New Mexico Lobos Football

I understand that a few fans will be leaving LES scratching their heads and wondering, "What is going on with our offense?" It’s a good question, but let's collectively see the big picture.

Rocky Long’s Lobos did a great job of neutralizing our team's offensive firepower by runnning the ball and controlling the clock. UNM controlled the clock in the first three quarters, which kept the game tight until—in what I think was the worst call ever—Long went for the touchdown instead of the field goal with 7:09 left in the game.

New Mexico was down, 14-3, and would have needed two scores to win even if it scored a touchdown and the two-point conversion. Trying to score instead of kicking the field goal halted the Lobos' drive and killed their spirit, allowing the Cougars to drive down the field for their final touchdown.

Despite that call, Long had his team well prepared, and it executed its game play exactly the way it had to in order to give it a chance to win the game.

AP photo Douglas C. Pizac

Questions to be answered in the post game wrap-up

Why was the UNM running attack so effective against the BYU front?

How was the Lobo defense able to hold the BYU offense in check?

What were the key plays in the game?

Adjustments that need to be made during this short week of practice?

Are we going to see the offense from the first four games or the past two games come Thursday?

Watching the film brought back a lot of memories of the old 3-3-5 days under Bronco. It also brought back a few nightmares of when we were forced to play man to man coverage all the time.

The Defensive Scheme:

The 3-3-5 revolves around the linebackers and safeties ability to both be extremely physical in the run game while hitting the quarterback when they are sent on blitzes and pressures. However, this defensive scheme can have problems with the corners and non-rushing safeties.

In addition to the pressure that Rocky Long plays, he asks his corners and non blitzing safety to be physically involved in the run, and to be smart enough to play man to man coverage at the same time. It can be a very fun scheme when you have linebackers and safeties that can get to the quarterback quickly and consistently. But if they can’t get to the quarterback, the corners are basically alone with little or no help the entire game.

This defensive scheme works because the blitzes and safeties are so involved in the run game that there isn’t a lot of space left for the offense to run the ball. There is always a blitzing linebacker or safety sprinting to fill a hole or gap. This can confuse offensive blocking schemes and create hesitation from running backs.

One thing that the New Mexico defense does well is run the ball and play physical when they get there. Like our defensive players, the Lobo defense is asked to run to the ball carrier on every play. This creates turnover opportunities and also makes for frustrated running backs who are being hit by 3 or 4 guys every play.

Defensive Line:

The Lobo defensive line isn’t asked to do a lot. They are in the game to keep linemen off of the linebackers and safeties. When the Lobo’s do play a basic zone concept, they only rush three guys which doesn’t always provide the pressure that is needed to force inaccuracy from the quarterback. I would expect the Lobo’s to only play base zones with a three man rush on second and third down when our offense needs 10+ yards.

Linebackers

They use a lot of different outside linebackers but their two main guys are #50 -who plays a lot of standing end- and #11 who is probably their most productive player. The Lobo linebackers do a good job as a unit of getting pressure on the quarterback. When these guys are coming on blitzes they are coming hard and fast. Their coordinator uses a lot of twists and crossing which banks on the offense getting confused and miscommunicating switches, which will leave a free defender running untouched to the quarterback.

Safeties

The safeties in a 3-3-5 have to be the most versatile players on the field. They have to be able to make solid open field tackles, pass rush and play man to man coverage. The Lobos use a lot of different guys for this as well but their main contributers are #30, #29 and #35. They also use a few others in passing situations to even up some of the match-ups. Their safeties are heavily involved in stopping the run and are all good tacklers. They have good man coverage skills and do a good job of breaking on the ball while it is in the air. The one area where they struggle is in their zone coverages. They give up a lot of openings and often leave receivers open.

After man coverage, their best coverage would be cover 2 and then 3. From what I have seen they don’t have a huge defensive package. They rely on blitzing and pressure to keep offensive teams guessing throughout the game and they bank on hitting and frustrating the quarterback.

Corners

Their corners have good feet, break well on the ball and do a good job of closing out the extra space created by the receivers. Our offense will have success with short throws and quick outside passes that work like a run play.

Keys to the game:

1. Get on the score board first. Their defense is going to be wild and fast that first drive and if we can demonstrate our ability to score when they are at their supposed “best” we will gain the momentum that was lost in the second half of last weeks game.
2. Protect the ball. Their offense will be good for one or two turnovers, lets not let their defense generate any momentum by turning the ball over. Their defense also does a good job of gang tackling and swarming to the ball. Our ball carrier will need to be aware when he cuts back that guys will be coming from inside out to hit him, put two hands on the ball and cover all the points.
3. Max needs to be smart with the ball. On occasion he is going to throw the ball into coverage and depend on his receivers to make plays. That’s ok, where he needs to improve this week is in getting the ball off quickly and if the pocket is closing around him, to either get rid of the ball or run for a short gain and then SLIDE.
4. Our offensive line will once again be asked to win the game for us. If we are able to run the ball for 4+ yards consistently then the Lobo defense won’t have a chance. I don’t think their blitzes and pressure will disrupt our passing game, but the running game is another beast.
5. Converting on 3rd and 4-8. If we can move the chains during these situations we will be very successful. Third down and 4-8 is a prime time for Rocky Long. It gives him the ability to run any defensive blitz that he wants which gives them the best opportunity to create emotional momentum. Converting and staying out of these situations will increase our offenses efficiency and capability for points.
6. Receivers need to win their one on one match-ups. This one is plain and simple. Austin and Mike need to create space and come back to the ball. Their corners close fast and anticipate well, our receivers need to come back hard, make one move and get up field.
7. Please use Dennis Pitta and Andrew George. They don’t match-up well against these guys, and they will be very effective up the middle against the undersized safeties who will be asked to cover them. Just do it, use these guys……..please?

All in all we are a better team, the questions to be answered are; Will we play harder then they do? Will we be able to control the clock, and force their offense to pass the ball? Can we handle their pressure?

And last but not least……….. How long are we able to celebrate? (Short week, TCU, in Fort Worth….not long, maybe 6 seconds.)

Cougars roll 42-17

I saved this post specifically for the New Mexico game because New Mexico is where the “fist” originated. As you should now know, Coach Mendenhall came to Provo courtesy of Mr. Gary Crowton and Mr. Rocky Long.

In New Mexico, Coach Mendenhall was an assistant defensive coach, keeping tabs on the safety position.

Even in Albuquerque, he was extremely passionate about coaching the safeties, but also carried a special fondness for the renegade special teams unit: the kickoff cover team.

You are smirking because I used the word renegade. Well, just imagine having to run full 60 yards at full speed only to launch yourself into blockers weighing upwards of 230 pounds.

It is not a team for the faint of heart, the players that run down for kickoff cover have to love contact, especially the contact that leaves your thoughts scrambled, head aching, and could possibly have an ill effect on your future earnings.

I was man enough to play on a few kickoff cover teams, I was knocked out in the '05 TCU game attempting to “bust the wedge.” The wedge is made up of the three or four players that group together in front of the ball carrier and attempt to stay conscious as players crash into them with no regard for their future.

In 2006, I was on a kickoff team which was named the Berzerkers. Do you know what that means (do you even know how to spell it?), because I can’t think of a better word to describe the mentality needed.

So now that you understand the mindset of the players Coach Mendenhall was trying to inspire, you will better understand Bronco’s raised fist. (I dug back into the archives for this story, and by archives I mean '01 or '02)

Coach Mendenhall was given the job of coaching a kick-off cover team that was disrespected and looked at as a chore rather than an opportunity to make a play.

The first thing Bronco did was he changed the players on the team to a few starters (a guy named Brian Urlacher) and a few other players that Bronco described as being “not quite right.”

He then challenged this group to be the most physical, mean, crazy, and ruthless special teams unit on the team. He encouraged the Lobo kick-off unit to be the team leaving opponents in their wake on their way to destroy the ball carrier.

And do you know what happened? The team started to react to his challenge. They began to view the kick-off cover team as an honor and privilege, not simply a task.

As the unit’s swagger increased, they developed the attitude necessary to have zero concern for life or limb. Bronco needed a sign or a defining symbol that could bind his kick-off cover unit together, and that is where the raised fist originated.

As his unit’s performance was perfected, Bronco would raise his fist in the air to symbolize their accomplishments.

Then as players took notice of the symbol, they too raised their fist in the air both before the kick-off cover team took the field and after they had eradicated their opponents. As the players on the sideline began raising their fists in the air, the crowd followed suit until the stadium was full of fists in recognition of the kick-off cover unit.

During Bronco’s time in Provo, the fist has taken on a new meaning. It has become one of Bronco’s most characteristic traits as he raises his fist in tribute of his players’ performances on the field. Just watch.

Whenever there is a great play or a key stop, the fist will be in the air. Steady and true as a reminder that players change, situations vary, but the fist will symbolize all that is right about football.

The Lobos take on their second non-conference opponent from a BCS conference in the Arizona Wildcats.

Arizona has yet to take the next leap to excellence with Mike Stoops as head coach.  In his four years at the helm, the Wildcats have a record of 17-29, and his best record was 6-6.  This has to be the make or break year for Stoops to see if he can turn Arizona into at least a bowl team in Tucson.

This will be the the last non-conference game, and the toughest, for Arizona.  They play two home games against Toledo and Idaho before making the trip to New Mexico.  The Wildcats should be 2-0 and have their team rolling with confidence.

Offense

The star on the offense is Willie Tuitama, who is a senior and has lived up to most of his promise.  However, the wins have yet to come his way.  Last year Tuitama had 3,683 yards passing, 28 touchdowns, and 12 picks.  Tuitama is also on the Davey O’Brien watch list.

If Arizona finishes in the upper tier of the conference standings, look for Tuitama to challenge for Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year honors.  He also needs to stay injury-free—last year was his first such season.

The Wildcats are returning 10 offensive starters, so their offense should improve and be able to score points on most teams in the Pac-10.

To do that, the running game must improve, because last season Arizona rushed for just 961 yards as a team.  That total not only ranked last in the Pac-10 by more than 400 yards, six different individual players rushed for more yards—including a quarterback, Washington’s Jake Locker.

Sophomore Nic Grigsby should be the main back.  Last year he rushed for 704 yards and two scores and also caught 35 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

The running game is key to making this spread option work effectively.  If they can improve this at any rate, then Arizona should be able to get to a bowl game this year.

Their receiving corps should be one of the best in the country, and that should make their passing game even more potent than last year's.

They return four wide receivers that caught at least 20 passes last season, including All-Pac-10 candidate Mike Thomas.  The senior hauled in 83 passes for 1,038 yards and 11 scores in 2007, so the Lobos better be aware of the passing game.

Obviously this is their strength, but unless the running game gets some teeth, the Wildcats will be average at best.

Defense

The defense was supposed to be the star of the team, but between 2006 and 2007, the defense went south in a hurry and gave up 26.8 points per game, yet somehow only gave up 20 to USC.

The defense only brings back three starters, but two of those are safeties, Cam Nelson and Nate Ness, who should be the strength of the defense.

The front seven was terrible last year, even though there were three players drafted into the NFL.  The whole front will be a work in progress, and Stoops, who is considered a great defensive mind, should be able to get this unit in shape.

The defensive ends do have experience with players who played significant time with Jonathan Turner and sophomore Ricky Elmore, who both played in all twelve games.

The New Mexico offense will be the toughest Arizona sees in the young season and could cause trouble for Arizona.

Early Prediction

I hate to be a homer for the league, but the facts are the proof, with New Mexico's strength in running back Rodney Ferguson going against the weakness of Arizona in their front seven.

Last year New Mexico won 29-27 on the road, and consider that New Mexico will be playing their third straight home game against tough competition by playing TCU and Texas A&M first.  Look for New Mexico to pull this out at home in a similar game to last year.

What makes no sense to me is how many players get drafted and the number of free agent signings that San Diego State produces. It could be that they do not develop fully until a few years in at SDSU, but then why do they have a team that is not competitive every year. Just an observation about that program. Most of these players will not make a roster, but the rookie mini camps are time for these undrafted players to make an impression to make this team or get noticed by coaches who may move on to keep these players in mind.

Atlanta Falcons Jimmie Kaylor, P, Colorado State

With the uncertainty of the kicking position on the Falcons, the Rams needed to bring in multiple players to audition for punting. At Colorado State Kaylor averaged 43 yards per punt.

Carolina Panthers Damon Morton, WR, Colorado State

The panthers desperately need depth at wide receiver, because after Steve Smith there really is no one there. Morton was the Rams leading receiver who scored 6 touchdowns, 774 yards receiving and is a deep threat who averaged 19 yards per catch. Morton has a chance to make the team as a 4th to 6th wideout to help create depth.

Chicago Bears Caleb Hanie, QB, Colorado State

Hanie looks to be the closest thing to a lock out of this group. The Chicago QB situation is so dicey with Kyle Orton and Rex Grossman. The main competition for the third spot will be between Hanie and the other invitee Nick Hill from Southern Illinois.

Miami Dolphins Kelly Poppinga, LB, Brigham Young

Poppinga also looks to have a good shot at making the Dolphins roster, with almost every spot open if Poppinga impresses he should make the team. At BYU Poppinga made huge plays at all of the linebacker spots and has the run stopping ability to make the squad with his work ethic. A side note is that his brother Brady Poppinga play for the Green Bay Packers.

Washington Redskins Devin Clark, OL, New Mexico

Redskins need all the help they can get to protect QB Jason Campbell. The New Mexico offensive line was solid last year, so Clark gets a look to impress the team with his skills.

New Orleans Saints Jason Boone, OL, Utah

Boone was a good prospect as a Senior, but he tore his ACL in fall practice and has not played since the Armed Forces Bowl in December of 2006. If he has recovered from this Boone could be a steal for the Saints.

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 BYU aims to crash the BCS party this fall and looks to be head and shoulders above everyone else in the Mountain West Conference. Utah has some important spots to fill and could be the Cougars’ main competition this fall. Here’s a look at the league as its teams go through spring football.

NEW COACH 

Steve Fairchild, Colorado State: He played and coached with the Rams, and while the program has sagged in recent seasons, Fairchild also knows how good it can be. He had spent the past seven seasons in the NFL, including the past two as offensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills. He was offensive coordinator for Colorado State from 1997-2000 under Sonny Lubick, who he is replacing. Fairchild re-hired former CSU defensive coordinator Larry Kerr to be his defensive coordinator. Though the Mountain West is a better league than most think, Fairchild will have the Rams contending for league titles quickly.

BIGGEST POSITION BATTLES THIS SPRING

BYU: There will be six new starters in the back eight on defense. Finding two new starting linebackers is the key.

Colorado State: Fairchild’s first priority is finding a new starting quarterback.

New Mexico: Both starting wide receivers are gone. Roland Bruno looks like the front-runner at one spot. But what about the other?

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San Diego State: The Aztecs’ first priority is finding a new starting quarterback. Junior college transfer Drew Westling may be the guy.

TCU: The Horned Frogs lost both defensive ends. Jerry Hughes looks like a good bet to take over one spot, and redshirt freshman Braylon Broughton has the potential to be a star on the other side.

UNLV: The Rebels need two new starting defensive ends and a linebacker to replace star Beau Bell. Jason Beauchamp should be UNLV’s star linebacker this season.

Utah: The Utes need to find a new go-to receiver, and Bradon Godfrey may be the guy. Utah also must find a new starting defensive end (Greg Newman?) and two new linebackers. Mike Wright would seem to be the likely guy at one of the linebacker spots.

Wyoming: Finding two new starting wide receivers and two new starting cornerbacks is important. Keith Lewis is a front-runner at cornerback. The receiving jobs are wide open.

FIVE PLAYERS WHO SHOULD EMERGE THIS SPRING

Colorado State LB Ricky Brewer: He played well down the stretch as a redshirt freshman last season and has the potential to be the Rams’ leading tackler this season. He’s still a little on the light side (he’s listed at 210 pounds), but he can run and he packs a wallop.

New Mexico WR Roland Bruno: The Lobos lost both starting wide receivers, meaning it’s a wide-open slate for Bruno - a former walk-on who’s now a junior. He finished the season as the No. 3 receiver, but has the potential and quickness to be the go-to guy this season.

Air Force G Nick Charles: He started all 13 games as a sophomore last season. He started at both guard spots and at left tackle. If he is allowed to settle in at one spot, he should make the jump to legit all-conference performer this season. He’s a dean’s list student, too.

Utah WR Bradon Godfrey: Utah’s top two receivers are gone. Godfrey, a senior, is the Utes’ leading returning receiver and should be their go-to guy this fall. He began his career at Division I-AA Southern Utah, then transferred to Utah and walked-on, eventually earning a scholarship. He doesn’t have great speed, but he has good hands, good size (6-3/197) and is physical.

TCU DT James Vess: Vess, who will be a junior this fall, sat out last season for a violation of school policy. He had played well late in 2006 and his absence was felt last season. He has good quickness for a tackle and has all-league potential.

FIVE IMPACT NEWCOMERS THIS SPRING

New Mexico OT Byron Bell: Coaches rave about Bell’s potential. He’s a redshirt freshman who is expected to nail down a starting spot at one of the vacant tackle spots.

TCU DE Braylon Broughton: The Horned Frogs lost both starting defensive ends. Junior Jerry Hughes has first dibs on one starting spot, and the rangy Broughton – a redshirt freshman – should strongly be in the hunt for the other spot.

BYU RB J.J. Di Luigi: Di Liugi, who redshirted last season, rushed for 2,159 yards and 34 TDs as a senior at Canyon Country (Calif.) Canyon High in 2006, when he was a three-star prospect. He’s not going to beat out Harvey Unga for the starting job, but Di Liugi should be a nice change-of-pace back who also could be split out wide and used some as a receiver.

Colorado State DT Sevaro Johnson: Johnson, a junior college transfer, already is enrolled and will get a shot to fill one of the two vacant starting defensive tackle spots.

San Diego State QB Drew Westling: The Aztecs are going to have a new quarterback. The question is which “new guy” gets the job. Westling, a junior college transfer who already is enrolled, began his career at Tulsa before moving on to a junior college. He’s expected to battle redshirt freshman Ryan Lindley and sophomore Kelsey Sokoloski for the starting job left vacant by the graduation of Kevin O’Connell.

The one main question coming into spring was whether running back Rodney Ferguson, who was unable to play in the bowl game (academically ineligible) would be on the team.  Ferguson is practicing this spring and is on the depth chart, so it looks like he is on his way back to the team for his Senior season.  The Lobos return the core of their offense with six starters, but they lose their entire offensive line and their top two receivers. On defense the Lobos also return six starters. 

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