BRONCOS WITH THE BALL

‘Precious’ possessions: New Mexico’s ball-control attack will put nearly as much stress on the Broncos’ offense as the defense. Boise State could get eight to 10 possessions, at least a couple fewer than a normal game. “The thing that we talked about is our possessions are going to be precious,” offensive coordinator Robert Prince said. “We’ve got to make every one of those count. They’re definitely going to try to shrink the game and keep the ball out of our hands.”

Where are the others? Boise State’s offense usually features a deep collection of playmakers. Through three games, one tailback has at least 15 carries and three receivers have five catches or more.

LOBOS WITH THE BALL

Ever-changing option: New Mexico doesn’t run a rigid scheme. Instead, the Lobos tweak the triple option for each opponent. Coordinator Bob DeBesse was the coordinator at Sam Houston State last year, reaching the FCS national championship game.

Defensive excellence: The Broncos have allowed 227 and 200 yards in the past two games and just four touchdowns all season. They have held four of the past six opponents to 227 or fewer yards, dating to last year.

SPECIAL TEAMS

More Frisina? Boise State coach Chris Petersen eschewed field goals last week after kicker Michael Frisina missed a 33-yarder.

Petersen said he should have tried at least one more and still trusts Frisina. “He can make field goals,” Petersen said. “The situations we’re putting him in, he’ll make them.”

Kickoff returns: If the kickoffs don’t all sail out of the end zone in the mile-high air of

Albuquerque, they could be some of the most entertaining plays of the game. New Mexico has the nation’s top return man in Chase Clayton, who has two touchdowns. And Boise State seems ready to break one, averaging 26.6 yards per return on just five tries.

NOTES

New Mexico dominance: Boise State is 14-0 against the two FBS schools in New Mexico, with three wins against the Lobos and 11 against the New Mexico State Aggies.

They take care of the ball: Boise State and New Mexico are two of the top teams in the nation in turnover margin this season. The Broncos are tied for 13th with a plus-5 margin. The Lobos are tied for 24th with a plus-4 margin.

Young and younger: Boise State has played five true freshmen as part of a partial youth movement — the team is a mixture of seniors stepping into increased roles and new faces. New Mexico has played 18 true freshmen — the beginning of a major overhaul undertaken by new coach Bob Davie.