New Mexico
Keys to Success for Arizona Wildcats as they Face New Mexico Lobos
![Keys to Success for Arizona Wildcats as they Face New Mexico Lobos Keys to Success for Arizona Wildcats as they Face New Mexico Lobos](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_2823,h_1587,x_0,y_131/c_fill,w_1440,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/inside_the_wildcats/01j68vyqgw1aagrfb0s4.jpg)
New coach Brent Brennan is seeking his first win as Arizona Wildcats head coach when they host the New Mexico Lobos on Saturday.
The Wildcats are facing a Lobos team they used to be rivals with in the Western Athletic Conference nearly half a century ago.
The Lobos are coming off a deflating loss to FCS No. 4 Montana State, 35-31, this past Saturday. What made it worse was New Mexico should have won the game, as they blew a 17-point lead in the fourth quarter.
That loss should make New Mexico a little hungrier than the typical opening opponent, and it also means the Wildcats have to be on alert in a game where they should be heavily favored.
Here are three keys to success for Arizona as they face the Lobos on Saturday.
Arizona’s depth chart at running back was, well, interesting.
Four players were listed at the top with the dreaded “or” on the chart. That list included Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Quail Conley, Kedrick Reescano and Rayshon Luke.
The question is which of these backs — and it’s unlikely to be just one — can replace the production of Jonah Coleman, who transferred to Washington with former coach Jedd Fisch. Coleman rushed for 871 yards and five touchdowns a season ago.
In fact, none of the Wildcats’ top three backs from a season ago are back.
This is opportunity for these four runners to prove their credentials against a defense that allowed 362 net rushing yards last week. With that opportunity is a chance to establish the run against an opponent the Wildcats should beat and start to sort out the running back rotation.
New Mexico didn’t have a great offensive game against Montana State last week, and the run defense left a lot to be desired. But one thing the Lobos did do well was create turnovers.
Against the Bobcats, New Mexico forced two fumbles and returned them for touchdowns. It helped the Lobos build a 17-point lead going into the fourth quarter, though New Mexico wasn’t able to hold onto the lead.
But, if Arizona gives up a turnover or two early in this one, all that does is give New Mexico hope they can win the game.
Protecting the ball allows the Wildcats to avoid that issue.
The Lobos rushed for 152 yards on 28 carries last week, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. But New Mexico only scored once on the ground.
Arizona’s easiest path to win this game is to stop the run the way it did a season ago.
The Wildcats gave up an average of 118.2 yards per game, which was No. 25 in the country. This early in the season, relying on a hard-nosed game plan that limits the run is an easy way to lengthen the game for their offense.
![](https://newspub.live/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/np-logo.png)
New Mexico
New Mexico expert previews the Arizona football game, makes a score prediction
![New Mexico expert previews the Arizona football game, makes a score prediction New Mexico expert previews the Arizona football game, makes a score prediction](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s8oj9S1sHfdyHJtZ0kCZ-C19jX4=/0x0:5710x2990/fit-in/1200x630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25590661/2168273873.jpg)
After one of the most tumultuous offseasons in school history, Arizona is finally ready to return to some level of normalcy when the 2024 campaign begins Saturday night at home against New Mexico.
The game will mark the UA coaching debut of Brent Brennan, who spent the previous seven years at San Jose State in the Mountain West. And his first game with the Wildcats just so happens to be against one of his former MWC rivals.
New Mexico is also breaking in a new coach, former BYU and Virginia head man Bronco Mendenhall, and has also played a game. The Lobos led FCS Montana State 31-14 in the second half and were up 10 with six minutes left but ended up falling at home last Saturday.
That result, as well as what is expected of Arizona this season, has resulted in the highest spread for the UA as a favorite since 2016.
To better understand New Mexico, we reached out to Adam Evarts of SB Nation sister site Mountain West Connection. Here are his feisty answers to our lifeless questions:
AZ Desert Swarm: New Mexico certainly didn’t look like a two-score home underdog to an FCS team, that late collapse notwithstanding. Still, what were the biggest surprises from the Lobos in your opinion?
Adam Evarts: “Honestly the biggest surprise was the defense itself. New Mexico had six starters back from last season, and it was supposed to be its most experienced group, yet they allowed 567 yards of offense, including two ball carriers near 200 yards rushing each. That was a surprise that wasn’t a good one.”
Quarterback Devon Dampier, an Arizona native, had a heck of a start to his sophomore year with a couple touchdowns and solid poise. What makes him most effective in this offense?
“Honestly, everything. Dampier can beat you with his arm and legs and he doesn’t turn the ball over at all. He has seen action now in 10 games at UNM and has yet to turn the ball over. When you think you have his receivers covered, he will take off running. Very versatile, he will remind Arizona fans of a light version of Khalil Tate. Khalil Tate-lite if you will. Smaller than Tate, but same abilities.”
New Mexico’s defense was all over the place, returning two fumbles for TDs but also giving up a ton of yards on the ground. Is that going to be an issue all season, and who on that side of the ball should Arizona be most concerned with?
“This was supposed to be the side of the ball with the least amount of worry, and yet they’re the ones who looked inexperienced and young. So, honestly, it may be a big problem stopping the run this season, I am not too sure. With Arizona’s passing attack, Arizona fans will hear a lot of Noah Avinger, the 6-foot corner who will probably take on the Wildcats’ top receivers. Christian Ellis is playing free safety and the Lobo-back position, he will be around the ball a ton as well.”
Being able to solve Montana State’s offense is one thing, but how do you expect the Lobos to deal with the combo of quarterback Noah Fifita and receiver Tetairoa McMillan?
“The 3-3-5 defense that the Lobos run has a lot of plays where the blitzes come late, they come from everywhere, and they come fast. New Mexico ended up with three sacks, four tackles for loss, and of course, as you mentioned, the two fumble returns for touchdowns that were both hits on the quarterback. Expect a lot of blitzing on Fifita and for McMillan to go up against Avinger like mentioned above. That will be a fun battle to watch.”
What are your first impressions of Bronco Mendenhall? Is he capable of turning around one of the worst programs in FBS?
“So, I remember when Bronco was the defensive coordinator here (1998-2002). I liked him then, and I still like him now. His coaching style is making the players earn their way. He took the numbers away from them in fall camp and made them earn them throughout camp, and left it up to the players to figure out who worked the hardest week-to-week to earn those numbers back. I like that it allows the players to take control of their own work and makes everyone dig harder. He is definitely capable of turning around the program, but the one downside about New Mexico will be NIL. Not a lot of NIL money is rolling through the school, so it will be difficult to keep players around for many years here. However, while here, he will get the most out of his players.”
Prediction time. Can New Mexico shock the world and upset a ranked team on the road or will Arizona win as expected? Give us a score prediction.
“If one were to take away the two defensive touchdowns that the Lobos scored, that means the offense only put up 17 points. Not good in this day and age of explosive offenses in college football. The Lobos are very young on offense. Talented, but very young. Arizona’s defense is experienced and that spells doom for this Lobo offense taking a step back this season. I think the Lobos defense can keep it close for a half, but then the Wildcats take over in the second half and get a 45-10 victory.”
New Mexico
Colorado Springs Switchbacks fall in close battle against New Mexico United
COLORADO SPRINGS — The Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC lost a close battle against New Mexico United on Saturday at Weidner Field.
An early goal from New Mexico United proved costly as the Switchbacks were defeated by the final score of 1-0.
The lone goal of the match came in the eighth minute as New Mexico forward Mukwelle Akale beat Switchbacks goalkeeper Christian Herrera to a loose ball and scored.
The Switchbacks made a group of four substitutions early in the second half in an attempt to change their strategy. The following midfielders were brought into the game:
- Aidan Rocha
- Jairo Henriquez
- Yosuke Hanya
New Mexico defender Zico Bailey was kicked out of the match after he received his second yellow card in the 71 minute. It happened after he collided hard with Henriquez. Bailey had received his first yellow card of the match 19 minutes prior.
Bailey being kicked out of the match meant the Switchbacks had a man advantage. Colorado Springs had eight shots in the second half, and held 60.9% possession. However, the Switchbacks were unable to tie the game and time expired.
“Obviously we’re disappointed,” said Switchbacks FC Head Coach James Chambers. “I think in the first half we didn’t play as well as we would’ve liked, we weren’t as aggressive as we should’ve been and we gave up a sloppy goal, and that happens.”
Herrera made three saves in the match. Henriquez, Hanya and forward Matt Mahoney received yellow cards.
The Switchbacks return to action Wednesday as Memphis 901 FC comes to town. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. at Weidner Field.
News5 is the home of the Switchbacks. Click here for information on how you can watch all season long.
___
Colorado State Fair Judge Says She’s ‘Brutal’ When Choosing Top Bakers
If you watch Loretta Ivory judge oatmeal cookie entries at the Colorado State Fair, you’ll quickly learn unless she’s looking at an entry in the junior division, her standards are exceptionally high.
Colorado State Fair judge says she’s ‘brutal’ when choosing top bakers
News Tips
What should KOAA5 cover? Is there a story, topic, or issue we should revisit? Have a story you believe should make the light of day? Let our newsroom know with the contact form below.
____
Watch KOAA News5 on your time, anytime with our free streaming app available for your Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and Android TV. Just search KOAA News5, download and start watching.
New Mexico
Soccer Recap: Turnovers Doom Ducks in New Mexico
![Soccer Recap: Turnovers Doom Ducks in New Mexico Soccer Recap: Turnovers Doom Ducks in New Mexico](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yMuLBVNjaK9js6sEt0T9Lo6MidM=/0x181:2522x1501/fit-in/1200x630/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25589390/usa_today_24009370.jpg)
New Mexico capitalized on two turnovers deep in Oregon territory on their way to a 3-1 victory over the Ducks yesterday at the UNM Soccer Complex.
Three of the four goals in the match were scored within a six-minute stretch early in the first half, including the first goal in green and yellow for Oregon’s Cameron Bourne.
Game Summary
The Lobos struck first with a goal in the sixth minute. New Mexico (2-1) quickly doubled their lead in the 10th minute, taking advantage of a turnover by Oregon’s defense.
Oregon responded just two minutes later with Bourne’s goal. Sydney Cradle advanced the ball up the right side and connected with Grace Mensah in the penalty area. Despite briefly losing possession to a New Mexico defender, Mensah regained control and crossed to Bourne, who headed the ball into the left side of the net.
In the 56th minute, New Mexico sealed the win by capitalizing on another poor clearance by the Ducks.
Taylor Bryan led Oregon with four shots on goal and Maddy Goldberg put in work in front of the net as she recorded a season-high six saves.
Next Game
Oregon (2-2) will host Cal State Northridge at noon on Sunday, September 1.
-
Minnesota1 week ago
Readers and writers: Plenty of thrills and danger in these Minnesota author’s mysteries
-
Technology5 days ago
Breakthrough robo-glove gives you superhuman grip
-
News1 week ago
Video: Biden Delivers Keynote on First Night of D.N.C.
-
World1 week ago
Nigeria police working to secure release of 20 kidnapped medical students
-
News1 week ago
Video: Protesters Clash With Police Near the Democratic National Convention
-
Politics1 week ago
Former teacher reveals which students suffered 'the most' under Walz's pandemic-era guidelines
-
Connecticut4 days ago
Oxford church provides sanctuary during Sunday's damaging storm
-
Politics1 week ago
Dem strategists say Harris needs to ensure she's 'striking the right balance' at DNC, seize on 'momentum'