The Lobo football team begins its season Saturday against Texas State-San Marcos with high expectations after earning a Las Vegas Bowl birth and finishing second in the Mountain West Conference last year. However head coach Rocky Long is not expecting the Bobcats to be a walk-over.
"I don't think we're very prepared because we have no idea what their going to do," Long said at Tuesday's media luncheon. "If it were their old team we'd know exactly what to expect, but they have 30 new guys on their roster."
Last season, Texas State-San Marcos, then known as Southwest Texas, finished 4-7 overall and 1-5 in the Southland Conference. But Long said he expects the Bobcats to be improved.
"I've been told Texas State is quicker than ever," he said. "I've been told they're blitzing on every snap."
The Lobo offense will be led by sophomore DonTrell Moore, who rushed for 1,134 yards and was the MWC Freshman of the Year, and senior quarterback Casey Kelly, who threw for 14 touchdowns last season.
"We want to start off good and get the ball rolling but we need to take it one game at a time," Kelly said.
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Senior offensive lineman Jason Lenzmeier, one of four returning members of an offensive line that averages 6-feet-4 and 320 lbs., said the offense is hoping to play well.
"We want to come out, run and throw the ball and have success on offense," Lenzmeier said. "The defense will take care of itself, we never have to worry about them. We want to run the ball and get DonTrell some yards."
On the defensive end, the Lobos should have the same aggressive style as in years past, with a few new wrinkles added from new defensive coordinator Osia Lewis.
"Coach Lewis came in and picked up right where we left off and it's been great things so far," senior defensive lineman D.J. Renteria said, adding that coach Long has "instilled great characteristics" in the team.
Junior wolf safety Josh Bazinet also said that the addition of Lewis has had an impact on the defense.
"Coach Lewis is a hard worker and we all have great respect for him," Bazinet said. "He wants us to succeed on the football field but also wants us to succeed in all aspects of life. He expects us to know our assignments, make great effort and make the plays."
Kickoff is slated for 6:05 p.m. at University Stadium. This is the first meeting between UNM and Texas State-San Marcos.
