Know Your Enemy: Keys to the New Mexico Lobos

Last week’s 37-17 season-opening victory over Wyoming reminded us a little of the famous rant by Dennis Green, the former Arizona Cardinals’ head coach. Who are the Texas Longhorns? They are who we thought they were! And while we won’t let them off the hook, we all kind of knew deep down that this Longhorn team would be all about pounding defenses into submission with the run, eliminating turnovers, and holding down opponents with an aggressive defense. Check, check, and check.

New Mexico, on the other hand, is a bit of a mystery for Texas fans and that’s what we’re here for. It’s time to “Know your Enemy.”

All Things Considered

The New Mexico Lobos come to the Forty Acres puffing out their chests a little after a 66-21 win over Southern in their season opener.  It makes sense if you consider the team average TWELVE points a game last season. However, that win should be prefaced by a few thoughts. First, the win came against Southern University. Second, this New Mexico team returns thirteen starters from…[s2If current_user_is(s2member_level1)]a squad that went 1-12 last season. And to top it off, they’re coming to Austin to play against one of the better defenses in the nation (though there is room to improve after a win against Wyoming that saw too many miscues in pass defense). If New Mexico runs up 60+ this Saturday in Austin, it will only be on their preferred video game console of choice.

Feels like the first time

While the Texas fans have maintained a rather ho-hum attitude over last week’s win to start the season, New Mexico is ready to tell anyone who will listen that the Bob Davie era is here. This is because New Mexico had not started 1-0 since 2005. Mariah Carey was topping the charts back then, if that gives any perspective. Enjoy being undefeated while it lasts, Lobos.

Bob and weave

The man getting the most attention for New Mexico is head coach Bob Davie, returning to the college football landscape after an eleven-year hiatus that last saw him unceremoniously let go from Notre Dame. Longhorn fans may remember Davie as the defensive coordinator for Texas A&M from 1989 to 1993, during the golden age of the “Wrecking Crew” defense. So, Texas gets the chance to channel their Aggie hatred vicariously. There’s no doubt that Davie still bleeds maroon.

Weighing the options

It’s time for everyone’s favorite style of play; defensive assignment football! Okay, maybe that’s a stretch, but it’s what Longhorn defensive coordinator Manny Diaz will be focusing on all week as his defense prepares to take on  New Mexico’s ground attack.

New Mexico plans to equalize the imbalance of talent versus Texas with their pistol option offense. The offense was successful versus Southern, racking up 347 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground, but will have some tough sledding against the Horns, who only gave up 69 yards rushing against Wyoming last Saturday. Texas will be ready and willing to redeem themselves after a performance that even safety Kenny Vaccaro admitted was a bit of a letdown after all the hype leading up to the season opener.

Cole In the stocking

While the Lobos’ starting quarterback is B.R. Holbrook, who only went under center for three series last week due to an ongoing bout with an inflamed chest, the player to watch for New Mexico is 6-4, 227 pound freshman QB Cole Gautsche. The 2011 New Mexico Gatorade Player of the Year tamed the Jaguars, running 8 times for 88 yards and 2 TD’s. After an adventurous Saturday trying to stop Brett Smith last week, the ability to contain Gautsche will be paramount to the Longhorn defense. His style of play is perfectly suited for the Lobos’ option attack.

Small opponent, big returns

  The Longhorn offensive line, with Bevo Beast Mason Walters, should be able to manhandle a Lobo defensive front line that is still adapting to their new 3-4 scheme. Be prepared to hear senior linebacker Joe Harris’ name called a lot, as he is one of the leaders on D. We also are accounting for the likelihood that Malcolm Brown and Joe Bergeron will be making their way into the second level of the Lobo defense early and often. Also, look for some big running plays in the fourth quarter against a worn down New Mexico defense.

The Texas special teamers also have Chase Clayton on their radar after he broke a 98-yard kickoff return last week for a score.

No, New Mexico doesn’t have the sex appeal of West Virginia or other home opponents this year, but a sound performance against the Lobos could set the stage for bigger things to come in the season. That’s what matters most in games like this. But if you run into a New Mexico fan this weekend talking trash about their “big win” last weekend, just tell them they’re crying wolf.

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