New Mexico State University

Type of Offense: To be honest, I am not sure of the offense of New Mexico State. Whatever it was, it was not very successful in 2010.

Type of Defense: 4-3. Fast OLBs with the WLB being stronger in pass coverage and the SLB being stouter versus the run. MLB is balanced and expected to make most of the tackles, especially versus the run game. A lot of Cover 2 with the MLB expected to get deep (15 yards) on a pass play. Corners on an island playing the edges with help over top. Gap responsibilities on the run game with DL and LB filling gaps and DE normally containing on the edge.

· Run/Pass %: 54/46

· Run/Pass Attempts: 449/376

· Points Per Game: 15.7

· Points Allowed Per Game: 39.5

Key Returning Players:

· Matt Christian, QB: Played in 8 games and threw for over 1300 yards and 8 TDs. With the offense only scoring 15 points per game, he must step up and become a leader for the Aggies in 2011.

· Tyler Stampler, K: Things are bad when the second star on the team is a kicker. Stampler was 16-19 on FGs with a long of 48 yards. 2 of his 3 misses were from 40+ yards which is fairly impressive. Should be expected to make 20+ FGs as a junior in 2011.

· Donyae Coleman, SS: The leading returning tackler was one of the very few bright spots on a defense that gave up nearly 40 points per game. Must step up and make some plays in the passing game for the defense to have a chance in 2011.

Key Incoming Freshmen:

· Andrew Kersten, OL: The 6-5 300+ pound OT that is transferring in from a juco has a strong chance to start immediately. When a team struggles like the Aggies did in 2010, all positions are up for grabs.

· Austin Franklin, WR: The speedy WR out of Dallas will get an opportunity to catch several passes in 2011 with the entire offense looking horrible last season. Could even compete for a starting job from day one for the Aggies.  

Overall Assessment: 2-10 can mean a rebuilding year to some, a bad year to others, but to New Mexico State, it meant being one of the worst teams in college football in 2010.  After being outscored by 24 points on average in 2010, major changes must be made. All positions will be up for grabs and many freshmen will have the opportunity to play from day one for the Aggies. The worst may be over (2010) but 2011 looks to be another bumpy ride for the Aggies. 2 or maybe 3 wins is the best case scenario and if somehow 4 wins happens, there should be a parade in town for the Aggies.