College Football News Preview 2020: New Mexico State Aggies Keys To The Season
Biggest Key To The New Mexico State Aggies Offense
There have to be more big plays down the field, and at the same time the turnovers have to stop.
New Mexico State didn’t do itself any favors with 27 giveaways – it gave it up 25 two years ago – with three or more in seven games.
15 of those turnovers were interceptions, but somehow the passing attack has to take more shots down the field. The Aggies only averaged 5.9 yards per attempt and a paltry 9.39 yards per catch. Only nine teams averaged more yards per attempt.
Biggest Key To The New Mexico State Aggies Defense
The run defense has to be far, far better. It wasn’t the worst in America, but it was close. It allowed 3,110 yards and over six yards per carry. It gave up 35 touchdowns with two or more in every game but two, and it was hammered for 199 yards or more in nine games.
The program has lost its last 12 games against FBS teams when allowing 200 yards or more – beating UTEP in the middle to 2018 – and now it has to be merely bad, not horrific.
UMass was the only other team to allow more than six yards per carry, and ULM and UMass were the only other teams to give up more than 250 yards per game.
Key New Mexico State Aggies Player To A Successful Season
QB Jonah Johnson, Jr.
The team needs a steady quarterback who not only makes the offense go, but doesn’t make a whole slew of mistakes. Johnson is a transfer from Fresno City College where he became a dual-threat playmaker. With concerns at all the skill spots, the 6-2, 220-pounder has to step up.
Key Game To The New Mexico State Aggies Season
at UMass, Nov. 7
As this is being written, the date at UMass might be the only one that’s relatively secure if the college footballs season goes off. It’s the first ever meeting between the two independents, and they’re both in the same boat.
The schedule is up in the air, but there’s supposed to be a week off before going to Amherst for a true 50/50 game the Aggies need to win – they need to have a little fun this year.
– New Mexico State Schedule Breakdown & Analysis
2019 New Mexico State Fun Stats
– Touchdowns Scored: Opponents 61 – New Mexico State 33
– 4th Down Conversions: Opponents 8-of-11 (73%) – New Mexico State 16-of-26 (62%)
– Sacks: Opponents 31 for 202 yards – New Mexico State 15 for 105 yards