NMSU Preview

New Mexico State is gonna surprise a lot of people this year. Here's a good article by Teddy Feinberg of the Las Cruces Sun-News.

(Head coach Hal) Mumme estimates that if his team establishes a ground game and the offensive line can keep (QB Chase) Holbrook upright — last year NMSU gave up 40 sacks — the Aggies will win many of the contests that escaped their grasp last season. His players seem to be buying into the message.

"Our ultimate goal is a bowl game," Holbrook said. "We feel like this is the year. It's everyone's third year in the offense. Guys are continuing to get comfortable and we have a good mix. It feels like the right year to get on track."

The Aggies attack promises to be full of fireworks once again. Last year NMSU featured four receivers, including tight end Nick Cleaver, who caught at least 50 balls. Chris Williams led the charge with 92 receptions for 1,425 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Holbrook, a junior heading into the upcoming season, aired it out for 4,619 yards and 34 scores. He only threw nine interceptions in 566 attempts. The team also hopes that the return of running back Justine Buries from a torn ACL will give the offense even more ammunition. Buries led the WAC in rushing two years ago.

At least UH will have lots of time to prepare for and recover from the NMSU game, which as of now is bookended by two bye weeks. Anyways, good to read about another WAC team on the rise.