College Football Preview: New Mexico

New Mexico Lobos

2015 Results: 7-6 (5-3, 2nd in Mountain)

Lost to Arizona in New Mexico Bowl

Returning Starters: 5 OFF, 9 DEF, 1 SP

2016 Schedule

September

3rd SOUTH DAKOTA
10th at New Mexico State

17th at Rutgers

October

1st SAN JOSE STATE

7th BOISE STATE

15th at Air Force

22nd LOUISIANA-MONROE

29th at Hawaii

November

5th NEVADA

12th at Utah State

19th at Colorado State

26th WYOMING

After seeing his teams go 11-26 in his first three seasons, Bob Davie might have just turned the corner with New Mexico. Fresh off their first bowl game since 2007, The Lobos now look to take a step forward in an attempt to play in a bowl outside of their own state. Year 5 under Davie is surrounded with plenty of optimism due to the fact that this might be the best defense New Mexico has had in recent memory.

New Mexico's calling card on offense is their productive rushing attack. Last year, the Lobos averaged 252.2 rushing yards per game. That was good enough to see them ranked in the top 10 rushing of the nation. Senior tailback Teriyon Gipson returns as the team's second leading rusher from a year ago. The quarterback situation is a two-man show. Junior Lamar Jordan is the legs while senior Austin Apodaca is the arm. New Mexico also returns their two leading receivers from last year. Dameon Gamblin led the team with 35 catches for 424 yards last season. One wrinkle in the offense is former quarterback Cole Gautsche will make the move to tight end.

The 437.6 yards per game given up by New Mexico's defense last year was actually an improvement. The year before, they were giving up 519.2. The defensive unit returns 9 starters. All six up front are back, and three of the five-man secondary return also. The defense will be led by the linebackers. All are returning, and have plenty of experience. 

Player to Watch: Dakota Cox

Cox returns as a senior after leading the team in tackles for the previous three years. With the linebackers being the best position on this side of the ball, look to Cox for the leadership needed to get this defense over the hump

If you only watch them once, watch:

10/7 Boise State

Last year, New Mexico knocked off Boise on the road and ended the Broncos chances at the conference championship. This year, they come south to the desert. This game has conference championship game implications. It should make for an exciting game.

What to Expect

New Mexico is a Dark Horse pick for an outside contender in the Mountain West. With senior leadership on both sides of the ball, they'll be tough to beat. If the offensive line can make the holes, they can score with the best of the conference. If the defense continues to improve, they won't have to score as much. Having Boise, Wyoming, and Nevada at home means that the schedule will work out in their favor.

Prediction

8-4 (5-3, MWC)

-Dug

@chansm1th