CUSA matchup features New Mexico State against Western Kentucky

This weekend's college football slate features Western Kentucky taking on New Mexico State in a matchup where the hurt is minimal. The Hilltoppers are slight favorites by a 1.5-point spread. Both teams are currently 2-2 on the season, with New Mexico State holding a slight edge this year after a 42-18 loss to New Mexico on September 26th.

Defensively, New Mexico State edges their opponents in third-down conversions with a 20th-ranked offense converting on 50.0% of third downs. Conversely, Western Kentucky struggles in this area, ranking 128th in the FBS with a -5 turnover margin. Offensively, New Mexico State averages 57.5 penalty yards per game, a statistic that Western Kentucky's 2nd-ranked 28.5 per-game average could exploit.

The Wildcats' leading receivers are Jonathan Stafford Jr. with 158 yards on 20 catches and Tyler King with 265 yards on 18 catches. For Western Kentucky, Rodney Tisdale Jr. stands out with 543 passing yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception, while Brock Glenn added 50 rushing yards on 5 carries. New Mexico State's standout performers include Trey Hedden with 887 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions, along with James Jones who rushed for 112 yards and scored a touchdown.