Saturday, September 22, 2012

Predicting the Aggies vs. Lobos game

Is tonight’s game against the Lobos a must win for New Mexico State? I think so.

This team can’t afford to lose the contest and then stare a one-, two- or three-win season in the face.

Do I think they’ll win? Yes. The Aggies are the better team again this year, as New Mexico continues to build under first-year head coach Bob Davie — nearly a year after removing Mike Locksley as head coach. The Lobos play hard and they’ll certainly take the field ready to compete tonight against NMSU.

The Aggie defense must contain UNM’s version of the spread option and improve over last weekend’s defensive effort at UTEP. The Aggies struggled against the run and in coverage, were slow to adjust, and were promptly beaten in the first quarter in the Miners 41-28 win. NMSU’s ability to contain UNM’s attack will be key in this game.

As for NMSU’s offense, they should be able to exploit the Lobos secondary, although only if quarterback Andrew Manley is protected better than he was last weekend against the Miners. Manley does throw a good deep ball but needs time for his receivers to get downfield in the passing game.

Of course the special teams battle and turnovers will need to be accounted for. UNM could try to sneak into the end zone a time or two tonight.

Points could be scored in this game, one the Aggies need to win.

My prediction: NMSU 34, New Mexico 24

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have never been so embarrassed to be a native Las Crucen and Aggie fan. I am traveling to Las Cruces next weekend from San Antonio, TX and was planning on the UTSA-NMSU football game...scratch that now...I will go to the volleyball match probably...they deserve the support. I'm sick of NMSU football and their heartless play. I wish they would just drop the program. UNM is a horrible team and NM State was dominated by them..very sad, very sad.

RT

Anonymous said...

The Aggies lost to UNM. I've been waiting for them to get a good team but I think I am wasting my time. I'll be dead before they get there.

Anonymous said...

Is it too late ? Can I take back what I said about the Aggies being the better team ?

Anonymous said...

Dwayne Walker is a great person and a very good coach, in a very bad situation. He has to deal with the worst leader in his AD (Boston), who is making him have to build something with nothing. Those facilities are horrible. Good luck Dwayne, Staff and players, we are behind you.

Anonymous said...

Dwayne you are a good coach the problem lies with your leadership!!!! The people of Las Cruces need to get together and get Boston and Couture fired. Maybe Minnesota is looking for an AD and President since he did such a good job there. Dwayne will never succeed with this administration Martin was the only one smart enough to jump ship. Frustrated Aggie fan and season ticket holder never paying for seats at AMS until this administration is gone.

Aggie Outlaw.