The Cougs will make a late-season swing through Albuquerque.

Who/When/Where: New Mexico will host Washington State on November 16 as both teams will be looking to make a strong push in the closing weeks of the regular season. The Lobos were nothing to write home about in 2023 but with a new (and experienced) coach leading the way, this fall might bring different fortunes. The Cougars should be favored but will need avoid a big letdown on the road.

Offensive Players to Watch: Caleb Medford (WR), Devon Dampier (QB), Entire OL

Defensive Players to Watch: Christian Ellis (S), Kyler Drake (DL), Dimitri Johnson (LB)

The Lobos offense underwent a major overhaul this offseason and a major part of that was the offensive line. All five projected starters for this year are expected to be incoming transfers after essentially all of last year’s bunch left. Tackles McKenzie Agnello (#66) and Baraka Beckett (#56) came in from Texas A&M-Commerce and Campbell respectively. Guards Wallace Unamba (#76) and Richard Pearce (#78) found their way to UNM from FAU and East Carolina while center Juwaun Singletary (#55) is an ex-Tiger of Grambling State.

There’s a lot of questions surrounding that new-look front right now but, by this juncture of the season, everyone should have some familiarity with each other. The Cougars D line might not be able to exploit inexperience from that group in Week 12. If the line is gelling by mid-November and they’re able to protect quarterback Devon Dampier (#4), then the Lobos might have a chance.

Dampier, a sophomore, is pegged to be the starter this year in place of the dual-threat Dylan Hopkins who graduated after last season. Dampier appeared in nine games as a backup last fall, throwing six touchdowns and no interceptions. He will rely on both his legs and arm to make plays for the Lobos. Dampier can zip passes into tight windows with precision but also knows when to call is own number. He rushed for four scores and 328 yards in 2023. If he indeed gets the nod this year, WSU’s defense will have its hands full with containment.

Washington State 2024 Opponent Scouting Report: San Diego State

When Dampier throws, odds are he’ll look to junior pass-catcher Caleb Medford (#12). Medford was tops on the team last year with 551 receiving yards (30 catches) and a pair of touchdowns. He and fellow receiver Ryan Davis (#18) were threats on the outside for New Mexico a season ago and look to be again. Medford is speedy and adjusts to throws will on the run making him a tough cover. Davis, too, is a viable target that has solid hands and nifty footwork. Both will be key assignments for WSU’s DBs.

On the ground, the UNM offense took another big hit with the departure of last year’s star back Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Now it will be Andrew Henry (#2) that gets the rock after running behind Croskey-Merritt. Henry piled up 350 yards and three TDs last year. His mix of great downfield vision and cutback ability makes him difficult to tackle. Henry has shown he’s a viable pass-catching option as well.

When the Cougars are in possession, their primary focus should fall on safety Christian Ellis (#8). Ellis is the playmaker of the secondary, coming in off a sophomore season that saw him knock down four passes and log 59 tackles. His speed allows him to hone in the ball carrier and he covers distance with the best of them. Ellis can get behind the line when asked to on blitzes and go deep downfield stride for stride with receivers as well.

Linebacker Dimitri Johnson (#22) and edge rusher Kyler Drake (#45) will handle business over the middle and up front. Both seniors were key pieces of the UNM defense last year. Johnson was responsible for 48 stops and was a master in turning the ball over, recovering two fumbles and forcing another. He’ll use his hands to punch at the ball when he’s in position to and is great at wrapping up when tackling. Drake, who authored 3.5 sacks and six TFLs last year, is a stonewalling defender, specifically in the run game.

Final Analysis: This is a very winnable road game for the Cougars and with the contest coming as late as it does in the year, depth might be a major issue for a New Mexico group that’ll be trying to find its chemistry this season, especially if injuries are in play. That being said this is not a group that Washington State should take lightly. There’s enough returning experience, especially on defense, for the Lobos that might make them sneaky competitive in a lot of games this fall. If WSU’s defense can get through that revamped line to keep Dampier in check and the offense can avoid a letdown against a defense it should have the upper hand on, you’ve got to like the Cougs’ chances.