This came over the AP wire early this morning and I thought it should be addressed.
LINCOLN, Neb. — Nate Swift is biting his tongue in response to a New Mexico State player’s comment about Nebraska’s receivers.
New Mexico State cornerback Davon House said this week that the Aggies’ secondary is well-prepared to face the Cornhuskers because “we believe our receivers are 10 times better than their receivers.”
Told of House’s comment, Swift let out a chuckle Tuesday and said he wouldn’t engage House in a war or words.
The Huskers are listed as four-touchdown favorites for Saturday’s game.
I just wanted to say that I was at this press conference and did not report the quote. The reason being, that Davon said something stupid that was taken out of context. He went on to compliment the Cornhusker WRs, saying that they were big, had good size and would be tough to match up against. Right when Davon made the statement, I thought to myself ‘what a stupid thing to say, someone could nail him for that.’ But it was not his intention. His tone wasn't condescending. He's a sophomore cornerback who has little experience in talking in front of the media. He got nailed but I feel for him. He wasn't trying to call anybody out.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Football makeup
Alright folks, people have been asking me so I am simply trying to provide information for the lovely fanbase here at New Mexico State University.
Things are far from definite and Felix spoke with Dr. Boston today and the Athletics Director said that the program continues to work on finding a replacement game, preferably for the team's Oct. 4 bye week.
I have heard that the school is considering North Dakota as a possible filler game. I've also heard New Hampshire floating around as a possible filler. I stress that these are not definite. But they are two teams to possibly keep an eye on as things get sorted out.
Things are far from definite and Felix spoke with Dr. Boston today and the Athletics Director said that the program continues to work on finding a replacement game, preferably for the team's Oct. 4 bye week.
I have heard that the school is considering North Dakota as a possible filler game. I've also heard New Hampshire floating around as a possible filler. I stress that these are not definite. But they are two teams to possibly keep an eye on as things get sorted out.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Football game
People are wondering what's up with the rescheduling of the Nicholls game.
I addressed this in my story yesterday. Coach Mumme told me on Tuesday that NMSU is looking to possibly fill their bye week on Oct. 4 with a game. To me, this seems unlikely, but you don't know. He also said that the team ends this season the last week of November — they go to Utah State on the 29. NMSU could play a game the first week of December, something they did last year. Will the makeup game be with Nicholls or another school, that is still to be determined. Hal also said that it was possible that the team will just have to play 11 games and live with it, although added that the program would prefer to play a makeup game if possible. We'll keep you posted on the topic, you have my word.
As far as my article yesterday, the main topic was on the team's woeful road record the last three seasons. NMSU had won just one game in the span, at dreadful Utah State none-the-less. I think the Aggies will have to pocket at least two games away from Las Cruces this year. Lets face it, they lost Nicholls State here, Boise State will be a real challenge at home as will La Tech and I think San Jose State will be a thorn in the side as well.
Winning away is possible the way the schedule stacks up. The Aggies are better than Idaho and Utah State. They go to Moscow and Logan this season. I don't think they'll beat Nevada away and Fresno seems unlikely. What about UTEP. It will definitely be a hard-fought game but I think the Aggies can win there. It's more than possible. I'm actually really looking forward to that game. If you aren't, I'll just assume you just don't care about Aggie football.
Anyway, I think most will agree NMSU will need to steal some games away. Good teams win on the road, period. Here's the article for those interested...
http://www.lcsun-news.com/sports/ci_10366785
I addressed this in my story yesterday. Coach Mumme told me on Tuesday that NMSU is looking to possibly fill their bye week on Oct. 4 with a game. To me, this seems unlikely, but you don't know. He also said that the team ends this season the last week of November — they go to Utah State on the 29. NMSU could play a game the first week of December, something they did last year. Will the makeup game be with Nicholls or another school, that is still to be determined. Hal also said that it was possible that the team will just have to play 11 games and live with it, although added that the program would prefer to play a makeup game if possible. We'll keep you posted on the topic, you have my word.
As far as my article yesterday, the main topic was on the team's woeful road record the last three seasons. NMSU had won just one game in the span, at dreadful Utah State none-the-less. I think the Aggies will have to pocket at least two games away from Las Cruces this year. Lets face it, they lost Nicholls State here, Boise State will be a real challenge at home as will La Tech and I think San Jose State will be a thorn in the side as well.
Winning away is possible the way the schedule stacks up. The Aggies are better than Idaho and Utah State. They go to Moscow and Logan this season. I don't think they'll beat Nevada away and Fresno seems unlikely. What about UTEP. It will definitely be a hard-fought game but I think the Aggies can win there. It's more than possible. I'm actually really looking forward to that game. If you aren't, I'll just assume you just don't care about Aggie football.
Anyway, I think most will agree NMSU will need to steal some games away. Good teams win on the road, period. Here's the article for those interested...
http://www.lcsun-news.com/sports/ci_10366785
Monday, September 1, 2008
Pope going to Seton Hall
Herb Pope called Sun-News reporter Jason Groves last night.
Herb has been elusive, to say the least, throughout the year. Somehow, he got Jason's number and gave him a buzz, much to the delight of the Sun-News staff.
He spoke about going to Seton Hall, his time in Las Cruces and was genuine when thanking the Aggie faithful. I don't know if this changes your viewpoint on him at all, but here's the story...
http://www.lcsun-news.com/sports/ci_10359118
Herb has been elusive, to say the least, throughout the year. Somehow, he got Jason's number and gave him a buzz, much to the delight of the Sun-News staff.
He spoke about going to Seton Hall, his time in Las Cruces and was genuine when thanking the Aggie faithful. I don't know if this changes your viewpoint on him at all, but here's the story...
http://www.lcsun-news.com/sports/ci_10359118
Star quality
Say what you will about Herb Pope and everyone seems to be piling on. One thing about basketball is that it's about X's and O's and in-game adjustments. And it's also about managing and handling egos. Especially with stars. Does Herb have an ego? Sure. Find me one great player who doesn't. Herb wasn't great last year by any stretch. But he has proven to have significant talent and had arguably the deepest skill set on the roster heading into the new year.
Look back at last year and you'll find the whole team underachieved. Don't give me this and that about Menzies and a new roster. It flat-out didn't get it done. The WAC was weak and it was the Aggies' conference for the taking. All of you that are cheering Herb's departure, will you be cheering after another sub-par season in a year when the conference is - you guessed it - weak again? I don't think so. And that's what you're going to get.
There are still questions at point guard, I don't care who they brought in to play the position, until they get it done in an Aggie uniform, they remain question marks to me. That was a problem area all of last year and it better be corrected or else the trouble will persist on the court. Also, who is this team's star/leader? Last year, it was lucky to have good seniors who played major roles on and off the court. I'm talking about Justin Hawkins, Fred Peete and Passos. Those three were a luxury that won't be around in '08. Who's team is this anyway? Jonathon Gibson's? Jahmar Young's? Wendell McKines? Your guess is as good as mine. All those guys are unproven in the leadership role.
You need star power and - hate to say it - you need some egos too. People can hate all day on the situation but it doesn't change the facts that the Aggies have lost a talented player. One they could have used in 2008.
Look back at last year and you'll find the whole team underachieved. Don't give me this and that about Menzies and a new roster. It flat-out didn't get it done. The WAC was weak and it was the Aggies' conference for the taking. All of you that are cheering Herb's departure, will you be cheering after another sub-par season in a year when the conference is - you guessed it - weak again? I don't think so. And that's what you're going to get.
There are still questions at point guard, I don't care who they brought in to play the position, until they get it done in an Aggie uniform, they remain question marks to me. That was a problem area all of last year and it better be corrected or else the trouble will persist on the court. Also, who is this team's star/leader? Last year, it was lucky to have good seniors who played major roles on and off the court. I'm talking about Justin Hawkins, Fred Peete and Passos. Those three were a luxury that won't be around in '08. Who's team is this anyway? Jonathon Gibson's? Jahmar Young's? Wendell McKines? Your guess is as good as mine. All those guys are unproven in the leadership role.
You need star power and - hate to say it - you need some egos too. People can hate all day on the situation but it doesn't change the facts that the Aggies have lost a talented player. One they could have used in 2008.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Herb Pope, what could have been
What a sad state of affairs that has led to Herb Pope leaving the Aggies.
I for one am upset. I know, many will say that if he doesn't want to be a part of the team or the team feels like it's in its best interest to let him go, then that's exactly what should happen. But we never saw the real Herb Pope last year on the basketball court. Would we have this year? We don't know. And that's the problem. It is unfulfilled potential for Pope the player and the Aggies as a whole.
Herb was a different type of player. Some will say difficult, some will say selfish. I will not use those terms. He's a gifted player who needs the elements around him to be right. I won't judge him as a person or his character. Make no mistake, he came to NMSU because he thought Reggie Theus would be the head coach. And I think this is a big factor. It takes a certain type of coach to handle a personality like Herb's. I don't think coach Menzies and Herb meshed well. Would Herb have come to Las Cruces if Menzies was here from the get-go? Just my opinion here, but I would have to think the answer would be no. Pope went out on a limb coming to NMSU. It was unconventional. When the infrastructure around the program shifted, it changed everything for him before last season even got underway.
I don't think the team is better without Pope. I was excited to see him on a frontline with Gillenwater and McKiness. I thought that would be formidable, challenging WAC opponents on a night-to-night basis. Who knows? He could have been an all-conference caliber player. He also could have been sub-par, much like last year. But it would have been nice to know.
I can honestly say that I hope things work out for him, I really do. He needs a strong supporting cast around him to help him grow as a player and a person. Just bouncing around from program to program is not the answer either. On a serious note, he needs to go to school, play ball and get a degree. Get an education. That's what this should be about with Herb Pope. His life has been hard enough. Let the man be, let him move on. I hope it works out for him. I just don't know if it will.
I for one am upset. I know, many will say that if he doesn't want to be a part of the team or the team feels like it's in its best interest to let him go, then that's exactly what should happen. But we never saw the real Herb Pope last year on the basketball court. Would we have this year? We don't know. And that's the problem. It is unfulfilled potential for Pope the player and the Aggies as a whole.
Herb was a different type of player. Some will say difficult, some will say selfish. I will not use those terms. He's a gifted player who needs the elements around him to be right. I won't judge him as a person or his character. Make no mistake, he came to NMSU because he thought Reggie Theus would be the head coach. And I think this is a big factor. It takes a certain type of coach to handle a personality like Herb's. I don't think coach Menzies and Herb meshed well. Would Herb have come to Las Cruces if Menzies was here from the get-go? Just my opinion here, but I would have to think the answer would be no. Pope went out on a limb coming to NMSU. It was unconventional. When the infrastructure around the program shifted, it changed everything for him before last season even got underway.
I don't think the team is better without Pope. I was excited to see him on a frontline with Gillenwater and McKiness. I thought that would be formidable, challenging WAC opponents on a night-to-night basis. Who knows? He could have been an all-conference caliber player. He also could have been sub-par, much like last year. But it would have been nice to know.
I can honestly say that I hope things work out for him, I really do. He needs a strong supporting cast around him to help him grow as a player and a person. Just bouncing around from program to program is not the answer either. On a serious note, he needs to go to school, play ball and get a degree. Get an education. That's what this should be about with Herb Pope. His life has been hard enough. Let the man be, let him move on. I hope it works out for him. I just don't know if it will.
WAC recap
Did anybody see Louisiana Tech's win over Mississippi St. on TV last night? I've been calling La. Tech a sleeper in the WAC since they played the Aggies last year in Ruston. That game showed me all I needed to know about Derrick Dooley's team. They don't play afraid and they go right after the other team for four quarters. Solid defense, check that, the defense was outstanding on Friday. Good special teams - their kicker made a booming field goal last night to make the score 22-14 Tech in the 4th (They won the game by that score). He made three in the game. They won by eight.
A few things about Tech that do cause reason for pause. First off, their D was ridiculous, but Miss. St. just doesn't move the ball, period. I love Sylvester Croom, but he's a defensive guy, bottom line. MSU is pretty unimaginative on offense. La. Tech will be similar this year. They have a good ground game but the passing attack is a work in progress. In the end though, I said at the beginning of the year, when La. Tech comes to Las Cruces in late November, that game will mean something for both teams. After Friday, I have no reason to change that viewpoint.
Kyle Reed came in and led a San Jose State comeback in the 4th quarter and an eventual 13-10 win. Yes, it was against UC Davis, but Reed is a player to keep an eye on. He's a transfer from Cal and was highly touted coming out of high school. He led the team late on Friday and was clutch. Who knows what he'll do throughout the entire season, but my gut tells me he'll be fine in the WAC.
I voted for Chris Williams to win offensive player of the year in the WAC in my preseason media poll. If I had to select somebody else, it would have been Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick. He is dangerous, mainly because he can run. He's going to account for a ton of TDs in Chris Ault's "Pistol" offense.
Idaho lost 70-0 to Arizona on Friday. Yikes. And Hawaii got hammered. The shocking thing was that I'm not too surprised about either outcomes. Except for Idaho. That's just a really big blowout.
A few things about Tech that do cause reason for pause. First off, their D was ridiculous, but Miss. St. just doesn't move the ball, period. I love Sylvester Croom, but he's a defensive guy, bottom line. MSU is pretty unimaginative on offense. La. Tech will be similar this year. They have a good ground game but the passing attack is a work in progress. In the end though, I said at the beginning of the year, when La. Tech comes to Las Cruces in late November, that game will mean something for both teams. After Friday, I have no reason to change that viewpoint.
Kyle Reed came in and led a San Jose State comeback in the 4th quarter and an eventual 13-10 win. Yes, it was against UC Davis, but Reed is a player to keep an eye on. He's a transfer from Cal and was highly touted coming out of high school. He led the team late on Friday and was clutch. Who knows what he'll do throughout the entire season, but my gut tells me he'll be fine in the WAC.
I voted for Chris Williams to win offensive player of the year in the WAC in my preseason media poll. If I had to select somebody else, it would have been Nevada QB Colin Kaepernick. He is dangerous, mainly because he can run. He's going to account for a ton of TDs in Chris Ault's "Pistol" offense.
Idaho lost 70-0 to Arizona on Friday. Yikes. And Hawaii got hammered. The shocking thing was that I'm not too surprised about either outcomes. Except for Idaho. That's just a really big blowout.
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