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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

117. New Mexico


(1-11, 1-6) WAC


(December 2, 2011 - Source: Otto Kitsinger III/Getty Images North America)

Rankings -

Offense
Avg
Defense
Avg
Rushing
113.17
Rushing
246.92
Passing
183.00
Passing
245.17
Total
296.17
Total
492.08
Points
12.00
Points
41.67


Overview

You have to admire the Lobos’ consistency, they’ve gone 1-11 in each of the last three seasons and have been terrible in almost every facet of the game. Coach Mike Locksley got canned for more than just his coaching skills, and the team made a big splash by signing former Notre Dame coach and ESPN analyst Bob Davie. New Mexico last had success when defense-minded coach Rocky Long was at the helm, and Davie brings a similar mindset. He’s a good coach who got a bad rap with the Irish for not being Lou Holtz, but he’ll have a far more tolerant employer and fanbase here. He’ll need it, as the Lobos finished dead last in the FBS in scoring offense, and 119th in scoring defense.

Offense

The Lobos ran with two QBs last season, but neither were able to move the ball consistently. BR Holbrook is now a senior and has plenty of experience. He threw for just 1490 yards with a mere 4 TDs against 7 interceptions. The other QB, Tarean Austin, transferred, so the job looks to be Holbrook’s to lose. Watch out for freshman Cole Gautsche, who arrived in school early to be there for spring camp. He was an outstanding HS QB and state champion. Last season’s leading rusher, RB Crusoe Gongbay (500 yards, 5 scores) has transferred to Maryland, leaving the Lobos in a bit of a bind at the position. DeMarcus Rodgers (242 yards, 3 TDs) will get first shot at the starting gig, but a committee approach will probably have to suffice for now as there is no other likely candidate on the roster. Receiver was similarly hit when star Deon Long also jumped ship to Maryland. Ty Kirk (47-376-0) returns, but he’s not the big-play threat Long is. Quintell Solomon (18-184-1) started a few games last season and will probably get the nod in 2012, but there are some speedy recruits who could steal playing time from him. Lucas Reed (22-241-0) is a savvy TE who could be more productive in a better offense. Having three starters back on the line will help with continuity, but there is no guarantee any will keep their job. Davie brought in some big recruits, but the position still lacks much depth and remains a major concern.

Defense

The defensive line was run over by pretty much everybody last season, so there’s mixed feelings in welcoming back 5 players who started. But throw in some solid recruits and Davie’s coaching and this could be a much improved unit in 2012. They need to come up with a pass rush though, after just 10 sacks all last season. This could be up to the new recruits. The biggest loss the team has suffered is the graduation of MLB Carmen Messina. He’s been the star of the defense for the last 3 years. His partners, Dante Caro and Dallas Bollema, both return, but Caro is more of a safety and will probably return there. Neither were as effective as Messina, partly due to the lack of protection from the line. A couple of JUCOs, Rashad Rinney and David Orvick were brought in to compete for spots, but replacing  Messina will be tough. The Lobos return 4 defensive backs (including Caro) with starting experience, but not their most productive (Bubba Forrest and Anthony Hooks). Expect to see plenty of three-star freshmen Cranston Jones and Ryan Santos, who weren’t brought in to ride the pine. The defense has lost most of their productive players to graduation, so some new stars need to step up in a hurry. Even Davie may struggle to make this unit remotely effective.

Special Teams

With the exception of Long on kick returns, New Mexico’s special teams unit didn’t have much pop. Punter Ben Skaer didn’t have a big leg but he was pretty accurate. If only the same could be said for K Jame Aho - he only made 6 of 12 FGs. Leaving points on the field doesn’t help a struggling offense. Skaer will be back though.The PR unit was the worst in the FBS, averaging just 1.3 yards a pop. The coverage units also had their problems. The battle to replace Aho will be between 4 walk-ons. Thankfully Aho didn’t raise the bar too high, as the kicking game could be an adventure again next season.

Prediction

The good news is the Lobos could break out of their 1-11 rut this season - the bad news is they’ll most likely go 2-10. They SHOULD beat FCS squad Southern and FBS newbies Texas State, but the Mountain West proved too much for New Mexico last season, as shown by the massive discrepancy in points for and allowed, so any other victories are unlikely. They could sneak another couple of victories against NM State and Colorado State, but those squads should both be improved this year. So, Davie’s first season should show better play on both sides of the ball, but the lack of talent will ensure another season in the MWC doldrums.

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