THE STAKES

For New Mexico ... The Lobos are still seeking their first victory under head coach Mike Locksley. A win would draw attention away from the coach's controversies.

For Utah ... A victory will put the Utes in position for a big showdown at TCU next weekend. They're still in contention for a second consecutive outright MWC championship.

THE TRENDS

For New Mexico ... Losing. The Lobos have lost 12 consecutive games dating back to last season. On a positive note, they came close to winning last week — falling at SDSU, 23-20.

For Utah ... The Utes have won five straight games but have done so by an average margin of just 9.2 points.

THE EDGE

New Mexico will win if ... The Lobos are able to do what they were able to do under former head coach Rocky Long. New Mexico is 5-4 against Utah in the past decade.

Utah will win if ... The Utes show up and take care of business. New Mexico is in turmoil and lacks experience.

PLAYER TO WATCH

Eddie Wide, Utah: The junior is seeking a school-record sixth consecutive 100-yard rushing game. He faces a New Mexico defense that is giving up an average of 161.1 yards on the ground.

KEY MATCHUP

NEW MEXICO MIDDLE LINEBACKER CARMEN MESSINA VS. UTAH'S OFFENSE: Messina enters the game as the nation's leader in tackles with 108. Will the Utes avoid him? Or just keep him busy?

INJURY REPORT

New Mexico: Cornerback Nathan Enriquez is "questionable" with a concussion.

UTAH: Strong safety Joe Dale is "probable" with an unspecified knee injury.

?NEXT UP

New Mexico is at BYU on Nov. 14. Utah travels to TCU on Nov. 14 (5:30 p.m., CBS C-HD).

SCHEDULE

Date.....Opponent.....Time (TV)

Sept. 3.....Utah St. W,.....35-17

Sept. 12.....at San Jose St. W,.....24-14

Sept. 19.....at Oregon L,.....31-24

Sept. 26.....Louisville W,.....30-14

Oct. 10.....at Colorado St. W,.....24-17

Oct. 17.....at UNLV W,.....35-15

Oct. 24.....Air Force W,.....23-16

Oct. 31.....Wyoming W,.....22-10

Nov. 7.....New Mexico.....4 p.m. (mtn.)

Nov. 14.....at TCU.....7:30 p.m. (CBS C)

Nov. 21.....San Diego St......2 p.m. (VS)

Nov. 28.....at BYU 3 p.m......(CBS C, mtn.)