2009 New Mexico Lobos NCAA Football Predictions

Written July 28, 2009 by Jason Lowry

New Mexico Lobos 2009 Predictions The New Mexico Lobos finished up the 2008 season at just 4-8 overall and were only 2-6 in Mountain West Conference play. It was the first time the Lobos finished with a losing record in conference play since they went 3-4 back in 2000. Heading into the 2009 season the Lobos will have a much different look to them, as long time head coach Rocky Long is no longer with the team. In comes new head coach Mike Locksley who will try and lead the Lobos to a winning year with just 9 starters back from last season.

On offense the Lobos will be making the switch to a high tempo no huddle offense that will spread out opposing defenses. The new offense could cause a mix up at the quarterback position as senior Donovan Porterie and sophomore Brad Gruner were recruited to run the option and might end up moving aside for true freshmen Darren Jones and Emmanuel Yeager. At running back the team is hoping that sophomore James Wright will have what it takes to be the feature back this season, but don’t expect the Lobos to run like they have in years past, as they will throw the ball a lot more. That means the Lobos are going to need solid play out of the receiver positions, and with the 3 top receivers from 2008 back, it looks as though the Lobos should get some solid production out of guys like senior Chris Henderson, junior Bryant Williams, and senior Roland Bruno. Also keep a close eye on redshirt freshman tight end Lucas Reed. As for the offensive line the Lobos have to replace both starters on the left side, and heading into the fall it looks as though senior Ivan Hernandez will be the new left tackle, while junior Maurice Mears takes over at left guard. The line should be just fine, as they have a great leader and one of the best lineman in the conference at center in senior Erik Cook. It’s going to be very hard for this team to adapt to the new offensive style right away, especially since many of the players were not recruited for this type of offense. Look for the Lobos to really struggle moving the football to start the season. Bet the New Mexico Lobos this season at Sportsbook.com.

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On defense the Lobos were very solid last season, allowing just over 17 points a game in conference play, but will have to make it work with just 3 starters back this season. The new defensive coordinator is former LSU assistant Doug Mallory, who should be a great fit for this school. Up front the Lobos have to replace all four starters on the defensive line, and that is never a good sign for a defense. Senior DeAndre Davis and sophomore Jaymar Latchison figure to have the edge at the two end positions, while senior Kendall Briscoe and junior Peter Gardner are expected to take over the two tackle spots. At linebacker the Lobos bring back a very solid player in senior middle linebacker Clint McPeek, but he will have to play alongside a very inexperienced group, as sophomore Carmen Messina and redshirt freshman Joe Harris are expected to start at the two outside spots. In the secondary the Lobos bring back the safety duo of seniors Frankie Solomon and Ian Clark, but must replace both starters at corner. Senior Frankie Baca and sophomore Anthny Hooks look like they will be the opening day starters, but they could get a push from sophomore Bubba Forrest and junior Alex Bustos. With so little experience back for the upcoming season, I think its pretty safe to say that this side of the ball could see a dramatic drop off in 2009. Bet the Mountain West Conference this season at Sportsbook.com.

My Prediction: 9th in MWC (0-8) Overall (1-11)
There is a good chance I will be wrong with my prediction here, as its never easy to pick a team to win just 1 game, but the Lobos have little talent coming back and are implementing new schemes on both sides of the ball. The two teams I think the Lobos could give trouble in conference play are Wyoming and San Diego State, but they play both those teams on the road. That leaves the only real winnable game for this team at home against Colorado State towards the end of the year. In non-conference play I don’t see the Lobos stacking up well at all with the likes of Texas A&M, Tulsa, and Texas Tech, but I do think the Lobos will secure at least 1 win with a win at home over New Mexico State.

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