by Daniel Archuleta
Daily Lobo
Expect claws and bared teeth when the Lobos and Cougars take the field tonight at University Stadium. Both teams are looking to improve on successful 2003 campaigns, and a positive start to the season could be imperative for either squad.
This game will be decided largely by the matchups:
Kole McKamey vs. Josh Swogger
Each quarterback has something to prove. Both McKamey and Swogger saw limited playing time last year, but assumed the starting role for their teams this year. McKamey saw action in six games last season, passing the ball 23 times for 10 completions and 128 yards, with two touchdowns and three interceptions.
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Swogger played in nine games, throwing 81 times with 41 completions for 548 yards, with one touchdown and five interceptions.
McKamey is ready.
"When my arm is needed to make plays, I will step up," he said. "Coach Dodd has prepared me for this. We're not just going to run the ball, we're going to throw it a lot too."
McKamey said he expects to be a big part of tonight's game.
DonTrell Moore vs. Washington State's Rushing Defense
Moore is on the Walter Camp "Players to Watch" list this season. With the help of the Lobo offensive line, Moore can cement his place in UNM history this season by becoming the school's all-time leading rusher. He only needs 1,278 yards to eclipse the previous mark.
The overall concern of the Lobos will be the speed of the Cougars' defense.
"It's going to be speed versus speed and big boys versus big boys," Moore said about the matchup.
This year's campaign is one of the most difficult so far, so Moore's first test will come against the stingy defense of the Cougars. The Cougars' rush defense was third in the Pacific Ten Conference and sixth in the nation.
The Lobos' Receiving Corp. vs. Washington State's Secondary
The young group of receivers
anchored by Hank Baskett will look to find the seams against a secondary with only one returning starter. Just like the quarterback match up, either side can have a breakout performance that will blow the game wide open.
Baskett has the most experience out of the Lobo receivers and said he is confident he has what it takes to be the No.1 receiver.
"I want to try and get the ball in any situation that I can," he said. "I can use my size to my advantage, whether I'm blocking or running routes. You could have the fastest guy in the world, but they still have to cover me."
The Lobos' Defense vs. Washington State's Offense
The Lobos have just four starters returning, but several returning lettermen will fill the positions left open. The defensive line may be the biggest concern to UNM.
The Cougars' offense has six returning starters, with most of their experience coming on the offensive line. Swogger and wide receiver Chris Jordan had a good final scrimmage, hooking up three times for 64 yards.
Both squads will be looking to pick on the inexperience of the new starters.
One returning Lobo starter, senior linebacker Nick Speegle, is anxious for the season to start.
"We've been waiting since the end of last year for this game," he said. "As a team we've been working really hard to get where we are, so I think we're as ready as we need to be."
The game will be tonight at 6 p.m. at University Stadium. It will be broadcast nationally on ESPN.
UNM VS WSU
New Mexico Lottery
Howl Toilet Night
Where University Stadium
When Kickoff at 6:03pm
TV ESPN at 6:00pm
