The New Mexico Lobos had a total of 3 wins in the 3 years prior to Bob Davie becoming HC, but in his 2 years here has done a fine job recruiting and have guided the Lobos to 7 wins over that stretch. He still has a lot of work to do, but this team is on the right track. Preview & schedule are below.
The Lobos are a run first offense, so their first order is finding a replacement for Kasey Carrier, who ran for 1122 yards and 9 TDs last year. Crusoe Gongbay looks ready to take over after rushing for 592 yards and 6 TDs last year. They also have decent depth with Jakan Johnson and Teriyon Gipson, plus don’t forget about dual threat QB Cole Gautsche, who was 2nd on the team in rushing last year, with 777 yards and 8 TDs. This group will set up behind the 2nd best OL in the league, with 3 starters back and solid depth. The Lobos are not a team that looks to throw all that often, as evidenced by the 113 ypg through the air they put up last year and while they do have their top two WRs back from last year, neither caught more than 19 passes. The defense has 6 starters back, but also have major work to do after allowing 42.8 ppg and 517 ypg last year. The Lobos did land 7 Jucos to help out on this side and a few of them are slated to start right away, including Taylor Timmons (NT) and Ryan Langford (LB). The secondary looks very solid with 3 starters back and all 3 being seniors, while Brett Bowers will lead a decent DL after leading the team in sacks last year with 6. The LB corps is the weakest part of the defense, but still looks like an improved group with last year’s leading tackler Dakota cox back, along with one time Maryland transfer Javarie Johnson.
The Lobos are closing the gap and as long as Davies is left alone and continues to recruit well then this team should be back in the post season. It won’t be this year as they still have ground to make up. They are getting closer as half of their 14 MWC losses under Davie have been by 7 or less points. The Slate is pretty tough with non-conference games vs Arizona State and on the road vs UTSA, plus conference road games vs Air Force, Utah State, UNLV and Colorado State, to go along with home games vs Boise State, San Diego State and Fresno State. This is an improved team bust still I can’t see them topping more than three wins they put up last year, especially vs this schedule. KEY TREND: 1-8 ATS at home after scoring 10 points or less
2014 New Mexico Lobos Football Schedule
Aug. 30 UTEP
Sep. 6 Arizona State
Sep. 13 OPEN DATE
Sep. 20 at NMSU
Sep. 27 Fresno State
Oct. 4 at UTSA
Oct. 11 San Diego State
Oct. 18 at Air Force
Oct. 25 OPEN DATE
Nov. 1 at UNLV
Nov. 8 Boise State
Nov. 15 at Utah State
Nov. 22 at Colorado State
Nov. 29 Wyoming
Info gathered From Phil Steele's CFB Preview and Athlon Sports
-$25 of picks FREE! No Obligation - No Credit Card Required - Becoming a member is Fast and Free!
Stay on top of the latest odds and line moves for Football Season with our real-time odds from Las Vegas and offshore!
Handicapping Tips: NCAA Week 1 Betting
Ken Thomson and Bryan Leonard From Pregame.com take a look at some handicapping tips for betting week 1 of the NCAA football season.