ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Washington State coach Jake Dickert said it best this week.

“Our hands will be full,” he said.

Dickert was talking about New Mexico’s defense, which his No. 19 WSU team will have the challenge of beating on Saturday night, but the sentiment applies even more on the other side of the ball. That’s where the Cougars will face UNM’s Devon Dampier, the first dual-threat quarterback they’ve faced all season, a quick and elusive signal caller.

As far as quarterback matchups go, Dampier could be the biggest task yet for this WSU defense, which is a week removed from putting up 28 points in a win over Utah State. In fact, the Cougars have yet to face a QB as good on the ground as Dampier, who has forced 44 missed tackles this season and is tied for the most tackles by a quarterback nationally.

The man he is connected to is on the other sideline. WSU QB John Mateer has been at his best in recent weeks, scoring two touchdowns in a comeback win over San Diego State and adding four more in a blowout win over Hawaii last weekend in Pullman. He is accurate and in control, completing 70% or more of his passes in three consecutive games.

Mateer only plays on one side of the ball. He can’t help on defense, which is where we predict WSU will struggle with its first loss in nearly two months.

The Cougars have improved lately in the tackling department, missing just nine tackles last week, but they remain Pro Football Focus’ second-worst scoring tackling team in the country.

That’s no way to defend a quarterback like Dampier.

The pick: New Mexico 30, Washington State 26