DeWayne Walker said on Wednesday that wide receiver Todd Lee should be back in the starting lineup since injuring his shoulder last week. Lee missed the UNM game. He leads the team with 13 catches.
Also, left tackle David Norman is expected to return to full health after suffering a sprained knee. Norman hasn't played the last two weekends.
Speaking of the offensive line, the unit has performed fairly well this season. The group is undersized and the Aggies have been a one-dimensional offense for much of the year, leaning primarily on the running game. Still, the line's been able to move the pile.
"The guys have played hard and I'm happy about that," coach Jason Lenzmeier said. "We still have a lot of work in front of us if we want to keep progressing."
More from Lenzmeier: Last week, Lenzmeier faced his former team, the New Mexico Lobos.
This week, he'll face his former boss, as former Lobo head coach Rocky Long is the defensive coordinator for San Diego State.
Lenzmeier, who coached the UNM offensive line and now does the same with the Aggies, used to also play under Long and said there remains connection between him and his former coach.
"He did a lot for me," Lenzmeier said. "He gave me a scholarship, he gave me a job as a division-one offensive line coach, he called (New Mexico State) when there was an opening down here. Sure, it definitely means something."
Lenzmeier said he hasn't spoken with Long since the O-line coach has moved to Las Cruces.
"I'm sure we'll talk before (Saturday's) game," Lenzmeier said.
One thing's for certain. The Aztecs will likely bring a tenacious defense to the field come Saturday. That's just Long's style.
"In my mind, he's a defensive genius," Lenzmeier said. "He's always done a great job. He's always had a top-notch defense and his kids will forever play hard, very hard. He's a great coach."
House vs. Brown: Aztec wide receiver Vincent Brown, a junior, has six consecutive 100-yard receiving performances. Davon House is the Aggies' No. 1 corner. It should be a fun matchup to watch on Saturday.
"It feels good to go against the best," House said. "It tests me. The better man will win."
House, from Palmdale, Calif, said there will be over 40 family members in attendance for Saturday's game in San Diego.
"A lot of House jerseys," the cornerback said.
Kawika Shook: The defensive end shifted over to defensive tackle early in the year. He continues to make the adjustment to a new position.
"I'll play wherever they need me," Shook said. "If it's at end, if it's at tackle, I'll do my job. I'm not the biggest. Coach Jesse (Williams) has been teaching me to use my hands better. For me, it's technique over size."
DeWayne Walker: The coach spoke about his first season as head coach of the Aggies, through four weeks.
"You want to win now, that's the thing," Walker said. "I'm not on some five-year plan where the first three years we're not worried about winning. That's not it at all. There's no cushion. And that's what I'm focused on. Making sure our group is mentally ready to go and that the focus is on winning."
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Quotes from Tuesday's press conference
DeWayne Walker, head coach
On how he’s feeling following win over New Mexico
I can get used to this. I’d like to get another win this week. It’s back to business as usual. We’re getting ready for San Diego State now.
On what he thinks of Aztecs
Defensively with (coordinator) Rocky (Long) they’re tough. They play hard, they run to the ball, they tackle. With his defensive mentality, they’re going to put pressure on our offense.
Offensively, with (offensive coordinator) Al Borgess, I’ve known Al, he’s a good, veteran coach. He’s going to do some things to create matchups. I think there’s a part of his offense where he’ll try to scheme us a little bit and there’s another part of his offense where he’s just going to try and get it to his players.
These guys are starving for a win too. They’re going to be ready for us for sure.
On quarterback situation
We’ll let it go. We have two starters and we’re going to go with the hot quarterback. This week, both of them will get snaps with the first group and we’ll make a decision on Friday.
If winning on the road fosters confidence on the road
I hope so. This is team that’s obviously still a work in progress. I know we’ll have some good discussions behind closed doors today.
I know I told them, we acted like we won the Super Bowl (following the UNM game). I told them we got to get used to (winning games). Hopefully this will translate into more wins on the road.
On Todd Lee’s status
He’ll be back this week. We’ll try to be smart with him in practice and I’m pretty sure we’ll get him back for the game.
Any special feelings on returning to Southern California for the game this weekend?
Not really, not really. You get to this stage, I’m still growing as a head coach, really, you’re just trying to win games. You take one game at a time and try to prepare your team as well as possible and go to the next one.
On things to work on in practice
I want to show the team some cutups. I always have a lesson of the day for the team and the lesson today is showing them all our turnovers. Show the offense and defense all the explosive plays. If we can continue to improve (in those areas), we will continue to improve as a team. Those are two areas we’ll focus on today.
On special teams units
Coach Murph’s done a great job. That’s the reason we hired him. That’s an area we need to win every week. Special teams is critical for us and it’s an area we definitely have to win every week.
On being 2-2 after two games
It’s not just football but in life. If you work your butt off, you would like to be rewarded. It was just good to see our coaches and our players get rewarded for their hard work. Now, we gotta keep it going.
On quarterback change down the stretch
Yeah, I was in panic mode at that point and had to come up with something. It ended up working out well for us. I think it’s good for both quarterback. Now, both have to be prepared going into the game. We have to play the hot guy and, fortunately, Jeff was ready to go after sitting for three quarters. He found Marcus for the game-wininng touchdown.
On the emotions on the sidelines
It was a big-time feeling for our football program and we’re trying to change the culture and all the things that goes with winning.
Is playing both quarterbacks an option this weekend?
No question, I think we have to go with the hot guy. Until one guy separates himself, we have to do whatever it takes to win a game. If we have to do that again this week, we will.
Mike Grady, center
On sidelines following win
It was awesome. Definitely something I haven’t felt for a while, to win at their stadium.
On mindset of team
It was a great (win), but we gotta all keep moving forward. We can’t keep looking back, we have to look toward San Diego and move to 3-2.
On how the Aztecs look on film
I watched their defense this morning, they look good on film. They’re fast, they move around real good. They do a lot of crazy things on defense and try to mess up an offense.
Is it different blocking for either quarterback?
No, not at all. They seem to do the same things. They both sit back there and try to throw and they can both scramble if they need too. It’s not too much different.
How did it feel to run the ball last week
It always feels good to run the ball and keep getting yards and keep chipping away at the defense. It’s a good feeling.
Seth Smith, running back
On performance on Saturday
I did all right, I don’t think I did that well. I did my job though, I held onto the football, helped move the team down the field and we won. I think I could have had a better performance though.
On final drive
Everyone on the sidelines had faith. We had to get it done, no excuses. It was just that.
Were there any nerves?
I wasn’t nervous.
On offensive line
Offensive line is really getting it done. They’re working on their assignments every week and getting better. They’re having less and less mistakes. They’re becoming a real strong point of our offense and of our team, period.
Who’s the leader of the huddle with quarterback situation
It’s not an issue, we’re all on the same page. Our offensive line, they speak up and say a lot. Our center Grady, he always keeps it positive in the huddle. It’s a positive attitude on offense.
On moving the ball in the fourth quarter
I don’t think we were tired. We had an opporunity on a blocked punt and we didn’t score. We were looking for an opportunity to come back and get it back and score. We got the ball back in the fourth quarter and knew we had to score. Everybody had a lot of energy and was excited.
Pierre Fils, defensive end
On his feelings on win over UNM
It’s a great feeling. It’s a rivalry game, so it was a war out there. It was probably one of the best feeling I ever had, winning that game.
On mood surrounding team
We got nine more games to play. We gotta get past it. We were happy afterwards, but it’s over now. We’re ready for San Diego State.
On San Diego State’s gameplan
I would say they’re more of a passing team. Defensive line needs to get a little pass rush to make it easier on the secondary.
Do you prefer facing a passing team?
It doesn’t really make any difference. It gets the defensive line hyped up to face a passing team more. Get a pass rush and get some sacks.
On team’s secondary play
I like the secondary. They give us a lot of time to get a pass rush. They’re doing a good job holding up.
On what he said to Donte Savage following his blocked punt
I went over there and gave him a big hug. We practice it but he did it. It was great.
On how he’s feeling following win over New Mexico
I can get used to this. I’d like to get another win this week. It’s back to business as usual. We’re getting ready for San Diego State now.
On what he thinks of Aztecs
Defensively with (coordinator) Rocky (Long) they’re tough. They play hard, they run to the ball, they tackle. With his defensive mentality, they’re going to put pressure on our offense.
Offensively, with (offensive coordinator) Al Borgess, I’ve known Al, he’s a good, veteran coach. He’s going to do some things to create matchups. I think there’s a part of his offense where he’ll try to scheme us a little bit and there’s another part of his offense where he’s just going to try and get it to his players.
These guys are starving for a win too. They’re going to be ready for us for sure.
On quarterback situation
We’ll let it go. We have two starters and we’re going to go with the hot quarterback. This week, both of them will get snaps with the first group and we’ll make a decision on Friday.
If winning on the road fosters confidence on the road
I hope so. This is team that’s obviously still a work in progress. I know we’ll have some good discussions behind closed doors today.
I know I told them, we acted like we won the Super Bowl (following the UNM game). I told them we got to get used to (winning games). Hopefully this will translate into more wins on the road.
On Todd Lee’s status
He’ll be back this week. We’ll try to be smart with him in practice and I’m pretty sure we’ll get him back for the game.
Any special feelings on returning to Southern California for the game this weekend?
Not really, not really. You get to this stage, I’m still growing as a head coach, really, you’re just trying to win games. You take one game at a time and try to prepare your team as well as possible and go to the next one.
On things to work on in practice
I want to show the team some cutups. I always have a lesson of the day for the team and the lesson today is showing them all our turnovers. Show the offense and defense all the explosive plays. If we can continue to improve (in those areas), we will continue to improve as a team. Those are two areas we’ll focus on today.
On special teams units
Coach Murph’s done a great job. That’s the reason we hired him. That’s an area we need to win every week. Special teams is critical for us and it’s an area we definitely have to win every week.
On being 2-2 after two games
It’s not just football but in life. If you work your butt off, you would like to be rewarded. It was just good to see our coaches and our players get rewarded for their hard work. Now, we gotta keep it going.
On quarterback change down the stretch
Yeah, I was in panic mode at that point and had to come up with something. It ended up working out well for us. I think it’s good for both quarterback. Now, both have to be prepared going into the game. We have to play the hot guy and, fortunately, Jeff was ready to go after sitting for three quarters. He found Marcus for the game-wininng touchdown.
On the emotions on the sidelines
It was a big-time feeling for our football program and we’re trying to change the culture and all the things that goes with winning.
Is playing both quarterbacks an option this weekend?
No question, I think we have to go with the hot guy. Until one guy separates himself, we have to do whatever it takes to win a game. If we have to do that again this week, we will.
Mike Grady, center
On sidelines following win
It was awesome. Definitely something I haven’t felt for a while, to win at their stadium.
On mindset of team
It was a great (win), but we gotta all keep moving forward. We can’t keep looking back, we have to look toward San Diego and move to 3-2.
On how the Aztecs look on film
I watched their defense this morning, they look good on film. They’re fast, they move around real good. They do a lot of crazy things on defense and try to mess up an offense.
Is it different blocking for either quarterback?
No, not at all. They seem to do the same things. They both sit back there and try to throw and they can both scramble if they need too. It’s not too much different.
How did it feel to run the ball last week
It always feels good to run the ball and keep getting yards and keep chipping away at the defense. It’s a good feeling.
Seth Smith, running back
On performance on Saturday
I did all right, I don’t think I did that well. I did my job though, I held onto the football, helped move the team down the field and we won. I think I could have had a better performance though.
On final drive
Everyone on the sidelines had faith. We had to get it done, no excuses. It was just that.
Were there any nerves?
I wasn’t nervous.
On offensive line
Offensive line is really getting it done. They’re working on their assignments every week and getting better. They’re having less and less mistakes. They’re becoming a real strong point of our offense and of our team, period.
Who’s the leader of the huddle with quarterback situation
It’s not an issue, we’re all on the same page. Our offensive line, they speak up and say a lot. Our center Grady, he always keeps it positive in the huddle. It’s a positive attitude on offense.
On moving the ball in the fourth quarter
I don’t think we were tired. We had an opporunity on a blocked punt and we didn’t score. We were looking for an opportunity to come back and get it back and score. We got the ball back in the fourth quarter and knew we had to score. Everybody had a lot of energy and was excited.
Pierre Fils, defensive end
On his feelings on win over UNM
It’s a great feeling. It’s a rivalry game, so it was a war out there. It was probably one of the best feeling I ever had, winning that game.
On mood surrounding team
We got nine more games to play. We gotta get past it. We were happy afterwards, but it’s over now. We’re ready for San Diego State.
On San Diego State’s gameplan
I would say they’re more of a passing team. Defensive line needs to get a little pass rush to make it easier on the secondary.
Do you prefer facing a passing team?
It doesn’t really make any difference. It gets the defensive line hyped up to face a passing team more. Get a pass rush and get some sacks.
On team’s secondary play
I like the secondary. They give us a lot of time to get a pass rush. They’re doing a good job holding up.
On what he said to Donte Savage following his blocked punt
I went over there and gave him a big hug. We practice it but he did it. It was great.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Wow, wow, wow....A win is a win is a win
Well, it was a great game Saturday night in Albuquerque.
It was ugly, and sloppy and not the prettiest football game in recent memory. But it doesn't matter if you're the New Mexico State Aggies. The team is a respectable 2-2 four games into the season, with one of those wins coming over its in-state rival New Mexico, a 20-17 triumph.
This was blueprint coach DeWayne Walker talked about when coming to NMSU last winter. Run the ball, control the clock, make big plays when necessary and just getting W's. Nothing flashy, no style points. Just wins. They got No. 2 on Saturday.
After the game, the team was euphoric. And everyone passed the buck when it came down to the win. Walker to the players. Offensive coordinator Timm Rosenbach to Walker. Davon House to the offense. Jeff Fleming to the offensive line. Marcus Anderson to the team.
They play together and that's a sign of good coaching.
The gameplan: I can't lie, it was a tough game to watch at times.
The Aggies just ran and ran and ran, particularly in the second half. I thought the first two quarters, the team moved the ball all right. Trevor Walls converted some third-down throws to Marcus Allen and the team had a nice rhythm going.
Walker said that Walls' second-quarter interception, a throw in the right flat that was picked by Lobo middle linebacker Carmen Messina at midfield and setup a Lobo touchdown, may have locked to Aggies up a little bit.
Bringing in Fleming late proved to be the right call, as he provided UNM with an entirely different look to defend. And, it was a surprise.
At the end of the day, NMSU scored 20 points, enough to win the game. It's also worth mentioning that Kyle Hughes banged home two field goals and both his extra points while the Lobos missed two field goals, including the 47-yarder at the final gun.
"Too conservative in the third quarter," Rosenbach said. "We were due to get on track. We kept moving the ball but we couldn't finish. Tonight, we were better. And we found a way to win. That's a big step for us."
The team banged away on the ground and leaned on its defense to make plays. The Aggie defense has overachieved this season. They play hard and on Saturday they were walking around with a little bit of a swagger during the game. At times, they were the aggressors.
"That's who we are," Walker said. "I put a lot of pressure on our defense and offensively we can run the ball. We may not score a lot of points, but we scored enough tonight."
The final drive: The Aggies methodically - that word might not even describe it - moved the ball down field for the winning score. A 17-play, 59-yard drive that took 7:00 off the clock. When UNM got the ball back, there were 39 seconds left on the clock.
The Aggies ran tha ball 14 times while attempting just three passes.
"Final drive, we ran the crud out of the ball," Fleming said. "The offensive line did a heck of a job. We just kept running the ball, running the ball, running the ball."
It was by design.
"What I told coach Rosey, I want you to burn all this time," Walker said. "We continued to running the ball and it ended up being our winning drive."
When asked about the winning play, a Fleming 4-yard touchdown throw to Marcus Anderson on 4th-and-goal, Rosenbach said he got a lot of feedback from different members of the coaching staff.
Anderson was the third read on the play.
"We had a lot of help," Rosenbach said. "Just try to listen it and figure out what you got that fits what we're talking about. Jeff did a good job hitting the third (option) on the play."
The offense made the key plays when it had too.
"We've been moving the ball all season," Anderson said. "We've just had problems in the redzone, honestly. Ofcourse, I would love to have more points, I would love to have more catches. But we got what matters most - the win."
Fleming: You gotta give this kid credit, to come in and lead the team downfield when the Aggies were in desperation mode.
Fleming completed 4-of-5 passes for 19 yards during the fourth quarter and hit three receivers on the Aggies' game-winning possession.
"I just need to be ready," Fleming said. "Trevor earned the right to go in there and he didn't play a bad game at all. We were in a little funk. We wanted the change. I slipped on my first play, but I shook it off. I did my job, went in there. Things worked out."
Rosenbach said he wasn't concerning himself with who would get the starting nod next Saturday, when the Aggies visit San Diego State.
"I ain't gonna worry about it right now," Rosenbach said. "I got a four-hour bus ride and I'm going to enjoy this one."
The Lobos: This is a team that's very similar to NMSU, one in transition.
In that spread offense, you need quality receivers and quality quarterback play - obviously. I didn't think Porterie played particularly bad and I felt like UNM could have gone up top more often. They don't seem to have many playmakers at receiver.
As for their running game, there is talent there with Demond Dennis, James Wright and A.J. Butler. I thought, with the exception of two runs for the Lobos, the Aggies did a good job containing them on the ground.
It would have been tough for either team to lose this one. It must hurt for UNM.
Key moments: Some key sequences that may go overlooked but should not.
Kyle Hughes, two field goals. Hughes also punted well and hits the endzone regularly on kickoffs.
Donte Savage, blocked punt, third quarter. The Aggies didn't capitalize on great field position after this play. A 3rd-and-1 inside the Lobo 20 was brought back following a false by Joe Suder and Hughes went on to miss a 45-yarder. Still, it was nice to see the special teams play a factor on the block.
Ross Conner interception on Lobos' first possession, set up a Hughes 42-yarder to get the Aggies on the board first.
Second quarter, Walls hits Marcus Allen over the middle for 13 yards on third down, down to the Lobo 21-yard line. Hughes would hit from 40 on the drive.
Third quarter, Kyle Nelson fumbles, Lobos take over at NMSU 19. When it was all said and done, the Lobos settled for a field goal to go up 17-13. On the possession, Lobo Josh Fussell dropped a pass around the 5-yard line. There was no defender in sight.
Hope everyone enjoyed the game. It was one to remember.
It was ugly, and sloppy and not the prettiest football game in recent memory. But it doesn't matter if you're the New Mexico State Aggies. The team is a respectable 2-2 four games into the season, with one of those wins coming over its in-state rival New Mexico, a 20-17 triumph.
This was blueprint coach DeWayne Walker talked about when coming to NMSU last winter. Run the ball, control the clock, make big plays when necessary and just getting W's. Nothing flashy, no style points. Just wins. They got No. 2 on Saturday.
After the game, the team was euphoric. And everyone passed the buck when it came down to the win. Walker to the players. Offensive coordinator Timm Rosenbach to Walker. Davon House to the offense. Jeff Fleming to the offensive line. Marcus Anderson to the team.
They play together and that's a sign of good coaching.
The gameplan: I can't lie, it was a tough game to watch at times.
The Aggies just ran and ran and ran, particularly in the second half. I thought the first two quarters, the team moved the ball all right. Trevor Walls converted some third-down throws to Marcus Allen and the team had a nice rhythm going.
Walker said that Walls' second-quarter interception, a throw in the right flat that was picked by Lobo middle linebacker Carmen Messina at midfield and setup a Lobo touchdown, may have locked to Aggies up a little bit.
Bringing in Fleming late proved to be the right call, as he provided UNM with an entirely different look to defend. And, it was a surprise.
At the end of the day, NMSU scored 20 points, enough to win the game. It's also worth mentioning that Kyle Hughes banged home two field goals and both his extra points while the Lobos missed two field goals, including the 47-yarder at the final gun.
"Too conservative in the third quarter," Rosenbach said. "We were due to get on track. We kept moving the ball but we couldn't finish. Tonight, we were better. And we found a way to win. That's a big step for us."
The team banged away on the ground and leaned on its defense to make plays. The Aggie defense has overachieved this season. They play hard and on Saturday they were walking around with a little bit of a swagger during the game. At times, they were the aggressors.
"That's who we are," Walker said. "I put a lot of pressure on our defense and offensively we can run the ball. We may not score a lot of points, but we scored enough tonight."
The final drive: The Aggies methodically - that word might not even describe it - moved the ball down field for the winning score. A 17-play, 59-yard drive that took 7:00 off the clock. When UNM got the ball back, there were 39 seconds left on the clock.
The Aggies ran tha ball 14 times while attempting just three passes.
"Final drive, we ran the crud out of the ball," Fleming said. "The offensive line did a heck of a job. We just kept running the ball, running the ball, running the ball."
It was by design.
"What I told coach Rosey, I want you to burn all this time," Walker said. "We continued to running the ball and it ended up being our winning drive."
When asked about the winning play, a Fleming 4-yard touchdown throw to Marcus Anderson on 4th-and-goal, Rosenbach said he got a lot of feedback from different members of the coaching staff.
Anderson was the third read on the play.
"We had a lot of help," Rosenbach said. "Just try to listen it and figure out what you got that fits what we're talking about. Jeff did a good job hitting the third (option) on the play."
The offense made the key plays when it had too.
"We've been moving the ball all season," Anderson said. "We've just had problems in the redzone, honestly. Ofcourse, I would love to have more points, I would love to have more catches. But we got what matters most - the win."
Fleming: You gotta give this kid credit, to come in and lead the team downfield when the Aggies were in desperation mode.
Fleming completed 4-of-5 passes for 19 yards during the fourth quarter and hit three receivers on the Aggies' game-winning possession.
"I just need to be ready," Fleming said. "Trevor earned the right to go in there and he didn't play a bad game at all. We were in a little funk. We wanted the change. I slipped on my first play, but I shook it off. I did my job, went in there. Things worked out."
Rosenbach said he wasn't concerning himself with who would get the starting nod next Saturday, when the Aggies visit San Diego State.
"I ain't gonna worry about it right now," Rosenbach said. "I got a four-hour bus ride and I'm going to enjoy this one."
The Lobos: This is a team that's very similar to NMSU, one in transition.
In that spread offense, you need quality receivers and quality quarterback play - obviously. I didn't think Porterie played particularly bad and I felt like UNM could have gone up top more often. They don't seem to have many playmakers at receiver.
As for their running game, there is talent there with Demond Dennis, James Wright and A.J. Butler. I thought, with the exception of two runs for the Lobos, the Aggies did a good job containing them on the ground.
It would have been tough for either team to lose this one. It must hurt for UNM.
Key moments: Some key sequences that may go overlooked but should not.
Kyle Hughes, two field goals. Hughes also punted well and hits the endzone regularly on kickoffs.
Donte Savage, blocked punt, third quarter. The Aggies didn't capitalize on great field position after this play. A 3rd-and-1 inside the Lobo 20 was brought back following a false by Joe Suder and Hughes went on to miss a 45-yarder. Still, it was nice to see the special teams play a factor on the block.
Ross Conner interception on Lobos' first possession, set up a Hughes 42-yarder to get the Aggies on the board first.
Second quarter, Walls hits Marcus Allen over the middle for 13 yards on third down, down to the Lobo 21-yard line. Hughes would hit from 40 on the drive.
Third quarter, Kyle Nelson fumbles, Lobos take over at NMSU 19. When it was all said and done, the Lobos settled for a field goal to go up 17-13. On the possession, Lobo Josh Fussell dropped a pass around the 5-yard line. There was no defender in sight.
Hope everyone enjoyed the game. It was one to remember.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Food for thought
Here are some historical perspectives on the Aggie-Lobo series.....
A look back at some of the great Aggie-Lobo games
All 100 scores from the series
Quotes from some of the series' personalities
A look back at some of the great Aggie-Lobo games
All 100 scores from the series
Quotes from some of the series' personalities
Aggie-Lobo prediction
Well, someone asked for my thoughts on the game, so here they are.
I think NMSU loses 28-20. I do believe they move the ball better. They will be able to run the ball on the Lobos and I think they will be able to stretch the field better with their passing game. Trevor Walls throws a touchdown while one of the backs, either Seth Smith or Marquell Colston, run for another.
UNM, which has been abysmal on offense this year, has somewhat of a breakout. James Wright and Demond Dennis score TDs and Donovan Porterie tosses his first touchdown of the year.
I expect a close game. Both teams are going through transitional stages on the field and will be hungry for the win.
Then again, what do I know? We shall see how things shake out on Saturday.
I think NMSU loses 28-20. I do believe they move the ball better. They will be able to run the ball on the Lobos and I think they will be able to stretch the field better with their passing game. Trevor Walls throws a touchdown while one of the backs, either Seth Smith or Marquell Colston, run for another.
UNM, which has been abysmal on offense this year, has somewhat of a breakout. James Wright and Demond Dennis score TDs and Donovan Porterie tosses his first touchdown of the year.
I expect a close game. Both teams are going through transitional stages on the field and will be hungry for the win.
Then again, what do I know? We shall see how things shake out on Saturday.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Notes: Todd Lee; The quarterbacks
Wide receiver Todd Lee sat out of practice on Thursday with an injured shoulder.
Coach DeWayne Walker said that Lee would be a gametime decision.
Lee has been the Aggies' most consistent receiver this season and if he doesn't play, it will not help against the Lobos.
One thing this could do is open the door for Darrius Preston to get onto the field. I thought highly of Preston during training camp but he has tailed off.
"He started hot but has simmered down," Walker said. "He's a young player who is still growing."
Preston is a redshirt freshman. He has the talent and it was apparent in August.
I also spoke with Walker about Marcus Allen, who had a big first game and has since disappeared. And I mean it. Allen made all of his plays (five catches, 82 yards) in the first game of the season. He's made zero receptions since.
"We gotta get the ball to him," Walker said. "If the passing game struggles, he'll struggle."
Allen has to step up this weekend.
Trevor Walls: I spoke with Trevor about how the quarterback competition was going.
He said that he's been splitting all the first-team snaps with Jeff Fleming so far in practice, although he added that's not unusual during a regular week of practice.
"It would mean a lot," Walls said when asked about playing. "It's about the team first. We're getting an equal opportunity and the best man will get his shot."
Timm Rosenbach: Rosenbach, NMSU's offensive coordinator, will move from the upstairs booth this Saturday, where he has been stationed all season long during games, down to the field.
Walker said Rosenbach wants to be in closer communication with the Aggie quarterbacks and believes being on the sideline will help.
Jason Lenzmeier: Lenzmeier was a very good lineman for the Lobos and eventually coached with them under Rocky Long. Long left the program and, boom, Lenzmeier was gone too.
He was the only coach on the current Aggie staff that came to NMSU without any connections. A straight interview and he got the job.
Being a former Lobo, we talked about the rivalry.
TF: What do you think about the game coming up?
JL: We play at Saturday, 8 o'clock.
TF: Do you have any extra feeling or emotion going into the game?
JL: It's just another game for me. It's a rivalry game between New Mexico State and New Mexico.
TF: Will it be strange dressing in the visitor's locker room or warming up on the visitor's side?
JL: No. I've done it before during a spring scrimmage. I just gotta coach and my guys' got to compete."
This guy isn't giving me anything. I asked him about how he felt the line has played this year.
"The guys have been playing hard. That's what I ask for. Go in and play hard and tough. We've had some injuries, we've had to shuffle some guys around a little bit."
And on the loss of right tackle David Norman, who's sidelined for a handful of weeks with an injured knee.
"You don't make up the leadership that Norman brings to the field," Lenzmeier said. "(Joe) Suder came in and played well. He played hard."
The offensive line has committed some penalties that have hurt the team here and there, but a line is going to hold every once in a while. It's been the timeliness of the penalties that have hurt more than anything else.
I think overall the group has played pretty well and will continue to get better. Lenzmeier has coached them up.
Coach DeWayne Walker said that Lee would be a gametime decision.
Lee has been the Aggies' most consistent receiver this season and if he doesn't play, it will not help against the Lobos.
One thing this could do is open the door for Darrius Preston to get onto the field. I thought highly of Preston during training camp but he has tailed off.
"He started hot but has simmered down," Walker said. "He's a young player who is still growing."
Preston is a redshirt freshman. He has the talent and it was apparent in August.
I also spoke with Walker about Marcus Allen, who had a big first game and has since disappeared. And I mean it. Allen made all of his plays (five catches, 82 yards) in the first game of the season. He's made zero receptions since.
"We gotta get the ball to him," Walker said. "If the passing game struggles, he'll struggle."
Allen has to step up this weekend.
Trevor Walls: I spoke with Trevor about how the quarterback competition was going.
He said that he's been splitting all the first-team snaps with Jeff Fleming so far in practice, although he added that's not unusual during a regular week of practice.
"It would mean a lot," Walls said when asked about playing. "It's about the team first. We're getting an equal opportunity and the best man will get his shot."
Timm Rosenbach: Rosenbach, NMSU's offensive coordinator, will move from the upstairs booth this Saturday, where he has been stationed all season long during games, down to the field.
Walker said Rosenbach wants to be in closer communication with the Aggie quarterbacks and believes being on the sideline will help.
Jason Lenzmeier: Lenzmeier was a very good lineman for the Lobos and eventually coached with them under Rocky Long. Long left the program and, boom, Lenzmeier was gone too.
He was the only coach on the current Aggie staff that came to NMSU without any connections. A straight interview and he got the job.
Being a former Lobo, we talked about the rivalry.
TF: What do you think about the game coming up?
JL: We play at Saturday, 8 o'clock.
TF: Do you have any extra feeling or emotion going into the game?
JL: It's just another game for me. It's a rivalry game between New Mexico State and New Mexico.
TF: Will it be strange dressing in the visitor's locker room or warming up on the visitor's side?
JL: No. I've done it before during a spring scrimmage. I just gotta coach and my guys' got to compete."
This guy isn't giving me anything. I asked him about how he felt the line has played this year.
"The guys have been playing hard. That's what I ask for. Go in and play hard and tough. We've had some injuries, we've had to shuffle some guys around a little bit."
And on the loss of right tackle David Norman, who's sidelined for a handful of weeks with an injured knee.
"You don't make up the leadership that Norman brings to the field," Lenzmeier said. "(Joe) Suder came in and played well. He played hard."
The offensive line has committed some penalties that have hurt the team here and there, but a line is going to hold every once in a while. It's been the timeliness of the penalties that have hurt more than anything else.
I think overall the group has played pretty well and will continue to get better. Lenzmeier has coached them up.
Press conference quotes
DeWayne Walker, head coach
On quarterback competition
We’re gonna heat up the quarterback competition this week. We’re gonna give Trevor the snaps with the (first string) along with Jeff. We’ll decided later on during the week what we want to do.
On injured offensive tackle David Norman
It’s his knee. He’ll probably be out the next couple of weeks, we’re just thankful he’s not out for the season. We’re pretty thin at the offensive line. We have our fingers crossed that he’ll get back in the next couple of weeks.
On New Mexico
Offensively, I’ll tell you, their backs scare the crap out of me. I know their having some quarterback issues as well and they’re trying to figure that out. But there running backs are very good and their receivers are good enough to catch the ball.
On Fleming’s performance
It’s all about scoring points. We’ve moved the ball, we just haven’t scored touchdowns. I just think that it was never a situation where he was the clear-cut starter coming into the season. You have to give Trevor kudos. His two drives, we did score touchdowns. In fairness to Trevor, we should heat it up a little bit in practice and see where they head up.
On Walker's relationship with UNM coach Mike Locksley relationship
We go back. When we’re out (together) we’ll laugh and joke. I’m sure once kickoff starts, that’ll change.
On respect for UNM’s offense
It was good enough at Illinois so I’m sure at some point it will be good enough for UNM. I’m just hoping it’s not this weekend.
Is this weekend a make-or-break game?
It’s too early in the season for that. We’ve got 13 games. If it were a situation where if we lost this game that it would knock us out of bowl contention, than you could say that. But there’s too much football left to worry about that. We just gotta get to 2-2.
On other personnel changes
Federico is still dealing with his concussion. He’s a guy who could be out. We’re going to get Blount back this week and we think he can help us. Kyle Smithis another guy we could get back. That would really help us with our offensive line.
Everything else is pretty much status quo. Quarterback position we’ll heat up.
On passing game’s improvement
We have to take what the defense gives us. There were some throws — Kyle (Nelson) was open on the first play of the game. We’ve got to catch that. I know that’s something that disturbed me last week at practice. I thought there were a lot of dropped balls in practice. That’s something we’ve addressed as a staff. You can’t drop balls in practice because if you do you’re going to drop balls in the game.
If the quarterbacks get the ball there, we’ve got to catch it too. We’ve got to open it up a little bit. We’re not going to throw it on every down, but we’ve got to keep the defense honest as much as we can.
On intensity level of practice
I think our guys have really practiced really good. It’s about execution. I don’t think (the problem is) our practice habits per say. It’s about execution on gameday.
On field goal kicking
We’re at a stage where we need every point we can get. Defensively, we’ve played well in spurts. If we could just get some help, whether it be a field goal or we get in the redzone and score a touchdown here or there. We’re not the Baltimore Ravens, we’re not going to win 10-3 games. We’re not that kind of defense yet. But I think we’re good enough to if we can get whatever we can get, that’ll keep us in games against good football teams.
On penalty situations that have hurt Aggie scoring drives
That’s when I lose my cool. Again, as a football team, we need every break we can get. When we move the ball and we’re on the verge of getting some points and we get a holding or a offsides, now you get pushed back. We’re not good enough to do those things. We’re going to address it in our own way and get that handled.
On lightning delay
It was different, I don’t know if I even experienced anything like that....UTEP had to sit out just like we did, I don’t want to use that as an excuse. You hate to go through stuff like that. You would rather play the game when it’s supposed to be played rather than chilling out in the locker room for three hours. Whether that had anything to do with how the game played out doesn’t matter, but it definitely was an experience.
Tonny Glynn, running back/kick returner
On avenging close loss last year to UNM
We’re trying to get to a bowl game this year. Just win more than we lose.
On offenses struggles
We just gotta cut down on our penalties. We’re moving the ball pretty good but when we get into the redzone, we’re always shoot ourselves in the foot.
Is this week a make-or-break game?
I think it would help us but I don’t think it would break us if we were to lose.
On rivalry with UNM
It’s just crazy. An exciting game to be in. They have great fans that come out and support them. It’s a great environment to be in.
Ross Conner, linebacker
On looking to avenge close loss
I wouldn’t say avenge, we’re looking to get a win. We’re looking to get to that magical number for the bowl game. That’s our goal.
On teams mental after UTEP loss
We lost, and it hurt, but we’re still focused and we’ll be prepared for game this weekend.
On NMSU defensive effort last week
I think the defense played well. We played strong in the first half. It didn’t work out for us but it isn’t going to determine our season. We’ll still have a strong defense, hopefully one of the better ones in our conference. We still have high hopes.
On preparing for UNM’s spread offense
It’s something we’ll have to address in practice. We’ll work on it and have a good gameplan for that.
On the rivalry with UNM
It’s a big rivalry. The fans on both sides are into their teams. UNM has a very good fanbase. It’s gonna be a very exciting game, high emotions. Hopefully it all turns out well.
On coming off a rivalry game and jumping back into another
I wouldn’t say it effects us. As a team we have to stay on top of our A-game. We lost last week. It’s unfortunate. This week, it’s UNM, it’s a huge game also. We can’t dwell on that loss, we’re over that. We’re focusing on UNM. That’s all we’re thinking about.
Stephon Hatchett
On UNM game
It’s a rivalry game, coming off the loss to UTEP, we’re going out there looking for a win. There will be a lot of people in the stands and high intensity both emotionally and physically. We’re going to try to go out and get a win.
On importance of getting the win
It’s always important to get a win and to get back to 2-2, .500, so we can meet the goals we set at the beginning of the year. Especially after the loss to UTEP, we hope to get the confidence back in our team and in our program.
On goals for the secondary
Stop them from scoring. We want to stop them from scoring and give the offense more opportunities.
On quarterback competition
We’re gonna heat up the quarterback competition this week. We’re gonna give Trevor the snaps with the (first string) along with Jeff. We’ll decided later on during the week what we want to do.
On injured offensive tackle David Norman
It’s his knee. He’ll probably be out the next couple of weeks, we’re just thankful he’s not out for the season. We’re pretty thin at the offensive line. We have our fingers crossed that he’ll get back in the next couple of weeks.
On New Mexico
Offensively, I’ll tell you, their backs scare the crap out of me. I know their having some quarterback issues as well and they’re trying to figure that out. But there running backs are very good and their receivers are good enough to catch the ball.
On Fleming’s performance
It’s all about scoring points. We’ve moved the ball, we just haven’t scored touchdowns. I just think that it was never a situation where he was the clear-cut starter coming into the season. You have to give Trevor kudos. His two drives, we did score touchdowns. In fairness to Trevor, we should heat it up a little bit in practice and see where they head up.
On Walker's relationship with UNM coach Mike Locksley relationship
We go back. When we’re out (together) we’ll laugh and joke. I’m sure once kickoff starts, that’ll change.
On respect for UNM’s offense
It was good enough at Illinois so I’m sure at some point it will be good enough for UNM. I’m just hoping it’s not this weekend.
Is this weekend a make-or-break game?
It’s too early in the season for that. We’ve got 13 games. If it were a situation where if we lost this game that it would knock us out of bowl contention, than you could say that. But there’s too much football left to worry about that. We just gotta get to 2-2.
On other personnel changes
Federico is still dealing with his concussion. He’s a guy who could be out. We’re going to get Blount back this week and we think he can help us. Kyle Smithis another guy we could get back. That would really help us with our offensive line.
Everything else is pretty much status quo. Quarterback position we’ll heat up.
On passing game’s improvement
We have to take what the defense gives us. There were some throws — Kyle (Nelson) was open on the first play of the game. We’ve got to catch that. I know that’s something that disturbed me last week at practice. I thought there were a lot of dropped balls in practice. That’s something we’ve addressed as a staff. You can’t drop balls in practice because if you do you’re going to drop balls in the game.
If the quarterbacks get the ball there, we’ve got to catch it too. We’ve got to open it up a little bit. We’re not going to throw it on every down, but we’ve got to keep the defense honest as much as we can.
On intensity level of practice
I think our guys have really practiced really good. It’s about execution. I don’t think (the problem is) our practice habits per say. It’s about execution on gameday.
On field goal kicking
We’re at a stage where we need every point we can get. Defensively, we’ve played well in spurts. If we could just get some help, whether it be a field goal or we get in the redzone and score a touchdown here or there. We’re not the Baltimore Ravens, we’re not going to win 10-3 games. We’re not that kind of defense yet. But I think we’re good enough to if we can get whatever we can get, that’ll keep us in games against good football teams.
On penalty situations that have hurt Aggie scoring drives
That’s when I lose my cool. Again, as a football team, we need every break we can get. When we move the ball and we’re on the verge of getting some points and we get a holding or a offsides, now you get pushed back. We’re not good enough to do those things. We’re going to address it in our own way and get that handled.
On lightning delay
It was different, I don’t know if I even experienced anything like that....UTEP had to sit out just like we did, I don’t want to use that as an excuse. You hate to go through stuff like that. You would rather play the game when it’s supposed to be played rather than chilling out in the locker room for three hours. Whether that had anything to do with how the game played out doesn’t matter, but it definitely was an experience.
Tonny Glynn, running back/kick returner
On avenging close loss last year to UNM
We’re trying to get to a bowl game this year. Just win more than we lose.
On offenses struggles
We just gotta cut down on our penalties. We’re moving the ball pretty good but when we get into the redzone, we’re always shoot ourselves in the foot.
Is this week a make-or-break game?
I think it would help us but I don’t think it would break us if we were to lose.
On rivalry with UNM
It’s just crazy. An exciting game to be in. They have great fans that come out and support them. It’s a great environment to be in.
Ross Conner, linebacker
On looking to avenge close loss
I wouldn’t say avenge, we’re looking to get a win. We’re looking to get to that magical number for the bowl game. That’s our goal.
On teams mental after UTEP loss
We lost, and it hurt, but we’re still focused and we’ll be prepared for game this weekend.
On NMSU defensive effort last week
I think the defense played well. We played strong in the first half. It didn’t work out for us but it isn’t going to determine our season. We’ll still have a strong defense, hopefully one of the better ones in our conference. We still have high hopes.
On preparing for UNM’s spread offense
It’s something we’ll have to address in practice. We’ll work on it and have a good gameplan for that.
On the rivalry with UNM
It’s a big rivalry. The fans on both sides are into their teams. UNM has a very good fanbase. It’s gonna be a very exciting game, high emotions. Hopefully it all turns out well.
On coming off a rivalry game and jumping back into another
I wouldn’t say it effects us. As a team we have to stay on top of our A-game. We lost last week. It’s unfortunate. This week, it’s UNM, it’s a huge game also. We can’t dwell on that loss, we’re over that. We’re focusing on UNM. That’s all we’re thinking about.
Stephon Hatchett
On UNM game
It’s a rivalry game, coming off the loss to UTEP, we’re going out there looking for a win. There will be a lot of people in the stands and high intensity both emotionally and physically. We’re going to try to go out and get a win.
On importance of getting the win
It’s always important to get a win and to get back to 2-2, .500, so we can meet the goals we set at the beginning of the year. Especially after the loss to UTEP, we hope to get the confidence back in our team and in our program.
On goals for the secondary
Stop them from scoring. We want to stop them from scoring and give the offense more opportunities.
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