Nevada was so unimpressive in its season-opening, 23-13, road victory against New Mexico State that the Wolf Pack is a home underdog here to Texas State. Part of this negative reaction to Nevada is because New Mexico State just got hammered by Minnesota, 38-0, this past Thursday.

This isn't about New Mexico State, though. It's an advantage for the Wolf Pack to have played a game already while this is Texas State's first game. I expect the Wolf Pack to be much sharper in their second game.

The Wolf Pack are down at the skill positions having lost their vaunted firepower from last season. However, the Bobcats are an extremely weak opponent. They are averaging 2.7 wins during the last seven seasons. The Bobcats have lost 15 of 18 road games under fourth-year coach Jake Spavital.

There's a situational intangible that favors Nevada. This is the Wolf Pack's home opener and it should be an emotional one. The Wolf Pack and their fans will be remembering Matt Airoldi, who died of cancer this week. He was the school's highly popular president of football alumni relations.