by Daniel S. Archuleta
Daily Lobo
The UNM football team may have plenty of playmakers, but quarterback Kole McKamey and running back DonTrell Moore might be the two biggest ones.
The Lobos were 6-1 when McKamey and Moore were healthy and finished entire games last season. The team went 1-4 when either of the two starters missed game time.
Both McKamey and Moore understand why that may be.
"I think it's a matter of respect on the field," McKamey said. "If DonTrell isn't there, people can think that the run game isn't as good. Or if I'm out of there, well, they've got a quarterback that doesn't know the offense. Like it was in Tali's (Ena) case last year."
Moore thinks it is a combination of a lot of aspects.
"When you have your playmakers out there on both sides of the ball, your chances of success and of winning is very good," he said.
Moore said with a full arsenal of weapons, it's common sense that the team should be better.
"It's just like 'The Dream Team,'" he said. "You know there's really no magic to it. When you have all your guns, you do better."
When either McKamey or Moore were unable to finish the game or did not play, the Lobos had losses to Oregon State, Utah, Air Force and Navy. The one victory came against New Mexico State when Moore suffered a sprained anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
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The two starters came through and got wins when it counted. Both were healthy and helped lead the Lobos to five consecutive wins, all against Mountain West Conference foes. Not to mention one huge upset over Texas Tech.
Their individual abilities play a big part in the Lobos' success as well.
"I feel I bring a little leadership to the table," he said. "Not only having the knowledge and ability to not only teach and lead on the field, but I make plays when the ball's in my hands."
McKamey said his experience helps as well.
"I've got 11 games under my belt as the starting quarterback and a full bowl game that I probably played my best game at," he said.
McKamey said his understanding of the offense is another big factor.
"I know this offense. I know what I'm supposed to do, and I know what I'm not supposed to do," he said. "You want someone who knows what they are doing."
Head coach Rocky Long likes his chances when the two are healthy.
"Both of them are really explosive football players that make our offense click," he said. "DonTrell is one of the special running backs in the country and anyone that is missing a starting quarterback is in deep trouble."
