Week 8 Previews and Predictions: Western New Mexico (2-5) v. Fort Lewis (1-6), Saturday, 1 p.m. Kickoff
Durango, CO

The Mustangs of WNMU are a few big plays and big defensive stops away from winning those crucial games. WNMU has struggled at times; but, they have been competitive each and every week. I expect Javia Hall to continue that trend this week against their old conference foe; he ranks #17 in the nation in passing yards (1,977 pass yards). The passing game is one of the best in the nation, which poses a threat each and every week.

The WNMU defense has not quite kept up with the offensive unit and has been the difference maker in the close games. Barry continues to lead the team in tackles with 62 tackles, while Ian Davis has snagged 3 INTs on the season. The defense has to get to the opposing QBs and bring them down for sacks if they want to beat the better teams of the LSC and this team has just not been able to do that (11 sacks). The plus is that they are dragging runners down in the backfield (43 TFLs).

The Skyhawks have suffered several marginal losses to their RMAC conference foes. The offense is dialing up 393.7 yards per game; but is giving up 349 yards per game (ultimately their downfall). Even though FLC has lost the majority of their games, this will be a good contest and no pushover. The last time that WNMU won at Fort Lewis was in 2011. I suspect that QB Javia Hall and the WNMU offense will help end that losing streak this week.

Prediction: Western New Mexico 35 Fort Lewis 32


Bacone (2-5) v. Eastern New Mexico (4-3), Saturday, 2 p.m. Kickoff
Canyon, TX, Kimbrough Memorial StadiumPrediction: Eastern New Mexico 47 Bacone 20


Oklahoma Panhandle State (1-6) v. UT-Permian basin (2-5), Saturday, 7 p.m. Kickoff
Odessa, TX

These 2 teams have their first opportunity to pick up their first LSC conference win; both have struggled all season long. UTPB comes into the first season of their program and OPSU is heading out of the LSC after their first season.

A game of Shane Truelove versus Kameron Mathis at the QB positions for each team.

I have waited all season for this game. These two teams have had their share of problems this season, but not for a lack of trying and striving to win. I think in the end Panhandle State has a little more talent and overall production to pull out the win.

Prediction: OPSU 30 UTPB 27



Texas A&M Kingsville (4-3) v. Tarleton State (4-3), Saturday, 6 p.m. Kickoff
Stephenville, TXth straight week.

Prediction: Texas A&M Kingsville 36 Tarleton State 34



Texas A&M Commerce (5-1) v. Angelo State (3-3), 2 p.m. Kickoff
San Angelo, TX nd big surprise if previously 3rdPrediction: Texas A&M Commerce 35 Angelo State 30


Midwestern State (6-0) v. West Texas A&M (4-3), 6 p.m. Kickoff
Canyon, TX Prediction: Midwestern State 36 West Texas A&M 33