2009 New Mexico Lobos College Football Predictions

2009 New Mexico Lobos Predictions
2008 Record: (4-8, 2-6)
Coach: Mike Locksley, 1st year (0-0 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Darrell Dickey (1st year)
Def. Coordinator: Doug Mallory (1st year)
Returning Starters: 11 (6 offense, 3 defense, kicker, punter)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Brad Gruner, Donovan Porterie)

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Offense: Mike Locksley takes over a program that was basically going nowhere under Rocky Long. The former Ron Zook assistant at Florida and Illinois returns two potential starting quarterbacks in senior Donovan Porterie (6-3, 206) and sophomore Brad Gruner (6-2, 217). Gruner threw for 1,007 yards last season in eight starters, but Porterie, who missed the 2008 season with an ACL injury, is the odds-on favorite to start. That’s because he threw for 3,006 yards in 2007 and should be perfect to run the no-huddle, spread- option system if he’s healthy. Senior James Wright (5-11, 235) is a big back who ran for 348 yards last season and could handle the rushing attack, if he’s named starter. At receiver, all three top starters return, though nobody put up big numbers to the lack of effectiveness at quarterback. The offensive line is led by twoyear starting center Erik Cook (6-6, 312) and returns three starters.

Defense: The defense will be the biggest challenge for a former college safety (Towson), who has coached the offensive side of the ball most of his career. They return just three starters from a unit that allowed a respectable 22.8ppg (46th in the nation) and 335.8 yards per game (45th in the nation). They’ll have a new look in a 4-3 scheme replacing the old Lobo signature 3-3-5 defense. (Long has actually taken that defense to San Diego State, where’s he’s the defensive coordinator). They’ll blitz and attack more often, hoping to improve upon the 21 sacks they had last year. Senior Clint McPeek (6-1, 227) moves from the old “Lobo” position (linebacker-safety hybrid) to linebacker, after making 103 tackles and breaking up nine passes. The secondary has to replace both corners, but returns senior safeties Ian Clark and Frankie Soloman.

Outlook: The Lobos will be rebuilding this season, playing for a new coaching staff with a new system. They could have used an easier schedule, but instead, they have to face Texas A&M on the road to start the season. They also host Tulsa, New Mexico State and face Texas Tech on the road. Porterie should make this team very competitive, but give Locksley another year or two to get his recruits in and they will be a bowl team.

This Mountain West conference prediction is courtesy of the ATS Sports Blog. If you are looking for winning college football betting picks be sure to choose ATS Consultants this year, A featured sports handicapping service on Touthouse.com