries-L. T. Smith Stadium - Bowling Green, KY  (Conference USA)

 
Aggies (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Tony Sanchez (3 - 9)
Avg Score : 22 - 36 (13 - 38 on Road)
Record Prediction: 4.7 - 7.3 (#103)
'25 Opponents: (Elite: 1) (Good: 0) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 10)
Our Line: Western Kentucky -9.5   (SP+ WKU -10)
Projected Score: NMSU: 20 - WKU: 30 (54)
WKU Win prob: 79% | Cover: 55%
NMSU Travel: 1195 miles, 1 hrs behind
Hilltoppers (0 - 0) (0 - 0 - 0)
Coach Tyson Helton (48 - 31)
Avg Score : 25 - 25 (26 - 14 @ Home)
Record Prediction: 7 - 5 (#51)
'25 Opponents: (Elite: 1) (Good: 0) (Avg: 1) (Bad: 10)
 
New Mexico State's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 8/30 New Mexico State vs Bryant-5
Sat 9/6 New Mexico State vs Tulsa-1.5
Sat 9/13 New Mexico State at Louisiana Tech+5
BYE WEEK
Sat 9/27 New Mexico State at New Mexico+5
Thu 10/2 New Mexico State vs Sam Houston-1.5
BYE WEEK
Tue 10/14 New Mexico State at Liberty+21.5
Wed 10/22 New Mexico State vs Missouri State-2
Sat 11/1 New Mexico State at Western Kentucky+9.5
Sat 11/8 New Mexico State vs Kennesaw State-4.5
Sat 11/15 New Mexico State at Tennessee+38.5
Sat 11/22 New Mexico State at UTEP+7.5
Sat 11/29 New Mexico State vs Middle Tennessee-1.5

Total: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 1, Bad 0, Poor 10
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 1, Bad 0, Poor 10
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for New Mexico State's Schedule
Western Kentucky's 2025 Schedule
DateMatchupSpreadTotalResultO/UCover
Sat 8/23 Western Kentucky vs Sam Houston-8.00.0
Sat 8/30 Western Kentucky vs North Alabama-11.5
Sat 9/6 Western Kentucky at Toledo+13
BYE WEEK
Sat 9/20 Western Kentucky vs Nevada-8
Sat 9/27 Western Kentucky at Missouri State-4
Fri 10/3 Western Kentucky at Delaware-2.5
BYE WEEK
Tue 10/14 Western Kentucky vs Florida International-5.5
Tue 10/21 Western Kentucky at Louisiana Tech-2
Sat 11/1 Western Kentucky vs New Mexico State-9.5
BYE WEEK
Sat 11/15 Western Kentucky vs Middle Tennessee-8.5
Sat 11/22 Western Kentucky at LSU+40
Sat 11/29 Western Kentucky at Jacksonville State-1.5

Total: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 1, Bad 0, Poor 10
Played: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg 0, Bad 0, Poor 0
Future: Elite: 1, Good: 0, Avg 1, Bad 0, Poor 10
Wins: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0
Losses: Elite: 0, Good: 0, Avg: 0, Bad: 0, Poor: 0

Predictions for Western Kentucky's Schedule

Important Stats (2024)
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
NMSU#119 (.08)39% (106)21.646% (41)3.33 (21)17930% (132)1433.8 (82)#115 (.26)41% (64)36.343% (69)40% (68)3.7 (60)48.11.90.8
WKU#66 (.19)42% (83)24.938% (117)2.78 (108)11045% (33)2653.83 (78)#95 (.21)45% (102)24.648% (113)40% (60)3.66 (54)41.31.71.5
 Teams                  Off Explosive.Off SuccessPPGRush SuccessOL Yds Per AttRush YPGPass SuccessPass YPGOff ScoreZoneDef Explosive.Def SuccessDef PPGRunD SuccessPass D SuccessDef ScoreZonePenalty YPGTO PGDef TO PG
NMSU0%0%000%000%0%0%0000
WKU0%0%000%000%0%0%0000



Overall Stats 2024
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
NMSU Offense1221.612.639.3%3.81.9193221791434.458%42%46%30%18%.08
WKU Defense1424.613.544.7%3.661.5 - - - - - 63%36%48%40%13%.21
 Teams                  GamesPPGPPG H/RSuccess RatePts PerOppTO1stD PGTotalYds PGRushYds PGPassYdsPGRYPARun RatePass RateRun SuccessPass SuccessHavoc RateTotal PPA
NMSU Defense1236.338.441.3%3.70.8 - - - - - 50%50%43%40%12%.26
WKU Offense1424.926.341.8%3.831.7193741102653.545%55%38%45%16%.19

Additional Stats 2024
 Teams                  GamesPossession Time1st Downs PG3rd Down %4th Down %Penalties PGPenalty Yds PGOff TO PGDef TO PGTFL PGSacks PGD/ST TDsAvg Field Pos
New Mexico State1229:2619.338%38%5.448.11.90.83.81.2127
Western Kentucky1427:5219.341%59%4.141.31.71.54.91.6029.7
Run Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
NMSU Offense1258% (20)46% (41)41.3179.34.416 (90).11 (81)3.33 (21)77% (37)11% (103)0.98 (61)
WKU Defense1463% (134)48% (113) - - - - .19 (103)3.36 (116)77% (93)9% (88)0.9 (35)
 Teams                  GamesRun Play RateRun Play SuccessRush Att PGRush Yds PGRush Yds Per AttRushing TDsRun Pred Pts AddedOL Yds Per Att3rd/4th & ShortFront 7 HavocRun Play Explosivness
NMSU Defense1250% (55)43% (69) - - - - .18 (98)3.17 (93)58% (5)7% (134)1.04 (95)
WKU Offense1445% (105)38% (117)31.1109.73.514 (98).01 (121)2.78 (108)69% (100)11% (87)0.95 (75)

Pass Game Stats (2025)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
NMSU Offense1242% (116)30% (132)11.826.7143.25.412.212 (118)12 (85).05 (128)1.8 (17)33% (100)30% (87).13 (131)7% (104)1.7 (132)
WKU Defense1436% (1)40% (60) - - - - - - 10 (66).29 (99)1.8 (128)28% (116)29% (47).23 (37)3% (132)2.1 (92)
 Teams                  GamesPassPlay RatePassPlay SuccessComp PGAtt PGYds PGYds PAYds PCTDs    Ints    PassPlays PPAPassPlays ExplPassDowns RatePassDowns Succ RatePassDowns PPADB HavocPassDowns Expl
NMSU Defense1250% (76)40% (68) - - - - - - 9 (76).36 (118)1.9 (132)31% (80)29% (42).42 (107)6% (78)2.3 (126)
WKU Offense1455% (26)45% (33)22.133.5264.67.91228 (15)12 (85).36 (28)1.6 (59)33% (91)30% (91).29 (89)6% (56)1.9 (100)

New Mexico State's Power Ratings
New Mexico State's Power Rating: -21.48 #131
New Mexico State's Offense Rating: 3.54 #125
New Mexico State's Defense Rating: 25.02 #120
2025 Talent Rating: 224.00 #131
Blue Chip Ratio: 0% #97
New Mexico State's 2025 Expected Record: 4.7 - 7.3
New Mexico State's 2025 Overall SP+ Rating: -16.0 #122
New Mexico State's Offense SP+ Rating: 21.8 #106
New Mexico State's Defense SP+ Rating: 37.8 #124

Average Talent
Average Conference USA Talent Rating is 384
Average Power Five Talent: 856.63
Average FBS Talent: 681.13

Power Ratings Matchup
New Mexico State: -21.48   Western Kentucky: -9.295

SP+ Ratings Matchup
New Mexico State: -16.0   Western Kentucky: -5.8




Western Kentucky's Power Ratings
Western Kentucky's Power Rating: -9.295 #116
Western Kentucky's Offense Rating: 5.91 #120
Western Kentucky's Defense Rating: 23.70 #114
2025 Talent Rating: 504.00 #105
Blue Chip Ratio: 1 #83
Western Kentucky's 2025 Expected Record: 7.0 - 5.0
Western Kentucky's 2025 Overall SP+ Rating: -5.8 #85
Western Kentucky's Offense SP+ Rating: 22.4 #102
Western Kentucky's Defense SP+ Rating: 28.2 #68

Average Talent
Average Conference USA Talent Rating is 384
Average Power Five Talent: 856.63
Average FBS Talent: 681.13


New Mexico State Scoring
Offense: 21.6 PPG
Offense on Road: 12.6
Defense: 36.3 PPG
Defense on Road: 38.4

New Mexico State's 2025 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Record on Road: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread on Road: 0 - 0 - 0
Projected Score
Western Kentucky 30
New Mexico State 20


Projected Total Points: 54
Western Kentucky Scoring
Offense: 24.9 PPG
Offense at Home: 26.3
Defense: 24.6 PPG
Defense at Home: 13.5

Western Kentucky's 2025 Record
Record: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread: 0 - 0 - 0
Record at home: 0 - 0
Record vs Spread at home: 0 - 0 - 0


YearDateHomeScoreAwayScoreWinnerSpreadCoverTotalO/U
202411/09New Mexico State28Western Kentucky41Western KentuckyWestern Kentucky -18.0New Mexico State53.5Over
202311/11Western Kentucky29New Mexico State38New Mexico StateWestern Kentucky -4.5New Mexico State55.5Over
TeamWinsCoversO/U
Western Kentucky102 Overs
New Mexico State120 Unders

WinsCoversFavsDogs
Home Teams0 - 21 - 10 - 11 - 0
Road Teams2 - 01 - 10 - 11 - 0

(#131) New Mexico State Info

Preseason ratings
Power Rating: -21.48 #131
Offense Rating: 3.54 #125
Defense Rating: 25.02 #120
Overall SP+ Rating: -16.0 #122
Offense SP+ Rating: 21.8 #106
Defense SP+ Rating: 37.8 #124
Talent Rating: 224.00 #131
Blue Chip Ratio: 0% #97
Expected Record: 4.7 - 7.3

Team Profile
Run heavy Offense 58%, Pass: 42%
Poor Offense Success Rate of 39%
Awful Offensive Explosiveness
Bad in Scoring Position 3.8 PPO
Good Run Success 46%
Awful Pass Success 30%
Bad OL Grades, Great OL Yds Per Rush
Avg DL Grades, Awful Sacks/Turnovers
Avg Defense Success Rate of 41%
Avg in Scoring Position 3.7 PPO
Bad Run Def Success 43%
Bad Pass Def Success 40%
Awful Pressure/Havoc/Forcing TOs
Avg Field Position


New Mexico State Notes
(5/18) RB Dijon Stanley (Utah) has tremendous speed
(5/2) JUCO WR Jackson Owens has promise
(4/7) WRs bad, lotta drops. Pride led LY w/ 374 yds.
(3/26) QB Fife (Mont), Awad started late LY
(3/26) RB McGowan good, 2 P4 portals added
(3/26) OL good run LY, 2/5 back. 2 portal adds
(3/26) Def bad LY, returns some. 6 portal DL adds
(3/26) HC Sanchez the definition of why bother
New Mexico State     Ratings Matchup     Western Kentucky
Power #131
#116
Off #125
#120
Def #120
#114
Talent #131
#105
SP+ #122
#85
SP+ Off #106
#102
SP+ Def #124
#68

Previous Matchups
Western Kentucky beat New Mexico State last year (41-28)
New Mexico State beat Western Kentucky in 2023 (38-29)

Weather Forecast
Playing in Houchens Industries-L. T. Smith Stadium
Conditions:
Temp: 0°

Team Information
Injuries: NMSU | WKU
Depth Chart: NMSU | WKU
Rosters: NMSU | WKU
(#116) Western Kentucky Info

Preseason ratings
Power Rating: -9.295 #116
Offense Rating: 5.91 #120
Defense Rating: 23.70 #114
Overall SP+ Rating: -5.8 #85
Offense SP+ Rating: 22.4 #102
Defense SP+ Rating: 28.2 #68
Talent Rating: 504.00 #105
Blue Chip Ratio: 1 #83
Expected Record: 7.0 - 5.0

Team Profile
Pass heavy Offense 55%, Run: 45%
Bad Offense Success Rate of 42%
Avg Offensive Explosiveness
Bad in Scoring Position 3.83 PPO
Awful Run Success 38%
Good Pass Success 45%
Avg OL Grades, Poor OL Yds Per Rush
Good DL Grades, Bad Sacks/Turnovers
Poor Defense Success Rate of 45%
Avg in Scoring Position 3.66 PPO
Awful Run Def Success 48%
Avg Pass Def Success 40%
Awful Pressure/Havoc/Forcing TOs
Avg Field Position


Western Kentucky Notes
(5/2) WR Henry (FCS W Ill) 1,179 yds, 6 TD LY
(3/22) Def avg CUSA, but must rebuild most
(3/22) Def portals 7 DL, 1 LB, 5 DBs.
(3/22) Almost 60% new roster, new OC/DC.
(3/22) New OC Bowie (Alb. Chr.) brought QB McIvor
(3/22) QB McIvor (3k yds/30 TD) a big find for '25
(3/22) RB rebuild. Hart has exp, Hampton some
(3/22) WR complete rebuild. Took 5 portals + 2 TEs
(3/22) OL rebuild. 5 portal adds. Very ?


  
New Mexico State's OC Tyler Wright
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Logan Fife (Tr)15724664%17811327.2
Parker Awad7415947%1079746.8
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
Kadarius Calloway (Tr)2612414.860
Logan Fife (Tr)5212052.322
Larenzo McMillan7111115.984
Parker Awad6010911.825
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
TJ Pride34374211.053
Glynn Johnson Jr19346218.254
Tyler King (Tr)17236013.936
Gavin Harris (Tr)11173115.760

View New Mexico State's Full Roster
New Mexico State's DC Joe Morris
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Tyler Martinez943101
Sone Aupiu554025
Dakerric Hobbs363016
Nicolas Sessions301003
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Tyler Martinez943101
Gabe Peterson (Tr)61100
Larry Jones III (Tr)51120
Glynn Johnson Jr20000
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Dakerric Hobbs363016
Sone Aupiu554025
Nicolas Sessions301003

Western Kentucky's OC Rick Bowie
Player NameCOMPATTPCTYDSTDINTYPA
Maverick McIvor (Tr)31249663%38473077.8
Player NameCARYDSTDYPCLONG
George Hart III4420424.630
Jalen Hampton115705.214
K.D. Hutchinson85106.442
John Cannon (Tr)117017.017
Player NameRECYDSTDYPCLONG
Jairus Mack (Tr)19418022.059
K.D. Hutchinson26392315.174
Isaiah Myers (Tr)13237318.237
Noah Meyers7123117.624

View Western Kentucky's Full Roster
Western Kentucky's DC DaVon Brown
Top DefTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Al-Ma'Hi Ali (Tr)451037
Jaylen Lewis (Tr)432005
Demarko Williams372001
Kent Robinson334204
SacksTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Jayden Gray (Tr)143211
Kent Robinson334204
Dominic Oliver (Tr)152110
Al-Ma'Hi Ali (Tr)451037
Pass DTackTFLSACKSPRESSPD
Al-Ma'Hi Ali (Tr)451037
Jaylen Lewis (Tr)432005
Kent Robinson334204