New Mexico Lobos Football Preview 2013 [AUDIO]

The Lobos lost five games by seven points or less in 2012. They hope to turn the corner in 2013 with second-year head coach Bob Davie.

The New Mexico offense ranked 5^th in the nation (2^nd in MWC) in rushing last season but nearly last in passing (10^th in MWC).  Coach Davie said he wants to be able to throw the ball a little more this season.  They must replace QB B.R. Holbrook at that position first (62-112, 647 yds, 2 TD’s, 1 INT).  Sophomore Cole Gautsche had a chance to play last season as a freshman with 13 of 31 completions, 222 yds passing, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s.

The running back position looks solid as the Lobo’s biggest threat in the backfield returns in 2013.  Kasey Carrier will be a senior this season after rushing for 1469 yds on 255 carries and 15 TD’s.  Gautsche was also valuable in the running attack with 760 yds on 109 carries and 7 TD’s.  Sophomore Jhurell Pressley also brings depth to the backfield after almost rushing for 500 yds and 6 TD’s.

Although the Lobos barely passed the ball last season, they lose some of their leading targets.  Ty Kirk had 13 catches for 200 yds and 2 TD’s and Lamaar Thomas caught 15 passes for 165 yds and 1 TD.  Junior SaQuan Edwards and Sophomore Carlos Wiggins return to add experience at that position this season.

Up front, the Lobos return 4 of their 5 offensive linemen.  Korian Chambers will need to be replaced at tackle.  TE’s Biren and Reed were also helpful in the New Mexico running game and will need to be replaced.

Defensively, the Lobos lose 7 starters from last season.  However, the team’s leader in sacks returns on the defensive line in Jacori Greer who had 5 sacks (T-9^th in MWC).  Greer also led the team in TFL’s with 8 (T-23^rd in MWC).  Look for Greer to be a steady presence in 2013.    At linebacker, Dallas Bollema returns as the team’s leader on defense.  He led the team in total tackles with 89 and INT’s with 3.  He also was disruptive in the backfield with 6.5 TFL’s.   He will be joined by junior Javarie Johnson (23 total tackles) and senior Rashad Rainey (40 total tackles).  These two were also troublesome in the backfield.  Rainey had 2.5 sacks and 5.5 TFL’s.  Johnson collected 4.5 sacks and 6.5 TFL’s.  So, the absence of Stoner (59 total tackles) and Harris (58 total tackles) will not hinder the chances for this unit to be solid for the Lobos in 2013.

In the secondary, the Lobos lose 3 of their top 5 tacklers from last season in S Raymer (83 tot tackles), S Young (59 tot tackles), and CB Berry (47 tot tackles).  Raymer was also disrupted the offensive backfield with 8 TFL’s.  Berry picked off 3 passes for the Lobos as well.

Aerial Assault:  The Lobos found it difficult to stop teams from throwing the ball all over the field.  The New Mexico defense gave up 269.23 yds/game and a total of 33 TD’s through the air.

Special Teams:  The Lobos led the conference in kickoff return yards and net punting.  RB Chase Clayton returned 20 punts for a total of 608 (30.4 yds/return, 5^th in nation) and 2 TD’s.  P Ben Skaer ranked  24^th in the nation in net punting with a net average of 39.02 yds/punt.

2013 Schedule:

 8/31 UTSA
9/7 at UTEP
9/14 at Pittsburgh
9/28 UNLV*
10/05 New Mexico State
10/12 at Wyoming*
10/19 Utah State*
11/2 at San Diego State*
11/8 Air Force*
11/16 Colorado State*

11/23 at Fresno State*
11/30 at Boise State*

*-Conference Games

Critical Games:

1. Utah State: The Aggies will be dealing with the transition into the MWC and a coaching change.  This is one of those games the Lobos might be fortunate enough to pull off in the middle of the season.
2. Air Force: After nearly defeating the Falcons in Colorado Springs last season, the Lobos host Air Force in 2013.  Both of these teams will want to win this game desperately.
3. Colorado State: Like the Air Force game, New Mexico lost to the Rams by a close margin last season.  But the Rams visit Albuquerque this season, and walking out with a win will be a difficult task to say the least.

^-Second Team All-Mountain West

This article was complied with the use of NCAA Football Statistics, Mountain West Conference Football, and New Mexico Football.

Audio:

Bob Davie (head coach) talks about: QB's, RB's, Young talent, LB's, and What to change:

Rick Wright (Albuquerque Journal) talks about: Turning the corner, QB's and the defense, Offense, and Biggest problem on defense in 2012: