Let’s get one thing out of the way right off the bat; New Mexico is not a good football team. I do not mean to disparage the individuals involved with the program – there are nothing but good people among the Lobos – I am simply referring to the state of football at the University of New Mexico.

UNM is the worst team Boise State has faced, or will face, all season.

You can feel it in the program. There’s no hope, excitement, or faith with the current regime as Saturday marked its seventh straight loss. Bob Davie is a lame duck coach and it’s simply a matter of time before he leaves Albuquerque for the final time. The only reason he hasn’t been fired already is because he received a premature contract extension three years ago, through 2021, and New Mexico can’t afford to buy him out. That is likely to change soon.

Compare that to BSU’s history and culture and you can easily understand the final result of Saturday’s game.

When Boise State walked off the blue turf with a never-in-doubt 42-9 victory over the Lobos, it told us little that we didn’t already know. The biggest thing we did learn is Jaylon Henderson can ball. If BSU has to roll with the redshirt senior to finish out the regular season it appears the team is in good hands.

Or is it?

Let’s take a look at the numbers. Coming into Saturday’s contest against New Mexico, opponents had completed just over 63% of their passes and racked up 350 yards per game. On Saturday Henderson threw for 294 yards with a 55% completion rate.

Those numbers are pretty comparable, and considering it was Henderson’s first career start, he exceeded expectations. He was a pleasant surprise, even if Bryan Harsin had previously said the Broncos have three quarterbacks he’s confident in. Both Henderson and Cord could start at almost every other Mountain West school and be very successful. He can play, there’s no doubt.

It’s time to turn the page and address the elephant in the room: Can Boise State beat Utah State next week with Cord or Henderson under center?

The answer? Yes. But, as has been the case all season, it all depends on those around him, including the coaches. Against New Mexico the BSU offensive line played pretty its best game of the season. The sacks the Broncos did give up came on blitzes when Henderson didn’t read the hot route and get rid of the ball quickly.

The other dimension is offensive coordinator Zak Hill. Outside of the scripted plays early in games he has struggled to make effective calls. I’ve noticed Harsin looking at his play sheet more often this season than he ever has. You can tell he’s not satisfied with the offense, and there is plenty of blame to go around.

The Boise State offensive staff and players will need to have their best game of the season next Saturday in Logan, Utah. Anything less will likely result in a loss and a lot of nervous BSU fans sweating it out as we have to wait and see how the final regular season games play out in the Mountain Division.

Bronco defensive end Curtis Weaver was injured against New Mexico and as of yet there has been no word of his status. He’s the best pass rusher in the conference and the game inches closer to a 50/50 pick ‘em if he can’t play against Utah State.

The Aggies have their own monkey wrench to throw into the equation as well. Starting quarterback Jordan Love exited late in Saturday’s game against Wyoming and didn’t return. There has been some talk that he suffered a concussion, which puts his status up in the air. Sophomore Henry Colombi would likely get the start if Love can’t play. Colombi is more dangerous with his legs than the USU starter, but isn’t as accurate or polished a passer.

If Hank Bachmeier is unavailable we could see another battle of the backups.

You can glean very little from playing a team like New Mexico late in the season. It’s a win, but the real exam begins Nov. 23 in Logan, Utah.