Bobcat fans,
I'm looking forward to the return game on Saturday.
With Ohio being a 21-pt favorite, NMSU has it's work cutout for it. Ohio won by 20-pts last year in Las Cruces and simply over-powered the Aggies. This year might be different.
First and foremost, an injury update. Aggie
Sr. RB, Robert Clay, a 4-yr starter, is out with a concussion suffered in the win at home against Sac. St. Clay played the entire game and scored on a 5-yd TD run with 00:23 remaining in the 4th qtr. Not sure if he sustained that injury on that final play or not. Regardless, he's not playing and won't travel with the team to Athens, OH. Other than a few other bumps and bruises, the Aggies are healthy.
QB
I'm not convinced Aggie So. QB, Andrew Manley is 100% (knee injury last season) as he wears a brace on that knee during a game. However, he looks solid and throws the ball very well. His scrambling out of the pocket and speed is questionable, at best. Plain and simple he's a pocket passer. As for a backup QB, Travaughn Colwell is proven and has experience at QB, but struggles in sustaining offensive drives consistently. Prone to injury and fumbles/interceptions. The other backup QB is Andrew McDonald. He's unproven, but comes to NMSU with solid credentials, however at the J.C. ranks.
Running Game
With a 50% or better chance of rain, the Aggie running game MUST step up and take control. It failed miserably against Sac. St. The Aggie Oline is inexperienced for the most part. They're good in pass-block mode, but performed poorly in the run-block. Expect to see three RB's share the rock on Saturday. The two RB's that should be taking most of the load will be Tiger Powell, who is more of a power-type RB, and my favorite RB, Germi Morrison. Akilee Mustafa is the smaller of the three and possesses good speed and great hands in passing situations out of the backfield. All three will get plenty of action on Saturday.
Passing Game
Not to be ignored is the powerful pass tandem of QB Andrew Manley to WR Austin Franklin. They lit up the scoreboard and set fire to the record books against Sac. St. Franklin is a "playmaker". He's a smart WR and knows how to run proper routes and find open space in the defensive secondary. WR Kemote Bateman is also a very good WR. He's sneaky long. Tends to drop the easy passes, but makes up for it with circus-type catches on the long ball. He's either hot or cold. Can't figure him out yet.
NMSU also has a couple of good TE's. They're a bit under-utilized, but not overlooked.
Defense
The jury is still out on the Aggie defense. Sac. St. was no true test, but they performed well for the most part except for a few defensive breakdowns on pass defense. Their LB corp is solid.
Keep an eye on LB's Donte Savage and Trashaun Nixon. Both may play at the next level when done at NMSU.
As for their D-Line, it's small, but athletic. My biggest gripe on NMSU's defense is the lack of a pass-rusher. Their D.C. rarely calls for pressuring the QB. They prefer to sit back and react to the offense. If that changes for Saturday, I'll be shocked.
Special Teams
This years team, after just one game, is night and day from previous seasons. The Aggie punter averaged 50.50 yards per punt on Saturday with excellent hang-time and direction. He is so good that Aggie head coach DeWayne Walker granted him a scholarship to come to NMSU. How many head coaches do that? He gives the Aggie defense a solid chance in defending the field by pinning teams deep with his punts. NMSU also has a decent kicker in Tyler Stampler. Not sure he's 100% reliable when the game is on the line, but he's solid.
Coaching
Coach
DeWayne Walker is in his 4th year at NMSU. This is his first head coaching gig after serving as an assistant at UCLA. He's learning the ropes while at NMSU and is building a solid program. While not overly successful, Aggie fans are pleased with the direction of his program. No off-field controversies, great GPA/APR results, community involvement, integrity, and effort. The fans appreciate that.
NMSU will have its forth O.C. in as many years. This has been a concern for Aggie fans with the team having to learn new offensive schemes every year, but for the most part, its worked out well. Last years O.C., Doug Martin, who did a TREMENDOUS job, left NMSU for the O.C. gig at Boston College. This seasons O.C. is Jerry McManus who coached at Kent St. The offense looked good in their last game, but Saturday's game will be a true test.
Weather
I'm reading there's a 50% or better chance of rain on Saturday. With Aggie RB Robert Clay out due to a concussion, the Aggie running game is going to have to step up and take control. I believe that was the focus of practice all week at NMSU. Improve the ground game.
Keys to an Aggie win
Simple. Control the game. If NMSU allows Ohio to get out to an early lead...game over. If NMSU can control the game clock, keep the defense off the field, and limit turnovers, they have a chance at winning. I'm looking for the occasional "big play" for a score, but with the weather conditions predicted, I don't expect too many big plays. Also, eliminate any injuries to key players.
Prediction:
Ohio - 31
NMSU - 21
I hope I'm wrong.
Here's to an injury-free game. Go Aggies!
CIRivals
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