Some UTEP vs. NMSU Observations.

[UTEPDefense]

- I was looking over the NMSU Roster and they only have 6 D-Linemen who have ever played in a D1 game. Out of those 6 D-Linemen, their weights are only: 267, 265, 255, 240, 235, 235. On average, that is about 60 pounds per man lighter than UTEP's Starting O-Line.

- The other NMSU D-Lineman, that are more likely to be playing, will be playing in their first ever D1 game against UTEP. That inexperienced NMSU D-Line will be facing an O-Line that Kugler has now spent 4 years building(he said this week that our O-Line is now almost 3-deep). Kugler's O-Line is literally the biggest in the nation and also has experience, with 6 guys who have Starting experience. This match-up seems like it would be a concern for NMSU.

- The Las Cruces Sun News says that NMSU Linebacker Derek Ibekwe is questionable for the UTEP game due to a sports hernia. He is one of NMSU's best defensive players and he had a great game against UTEP last year. He is the one who knocked Leftwich out.

- Both of NMSU's Starting Offensive Tackle's will also be playing in their first ever D1 game against UTEP. One is a RS Freshman and one is a JC Transfer. Additionally, one of NMSU's Starting Senior Guards will be out for the first half against UTEP, due to a suspension. Games are generally won on the line of scrimmage and NMSU looks to enter this game without a lot of experience on either side of the line, that would concern me if I was them.

- NMSU is also in the middle of a similar QB competition, without having named a Starter yet. This could potentially lesson an area of weakness for UTEP, as both teams are roughly in the same position at this point.

- The Las Cruces paper also says that Larry Rose is dealing with some type of a groin injury, although I hope that it is not very serious, as the kid is a very good talent for them.

I have been leery about this game against NMSU all summer, but it does appear that there could be some favorable experience match-ups for UTEP in some key areas.

It feels like Kugler has been building his Program the right way and we are now starting to see the rewards of his proper Program Building with balanced depth at all units(including both offense and defense). All 4 of our Secondary Starters have Started before. All 5 Starting O-Linemen have Started before. In addition to these complete returning units, we also have 4-year Starters at: Nose Guard(Bresolin), Linebacker(Usher), Full Back(Laufasa), Kicker(Mattox). And none of these 13 players that I just listed even covers our 3 best players(Jones, Jones, and Plinke). It would be nice to see everything come together this year and hopefully start with a win against NMSU.

 

[UTEPDefense]

In some more UTEP/ NMSU news, a couple of years ago UTEP was recruiting Torin Marks(a DB from East Texas). He instead decided to commit to NMSU along with his brother, here was their High School Signing Day page from when they signed with NMSU: http://www.thewrangleronline.com/10247/news/national-signing-day/
In watching their HUDL videos, I was disapointed to lose out of them, especially to NMSU. Last Year, I noticed that they never appeared on NMSU's roster and while looking over the NMSU roster again tonight, I again noticed that they weren't on there so I googled them. In a pretty crazy turn of events, they are now playing football with the Alabama Crimson Tide, according to this article: http://www.al.com/alabamafootball/index.ssf/2015/07/xavian_marks_torin_marks.html

 

[UTEPDefense]

To further know our opponent, here is the really weird 2016 NMSU Football Hype Video for their upcoming season. Apparently they thought that having ballet dancers on the field, dancing around the football players in a empty stadium would be a good idea??:

 

[Minerforlife]

The thing that has always scared me about this game is Larry Rose. Ive read the groin injury is minor. This years draft eligible class of running backs is the best in years and Larry Rose is one of the best in the group. He will play on Sundays. He really opens up their passing game especially the play action. Its critical we keep gap integrity and tackle in open spaces.

I was thinking the otherday in modern history I dont think the best player UTEP has played against in a single season has ever been an Aggie. It will be this year. Texas has alot of young talent but no one yet as good as Larry Rose.

Great write up Defense. I agree we should win and win easily. However, this game make me nervous. Both the NMSU and Army games make me nervous. Facing the triple option after biggest game of the year in the players mind, Texas, will be tough. Plus the last three games against bad teams from New York have went horribly wrong. The embaarrasing losses to buffalo, and the overtime game against Stoney Brook are still fresh on the mind.

 

[utep2step]

The NMSU game will be nothing like last year even though NMSU coaches did say last year that the d line on their side did not get blown off the line as previous years when UTEP came down last year. Everyone is back from UTEP and the defensive players like this defense better and appear farther along according to media reports. Rose is the best unknown rb in FBS and I expect him to rip a couple long ones against UTEP, but it should be all UTEP.

 

[Rot]

We all know anything can happen in rivalry games. Although UTEP is more talented than nmsu on paper, the aggies seem to take this game more seriously. This is their super bowl. The Miners need to dominate the aggies from the start and not let them stay in the game.

 

[CubsFan81]

Great analysis UTEPDefense. More than likely we will have no problems with NMSU. The only thing that concerns me is the defense. This is the first game of the season and we are implementing an brand new defensive scheme on top of that. Although NMSU lost some key receivers and their QB, that type of offense will still slice up defenses with a new QB. Then they have Rose. If this games gets into a high scoring shoot out, NMSU has a really good chance. I want to see our defense play first before I can feel comfortable.

 

[nattybry]

Nmsu has some good skull players and will score some.points, but won't stop Utep's running game... Utep 41 NMSU 28

 

[UTEPDefense]

Being Miner fans, everybody already knows that no win should ever be considered a certainty.

A few years ago Buffalo lost practically everybody from the season before. They lost over 80% of their offense and they traveled out here to play the season opener with a new Soph QB who was making his very first start. Despite having almost no returning experience, Buffalo came out here and beat an experienced UTEP team to start the season, even though Buffalo was a 8 point underdog in that game.

NMSU is also a matching 8 point underdog in this seasoning opening game as well. NMSU had a winning record over their final 5 games last year, they return their star player(Rose), and the rivalry factor is a real factor as well. I do think that we now have our Program in the right direction and Kugler has built a solid foundation that is starting to show results, but this NMSU game will be a challenge and I will be happy with any type of win.

 

[Voice of the Mosquito]

UTEP should never take anyone lightly, we are not light years ahead of Aggies or anyone else for that matter and I don't believe there is a huge talent gap between the two teams. They are well coached, play smart football and would enjoy nothing better than to put an end to our season before it begins. It looks to be a good game with Jones and Rose dueling it out.

 

[UTEPDefense]

Last year, UTEP was losing to NMSU by 14 points with only 3:09 left in the game, so I agree that we are not light year's ahead of them.

I do think that we should be the better team this year, but my concern is how quickly will things come together in our very first game. When a college team brings in a new Coordinator and changes systems, it is rarely 100% effective in the very first game and we have the double negative early, as we have changed both of our Coordinator's. Colleges don't get any pre-season games, so the first game is the very first opportunity to run a new system under fire. There is usually a growth period before things begin running smoothly, thus there is usually a marked difference between the 4th game and the first game. The good news is that NMSU also has a new defensive coordinator as well.

Just one final thought; I have been reading all summer about Larry Rose and certain posts saying that he will be the best player in this game, the best player we play all year, etc., etc., etc. Yes, he is a great player, but he is also the same guy who got run down by UTEP's Defensive End last year 60 yards down field. He is also the same player who didn't seal the win for them last year, when he caught the ball on 3rd down, in a one-on-one wide-open space against UTEP's Middle Linebacker, yet he couldn't make the MLB miss and gain 3 yards to get them a winning first down. Thus NMSU was forced to punt and gave UTEP the last second chance to tie the game and send it to OT. We didn't have Aaron Jones last year and it feels like people have forgotten how great he looked in the first 2 games. Yes, Larry Rose is great, but I would honestly & objectively choose a healthy Aaron Jones over Rose if I was forced to make a choice between the two. Aaron Jones is special and rarely in UTEP's football history do we get a chance to watch such a special player play for us. It's kind of like a football version of what it felt like before Tim Hardaway's Senior Year at UTEP. There should be a huge buzz around the city right now about getting the chance to watch him play for us.

 

[Minerforlife]

The question with Jones has always been can he stay healthy. He's missed games in all three seasons hes been at UTEP. I also think this year Wadley will hold down Aaron's yards. Wadley was the unquestioned star of camp. Hes going to make big plays. Wouldnt be shocked at all if we had two thousand yard rushers.

I hate the NMSU game i'll be happy when its over. Its a no win situation for UTEP. Win and your supposed to, lose and it embarrasing and apocalyptic for attendance. Hopefully we bury them early.

 

[UTEPDefense]

You are correct. I hate to say it, but Aaron Jones also missed multiple games due to injury during his Senior Year of High School as well. So technically, he has missed games in each of the last 4 years. One benefit of him missing time during his Senior year of high school, was that Alvin was placed into Aaron's role while Aaron was out. Alvin took advantage of the opportunity and put up some big numbers. Alvin did a good job of filling his role and this extra exposure/production may have had a small part in helping Alvin get a scholarship.

 

[UTEPDefense]

According to this Las Cruces Sun News Article, Jason Groves attempts to predict NMSU's Two-Deep and he projects their Starting Defensive Line to be: 265, 255, 230.

http://www.lcsun-news.com/story/spo...016/08/13/my-best-guess-nmsu-2-deep/88700834/

 

[UTEPDefense]

From Las Cruces Sun News:

"LAS CRUCES – The New Mexico State football team may be without its best offensive player when the Aggies open the season Sept. 3 at UTEP.

Aggies head coach Doug Martin said junior running back Larry Rose III is questionable for the UTEP game following surgery for a minor sports hernia. Martin said Rose is probable for NMSU's home opener against New Mexico in Week 2.

"He is disappointed more than anything because it came out of nowhere, but he has a great attitude about getting back on the field," Martin said.

Rose hasn't practiced since last Wednesday. He was going through warm ups on Thursday when trainers evaluated him. Martin said Rose's injury is less severe than junior linebacker Derek Ibekwe, who also had surgery to repair a sports hernia and is likely to miss NMSU's first two games."

http://lcsun.co/2bBJULd

 

[UTEPDefense]

New Aaron Jones story from Dave Campbell's Texas Football:

http://www.texasfootball.com/top-26-storylines-for-2016-no-22-aaron-jones-is-back-baby/

 

[CubsFan81]

UTEP should never take anyone lightly, we are not light years ahead of Aggies or anyone else for that matter and I don't believe there is a huge talent gap between the two teams. They are well coached, play smart football and would enjoy nothing better than to put an end to our season before it begins. It looks to be a good game with Jones and Rose dueling it out.

We have won 7 straight games against NMSU, so it is safe to say that there is a talent gap between the schools. I think last years game was the closest its been in the past 7 contests. In last years game against NMSU, Aaron Jones got injured and was out for the remainder of the season the week before the game. Aaron Jones was our offense last year, and we still found a way to win that game. Thats just more proof there is a talent gap. My only concern is that we are implementing a new offense (well I hope so) and a new defense and our game against NMSU will be our first game, so there might be some mistakes on both sides of the ball.

 

[nattybry]

Best offensive and Defensive Players out for NMSU, which is unfortunate. I'd rather they be at full strength, but of well. New Prediction
Utep 41
Nmsu 20

 

[utep2step]

If I were Coach Martin, I would pull out this video from 1999 when NMSU slobber knocked ASU right in the kisser.

http://nmstatesports.com/news/1999/10/26/62250.aspx

" "I want to say right now my offensive line [NMSU] is one of the best in the nation," said K.C. Enzminger, who threw for a career-high 205 yards and two touchdowns. "They blew the No. 22 team in the country off the ball all game."

Tony Samuel was building a small Nebraska prototype option offense that was coming together nicely and almost pulled another win the next weekend over a packed Sun Bowl crowd over UTEP. Last time I have ever seen so many gags at the Sun Bowl. NMSU got impatient and fired him after panicking over the hiring of Price. The decision was somewhat fatal and both programs visibly were going into different directions with NMSU having Stanley Fulton (Owner of Sunland Park Track and Casino) bank rolling the program big time, and to this day, to keep up with UTEP (and UNM). Mumme and NMSU stole some well deserved wins from Price (who never seemed to get UTEP over the dreaded October-November omen that haunted UTEP) but Price did get UTEP out of the bowl drought house. However, despite the falling attendance records at UTEP, those attendance records would still fill Aggie Memorial Stadium somewhat nicely since it hold only 30,343 (source: Wiki). UTEP is three deep now on their O line, fb, qb, rb, some defensive spots with two defensive players who could possibly play on Sundays. UTEP is in line to jump to the MWC if they get poached during realignment, while NMSU is setting up "vela's" next to the interception prone Tony Romo "vela's" at Holy Cross Church hoping that NMSU gets invited to CUSA if they were to get poached as well.

 

[UTEPDefense]

If I were Coach Martin, I would pull out this video from 1999 when NMSU slobber knocked ASU right in the kisser...

Tony Samuel was building a small Nebraska prototype option offense that was coming together nicely and almost pulled another win the next weekend over a packed Sun Bowl crowd over UTEP.

In 1999, UTEP beat NMSU 54-23. To this day, it is the most points that UTEP has scored against NMSU since 1949.

 

[jamasterj]

If I were Coach Martin, I would pull out this video from 1999 when NMSU slobber knocked ASU right in the kisser.

http://nmstatesports.com/news/1999/10/26/62250.aspx

" "I want to say right now my offensive line [NMSU] is one of the best in the nation," said K.C. Enzminger, who threw for a career-high 205 yards and two touchdowns. "They blew the No. 22 team in the country off the ball all game."

Tony Samuel was building a small Nebraska prototype option offense that was coming together nicely and almost pulled another win the next weekend over a packed Sun Bowl crowd over UTEP. Last time I have ever seen so many gags at the Sun Bowl. NMSU got impatient and fired him after panicking over the hiring of Price. The decision was somewhat fatal and both programs visibly were going into different directions with NMSU having Stanley Fulton (Owner of Sunland Park Track and Casino) bank rolling the program big time, and to this day, to keep up with UTEP (and UNM). Mumme and NMSU stole some well deserved wins from Price (who never seemed to get UTEP over the dreaded October-November omen that haunted UTEP) but Price did get UTEP out of the bowl drought house. However, despite the falling attendance records at UTEP, those attendance records would still fill Aggie Memorial Stadium somewhat nicely since it hold only 30,343 (source: Wiki). UTEP is three deep now on their O line, fb, qb, rb, some defensive spots with two defensive players who could possibly play on Sundays. UTEP is in line to jump to the MWC if they get poached during realignment, while NMSU is setting up "vela's" next to the interception prone Tony Romo "vela's" at Holy Cross Church hoping that NMSU gets invited to CUSA if they were to get poached as well.

That's why I don't go to the racetrack, I'll be damned if I let my money help keep NMSU athletics afloat. Same reason I don't go to Valero gas stations, anybody wanna guess why? It's just how I roll !

 

[UTEPfan1966]

Wait, Valero's home is in New Mexico?

 

[miner661]

Perhaps, he means Allsup's.

 

[unihorn]

I think he's talking about the alleged Valero -> Citgo -> Venezuela -> Chavez (who is dead) link.

 

[jamasterj]

Nope, I refuse to help finance the bowl that surpassed the Sun Bowl, I'm speaking of the Alamo Bowl, which is sponsored by Valero. I will drive that extra mile to avoid supporting the new kid on the block, even if it means running out of gas...unless I have the kids with me.

 

[JCorona]

I use Circle K gasoline because it was founded in El Paso. It's a local thing.

 

[unihorn]

Nope, I refuse to help finance the bowl that surpassed the Sun Bowl, I'm speaking of the Alamo Bowl, which is sponsored by Valero. I will drive that extra mile to avoid supporting the new kid on the block, even if it means running out of gas...unless I have the kids with me.

The Alamo and Sun Bowls draw from different conferences, so they don't really compete.

 

[MinerInWisconsin]

Both bowls are contracted with the PAC 12 and the Alamo pays over $1.5 million more per team and gets a better PAC 12 pick because of it.

http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/bowl_games_bowl_schedule.html

 

[unihorn]

Both bowls are contracted with the PAC 12 and the Alamo pays over $1.5 million more per team and gets a better PAC 12 pick because of it.

http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/bowl_games_bowl_schedule.html

Right -- my mistake.

 

[FeralFelidae]

Both bowls are contracted with the PAC 12 and the Alamo pays over $1.5 million more per team and gets a better PAC 12 pick because of it.

http://www.collegefootballpoll.com/bowl_games_bowl_schedule.html

The Alamo and the River Walk and SeaWorld and Fiesta Texas probably have something to do with it, too.

 

[allminer]

In a nutshell, Jones goes over 200 or close as Kugs might pull him because the game will be out of hand by then. We'll have 2 other 100 yard rushers, won't see much of a new passing attack because the aggies will be so porous, no need to pass much. Aggies will score some, but all against our subs. Lots of playing time for our bench. Mark it down. Oh, and its close enough now...aggies suck!

 

[jamasterj]

The Alamo and the River Walk and SeaWorld and Fiesta Texas probably have something to do with it, too.

Have to disagree, if Alamogordo, NM. paid a couple more million than the Alamo...they'd be walking through white sands without water in a heart beat. All bout the might dolla my friend.

 

[utep2step]

Right -- my mistake.

It hasn't been reported in years, but Alamo Bowl officials have been on record that they will do whatever it takes to make sure they pay at least half a mil more than the Sun Bowl to get better team selection. Sun Bowl officials let it go and now put on a bowl game that rates as one the best bowl experiences and bowl venues.