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2009 New Mexico College Football Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd

new mexico 62909 After going bowling in the 2007 season, the Lobos finished just 4-8 last season, including 2-6 in league play. The program has brought in first year head coach Mike Locksley and his spread-option attack to try to get the Lobos back in the postseason. Find out what I think his chances are in this 2009 college football betting preview.

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Offense – The goal of first year head coach Mike Locksley is to bring some life to the New Mexico offense with his spread-option attack that was so successful at Illinois. He certainly has his work cut out for himself with a unit that ranked 94th in the nation in scoring offense (21.1 points per game). This offense is going to be a big change for the returning personnel also, as they have been used to former head coach Rocky Long’s run between the tackles offense. The spread-option offense cannot be a success without strong quarterback play. Three quarterbacks are competing for the starting spot. Donovan Porterie was a 3,000-yard passer in 2007, but struggled in 2008 before tearing his ACL four games in. Brad Gruner replaced him last season and proved to be a good runner but struggles to throw the deep ball will confidence and consistency. If neither of these guys are living up to Locksley’s expectations for the position, he will likely turn to true freshman Emmanuel Yeager to start the rebuilding of the offense.

Locksley’s new offense asks a lot more of a wide receiver unit whose previous main responsibility was blocking. Senior Roland Bruno, sophomore Michael Scarlett and, top returning receiver, junior Bryant Williams figure to get the starting nods. Freshman Derrell Person looks like a player as well.

The offensive line is solid, led by veteran center Erik Cook and sophomore left tackle Byron Bell. Terence Brown, James Wright, and A.J. Butler will all compete for snaps at the tailback spot. Wright is the top returning rusher, carrying 54 times for 348 yards and 2 scores last season.

Defense – Defense was Long’s baby during his 11-year tenure at New Mexico. His unique 3-3-5 scheme helped the Lobos rank a respectable 46th in scoring defense (22.8 points per game allowed) and 45th in total defense (335.8 yards per game allowed). The Lobos were particularly tough against the run, allowing just 122.3 yards per game (26th nationally). This unit returns just three starters in 2009 and Locksley and defensive coordinator Doug Mallory are scrapping the 3-3-5 for a more traditional 4-3.

The Lobos should be solid up front with guys like Jaymar Latchison, Kendall Briscoe, Peter Gardner, and DeAndre Davis, but depth is a major concern. The linebacker position should be a strength as well with Clint McPeek leading the way from the strong side. He recorded 103 tackles a season ago while playing Long’s unique Lobo back spot that Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher made famous during his stay in Albuquerque. Returning starter Ian Clack, who also played some Lobo back, will be moved to free safety and will join returning starter Frankie Solomon, who will line up as free safety. Mallory hopes to take pressure off the cornerbacks to play man coverage nearly every down with his scheme change in hopes that the team can improve on its 213.5 passing yards allowed per game (70th nationally).

Prediction: 7th Mountain West Conference - New Mexico’s success will largely be determined by how well the quarterback position performs. Porterie seems to be the key as he has proven in the past that he can pass effectively. But with a new scheme on both sides of the ball and a new staff to adjust to, my best guess is a finish in the bottom half of the league.

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Jimmy Boyd’s expert football picks will keep you in the Black all season long!

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