As an Aggie living in Albuquerque, I have a fairly unique perspective on the Aggies vs. Lobos match up. I have been an Aggie for over 40 years, but have followed the Lobos fairly closely since moving here in 1997. I am a fanatic. I follow recruiting, roster changes and coaching changes as though my career depended on it.
Here is my perspective on the game, starting with the coaches.
Coaching: Rocky is as good a coach as the Lobos can get, but I don't remember him coaching an NFL team to a division championship—or three. I’m not going to dwell on this, but Mike Sherman has put together a coaching staff that collectively is as good as any in the country.
I could write a separate article on how successful each of these coaches has been. The positive side for UNM is that Rocky and his staff have been together for several years now and should have all the bugs worked out. The coaches at A&M, on the other hand are seasoned professionals, several of whom have worked with Sherman in the pros. There shouldn’t be many bugs to work out.
Coaching edge to A&M
Offense: Although A&M only returns two starters on the offensive line, the backups that will be filling the holes this year are more talented that any Lobo linemen. With coaching from Sherman and Turner, they will be ready to play.
The Aggie's starting backfield consists of better talent, and more experience and depth at every position. The wide receiver corps and the tight ends are talented, yet have little experience. Lobos have the edge in receivers only.
Offense edge to A&M
Defense: A&M has two experienced monsters at the DT spots. The starting DEs will be all Big 12 picks this year. MLB is solid with two juniors getting a lot of experience last year. The OLBs are Von Miller and Garrick Williams. These two bring a lot more speed to the position, if not much experience. The Aggie secondary is a year older and wiser and has talent and depth.
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