.New Mexico vs Montana State
New Mexico vs Montana State Game Preview
New Mexico vs Montana State: How to Watch
Date: Saturday, August 24, 2024
Game Time: 4:00 pm EST, 2:00 MST
Venue: University Stadium, Albuquerque, NM
How to Watch: FS1
2023 Records: New Mexico (4-8), Montana State (8-4)
– Week 0 Schedule, Predictions
The New Mexico Lobos are undergoing a significant transformation this season, and they have a new coaching staff for the 2024 season.
Bronco Mendenhall, the former head coach at BYU and Virginia with 17 years of experience, has been brought in to lead the program after Danny Gonzales’s departure.
Known for revitalizing struggling programs, Mendenhall has led his teams to bowl eligibility in 16 of his 17 seasons. His success at both BYU and Virginia showcases the wealth of knowledge he brings to the Lobos.
Mendenhall, who previously served as New Mexico’s defensive coordinator and associate head coach from 1998 to 2002 under Rocky Long, returns to familiar territory as he takes the reins.
Jason Beck and Nick Howell, who will replace Mendenhall as offensive and defensive coordinators, will join the team.
As the Lobos work to establish a new identity after seven years without a bowl appearance, many questions remain about the team’s direction and priorities under the new leadership.
New Mexico ended last season with a 4-8 record, losing six of their final eight games, which marked the conclusion of Gonzales’ tenure.
The local fan base highly regarded Gonzales, but ultimately, AD Eddie Nunez chose to move in a different direction; just not enough wins.
The Lobos had mixed results against the spread, going 6-6 overall, 2-2 in non-conference games, and 5-4 as an underdog.
Mendenhall’s return to Albuquerque starts with a tough challenge as the Lobos face Montana State, a team that finished the 2023 season with an 8-4 record after a strong start.
New Mexico begins with a challenging season opener against Montana State, a team with its sights set on the FCS National Championship.
The Bobcats rank among the top FCS teams and are no ordinary opponents for a season opener; they are a very good football team.
Montana State may be coming off a 40-point loss to Oregon State in their last FBS matchup. Still, they bring a well-rounded and experienced roster into this contest.
They finished second among FCS teams in points per game (39.9) and rushing yards per game (291.0) last season.
They return seven All-Conference selections, including their starting quarterback, top wide receiver, and all four leading running backs.
The Bobcats ranked fourth in the FCS Top 25, bringing a formidable ground game that could spell trouble for the rebuilding Lobos.
Montana State’s rushing attack was among the best in the FCS last season, averaging 293 yards per game and scoring 41 touchdowns.
With key players like Julius Davis, Tommy Mellott, and Scottre Humphrey returning, the Bobcats are expected to dominate on the ground once again.
DC Nick Howell will count on defensive line coach Donte Wilkins and Edge-Rushing coach Jan Jorgenson to prepare the troops to stop the Bobcats’ run.
Mellott, a dual-threat quarterback, has accumulated over 3,200 passing yards and 2,400 rushing yards in his career, making him a significant challenge for any defense.
Mellott shared playing time with Sean Chambers last season, but with Chambers’ graduation, the team is now his.
A Second Team All-Big Sky selection, Mellott completed over 62% of his passes, throwing 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions in nine games.
He also proved his prowess as a runner, racking up 689 yards and five touchdowns on the ground.
The Bobcats ranked fourth in the FCS Top 25, bring a formidable ground game that could spell trouble for the rebuilding Lobos, a perfect scenario if you’re the Lobos to see how you compete this year, especially given their tough schedule.
On the other hand, New Mexico is in the midst of a rebuild. The Lobos have bolstered their defensive front through the transfer portal, with USC transfer De’jon Benton leading the way.
Montana State should have an advantage against New Mexico’s newly implemented 4-2-5 defense, which will likely experience some early growing pains after forcing just eight turnovers last season.
Despite returning key players like Gabriel Lopez, Tyler Kiehne, and Bryce Santna on the defensive line, the unit faces a tough challenge after finishing 122nd in yards per carry allowed last year.
DL Coach Donte Wilkin’s defensive group, which is front-line in the defensive trenches, will get an early test in stopping the run against an elite FCS running team.
The offensive line is also revamped with new transfers, and the running game shows promise.
Mendenhall’s coaching is expected to instill discipline and reduce the mistakes that plagued the team last year.
The Lobos’ identity may still be taking shape on the Offensive side of the ball under OC Jason Beck. Still, some key positions are locked in as New Mexico prepares for the upcoming season.
Devon Dampier has firmly established himself as the starting quarterback, and the offensive line is primarily set with Richard Pearce, McKenzie Agnello, Jawaun Singletary, Baraka Beckett, and Wallace Unamba forming a solid front.
The Lobos’ new coaching staff is confident in their quarterback situation, with Devon Dampier stepping up as the clear QB1 after a standout spring.
Last season, Dampier completed 63% of his passes, throwing for 525 yards, six touchdowns, and no interceptions while rushing for 328 yards and four scores over nine games.
Dampier is a highly competitive and athletic quarterback who can throw the rock and has quick feet for option calls. He has those quick decision instincts and should fit perfectly with OC Jason Becks’ offensive scheme.
In a challenging 2023 season for the Lobos, freshman Dampier provided a late spark, leading the team to a win over Fresno State and a double-overtime battle against Utah State.
Known for his dynamic running, he’ll aim to enhance his passing game in offensive coordinator Jason Beck’s system.
Andrew Henry returns as the top running back in the backfield, boasting an impressive 6.7 yards per carry. He’ll be joined by transfers Javen Jacobs from Arizona State and Eli Sanders from Iowa State, who are expected to add depth and versatility.
Offensive coordinator Jason Beck has also identified the top five receivers—Caleb Medford, Nic Trujillo, Luke Wysong, Shawn Miller, and Ryan Davis—though the rest of the group is still battling to break into the rotation.
They were led by Caleb Medford, who emerged as the go-to target by the end of last season.
Ryan Davis will take on the slot receiver role. At the same time, Luke Wysong, who is back from an injury, is anticipated to be a key contributor.
When healthy, Wysong is a big playmaker due to his speed and ability to catch the rock in open spaces.
Wysong, lighting in a bottle as he was the fastest track star in high school out of local Cleveland High School, can flat-out move.
Tight end Trace Bruckler is also set to be Dampier’s primary target. I saw Bruckler when he first arrived; now, he is much bigger, faster, and stronger.
The running back position has been a point of focus. Beck noted that the team wasn’t necessarily looking for a single standout in the backfield, favoring a committee approach unless someone emerged as the clear leader.
That competition seems to be tilting in favor of Eli Sanders, who racked up 477 yards and four touchdowns for Iowa State last season.
Sanders is starting to pull ahead, but the depth and versatility of the running back room—featuring Andrew Henry and Javen Jacobs—means all three are expected to contribute.
“Eli is really starting to establish himself as our primary guy,” Beck said. “But with the quality and versatility we have, like Javen, we will need all of them. I’d expect one to see more carries, but everyone in that room needs to be ready to play and make an impact.”
The offensive line must dominate opponents for the Lobos to succeed with its talented running backs.
However, the offensive line will need to be rebuilt after the Lobos lost all five starters to graduation or the transfer portal. This will be a critical area for them as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Montana State has historically struggled against FBS teams, with their last win in 2011.
However, they have come close several times, and this year’s team is strong enough to pull off an upset. New Mexico hasn’t lost to an FCS team since 2011, but they must be at their best to avoid a misstep in this opener.
Prediction: While Montana State is more than capable of making this a tough contest, New Mexico’s edge as an FBS team and Mendenhall’s coaching should see them narrowly escape with a win. Expect a close game, with the Lobos surviving as a big underdog.
