THE OPPONENT

The Aggies are 0-6 all-time against the Big Ten and haven't been to a bowl since 1960. They opened their season with a 44-19 loss to Ohio.

GOPHERS OFFENSE VS. NEW MEXICO STATE DEFENSE

The Gophers were the only team in the nation with fewer sacks than the Aggies last year, and New Mexico State got little pressure on Ohio quarterback Tyler Tettleton last week, so MarQueis Gray should have significantly more time to find receivers. But the Aggies' rushing defense might be even worse; Ohio rolled up 241 yards on the ground. Advantage: Gophers

GOPHERS DEFENSE VS. NEW MEXICO STATE OFFENSE

The Aggies like to pass -- they managed only 6 net rushing yards last week -- and sophomore quarterback Andrew Manley is a smart decision-maker. He passed for 368 yards against Ohio with only one interception. Expect the Gophers to play plenty of nickel coverage, and try to generate more pressure than they did at USC. Advantage: Gophers

SPECIAL TEAMS

Aggies senior receiver Taveon Rogers set a school record (and second all-time in the NCAA) with 1,410 kick-return yards last season, and he broke a 97-yard return for a touchdown last week. Kicker Tyler Stampler led the WAC in field-goal accuracy last season, too. The Gophers were 1-for-3 on field goals but were greatly improved in the punting game, and KR Troy Stoudermire figures to break the Big Ten career record for return yards. Advantage: Even

INTANGIBLES

The Gophers are riding the positive vibes from their near-miss at USC, while the Aggies, a unanimous pick by WAC coaches to finish last, appear headed toward another awful season. Figure the Gophers to be revved up for their home opener. Advantage: Gophers

PREDICTION

The Aggies are one of college football's worst programs, but Jerry Kill isn't likely to let his team overlook a downtrodden opponent as he searches for his first victory as Gophers coach. Expect MarQueis Gray to have a big day, the running game to eat up yardage, and the Gophers to win easily. Gophers38, Aggies10

NUMBERS TO KNOW

49: Average margin of victory by Big Ten teams vs. Aggies

51: Seasons since New Mexico State appeared in a bowl game (1960 Sun Bowl), the longest drought in FBS

DON'T FORGET ABOUT

Lamonte Edwards: Backup TB got only one carry against USC, but he'll have a bigger role against porous Aggies defense.