by Kristie Boudwin
Daily Lobo
With their top weapon back in the lineup, the Lobos host Mountain West Conference favorite Utah on Friday in a game that will be televised on ESPN2.
The news came late Thursday that DonTrell Moore will play after participating in practice. Moore, who suffered a sprained MCL while fielding a punt against New Mexico State last weekend, will see time in the offense but won't return punts against the Utes.
The Lobos look to upset the Utes for the third consecutive time as they begin conference play at University Stadium. UNM was the only Mountain West team to beat Utah last season, winning 47-35.
The Utes have won every game since and will try to redeem themselves tonight as they come to Albuquerque hungry to continue an eight-game winning streak. Utah head coach Urban Meyer said the Utes have put the 2003 loss behind them.
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"Last year's game has nothing to do with this week's game," Meyer said. "Both of us have different teams this year."
The undefeated Utah team is receiving more national recognition than ever as a strong college team outside of the Bowl Championship Series. The Utes are becoming regulars on ESPN Sportscenter and have maintained the No. 14 spot on the AP poll and the USA Today/ESPN coaches' poll for two consecutive weeks.
Both Utah and New Mexico are coming off big wins and physical games in week four. Utah defeated the Air Force Academy 49-35 at home, and UNM dominated the New Mexico State Aggies 38-3 on the road.
Though UNM and Utah both came out of last weekend victorious, they also came out of physical games with injured players. Playing a Friday game shortens the practice week for both teams, leaving little time to recover and regroup.
"We have a short week to prepare for a unique offense and defense," Meyer said. "There will be a fine line this week between getting healthy and rested and getting prepared to play a very good New Mexico team."
With efficient quarterback Alex Smith taking the snaps, Utah has the top-ranked offense in the MWC. In the first four games this season, Smith has completed 55 of 86 passes for 952 yards and eight touchdowns. In addition to his 64 percent pass completion, he has not thrown an interception yet this season. Smith is ranked first in pass efficiency in the MWC and third nationally.
Smith also rushes well when a defense lets him out of the pocket. Last week Smith led the Utes in rushing yards with 84 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.
"He is a lot better player right now than he was last year," UNM head coach Rocky Long said. "I think he's reading defenses better."
Smith's ability to read a defense will be put to the test Friday, as he faces the top-rated defense in the MWC.
Long said the Lobo defense will make adjustments to stop the Utah passing game. It is important to keep Smith in the pocket and close running lanes because of his rushing ability, Long said.
Long is confident in the defense, but the short week poses a challenge in preparing for the dynamic Utah offense, he said.
"You can't be as complicated on defense as we like to be, and we have one less day to practice," he said. "I think our defense is hard to get ready for in a week, too, but their offense is really hard to get ready for in a week."
UNM Lobos
vs
Utah Utes
Where: University Stadium
When: Kickoff Friday at 6:03 p.m.
TV: ESPN2 at 6 p.m.
