We estimate the key contests for NMSU football during the 2012 season:
1.Sept. 15, @ UTEP: If the Aggies want to be a bowl team this year, sweeping their rivals — that being New Mexico and UTEP — would seem like a logical first step. The Miners have had NMSU's number in recent years — last season the Aggies really could have beaten UTEP, but a goal-line fumble and special teams blunders were the difference. The Miners were somewhat in rebuilding mode a season ago and should be ready to go this year at the Sun Bowl, in a rivalry game that can go either way.
2.Oct. 6, @ Idaho: A key swing game in the standings between two teams that figure to be desperate for wins in 2012. The Vandals were an awful team last year although hope to be improved — last season Idaho was beaten by NMSU and freshman quarterback Travaughn Colwell 31-24 on a last-second goal-line stand by the Aggies. Things are never easy for New Mexico State in the Kibbie Dome, and this one figures to be a must-win for both sides.
3.Oct. 20 @ Utah State; Oct. 27 vs. Louisiana Tech; Nov. 10 vs. San Jose State: We know, we know, we're clumping three games into one here. But the reason is simple — we're going to look at it as a block. If NMSU can win two of these three games, they should be a bowl team in 2012. Going to Logan to play Utah State is going to be a tough one, as will hosting Louisiana Tech, the preseason favorites in the WAC. That, and San Jose State figures to be an improved team once again. Even if the Aggies can take one of these games, they can at least keep their postseason hopes alive.
4.Dec. 12, @ Texas State: This is a scary game to be ending the season with for NMSU — although one the team figures to win. Still, consider: The Bobcats could be searching for one of their few wins on the year in this one, and perhaps their lone conference victory to close out their schedule. Perhaps NMSU will be playing for their postseason hopes, or worse yet, nothing at all. The bottom line? Texas State is going to come out hard in the season finale at home, and won't lie down for the opposition.
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5 comments:
I agree with evrything you mentioned.
Especially sweeping our rivals and the 3 game block.
The last team to sweep our rivals was the 2002.
Although they didn't go a bowl game. They finished second in the conference with 7-5 record and the highest home attendance in the history of the program.
Sweeping our rivals will do wonders for this team/ community....Just Do it!!
Jefe
Anyone want to bet that Manley leaves NMSU after this season ?
I'll take that bet.
But, if your too much of a coward to put your name, how am I supposed to collect? Coward!
7-5 is possible but they have to cut down on mistakes and injuries.
BTW,
Any word if Kenny Turner has signed with a team? Sure would've been nice to have him.
Aggietude
...So..The team is already 0-5 and the season hasn't even started yet-and this is how this program is going to build a "winnig tradition"-YEAH RIGHT!!!!...
Ted I hope you caught the MWC presser with their commish this morning.
He made it very clear that they have no interest in NMS,said he told NMS to move on with Plan B.
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