by Vanessa Strobbe
Daily Lobo
One day left. One thought lingering - inexperience.
The 108th season of UNM football opens Saturday as the Lobos host the Portland State University Vikings at University Stadium. UNM returns just 35 lettermen and is testing a new offense and a slightly different defense, as well as dealing with some changes in the coaching staff.
"This is a very inexperienced team with a new system," said UNM head coach Rocky Long. "This game is purely an evaluation to look at the team to see where to improve."
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The Lobos return six offensive starters - four on defense - a kicker and a deep snapper. The team graduated playmakers DonTrell Moore at running back and Hank Baskett at wide receiver, as well as center Ryan Cook.
Junior Martelius Epps and sophomores Rodney Ferguson and Paul Baker have been battling to replace Moore. All three are likely to see the field Saturday.
"We're going to call plays to fit each type of player," Long said. "If one play calls for the real fast guy, he'll go in. If another situation needs a more physical player, he'll go out there."
With the installment of new offensive coordinator and former University of California-Los Angeles head coach Bob Toledo's West Coast offense, the Lobos will utilize a two-back set with fullback Matthew Quillen.
A pass-heavy playbook falls on the shoulders of senior quarterback Kole McKamey.
"This is our first game with a new offense, and mistakes are bound to happen," McKamey said. "This will be a preview to the fans of what kind of system we're running, but at the same time, people have to expect some errors."
Long said the first game will be a valuable experience for the whole team.
"I expect the players to play hard, to play well, to make mistakes and to fix them," he said. "I expect the new guys to make mistakes. I expect the veterans to make mistakes. The first game is all about learning."
The Lobos are coming off of a three-game home losing streak from last year and are 3-4 in their last seven season openers. Returning starting offensive lineman Robert Turner says first-game nerves will not be a factor against the Vikings.
"The team is ready to come out and dominate," Turner said. "I think you always get those last-minute jitters, but the team is prepared, and they're ready to play."
Junior Bryan Clampitt said the team's inexperience is a positive factor.
"Last year's team had a lot of high-profile players, so we were probably overconfident," Clampitt said. "This year, we're more team-oriented, and without the individual standouts, we're even better off."
Turner agrees.
"Inexperience is strictly good because the new guys have a different vigor," he said. "They want to impress people - they want everyone to see them. Youth on a team can be unpredictable and can especially cause problems for the team you're going to play."
As an NCAA Division I-AA institution, Portland State is 1-20 all-time against NCAA I-A foes. The last time the Lobos played a Division I-AA team was in 2003, when they beat Texas State University 72-8.
However, the Vikings' roster lists 17 Division I-A transfers from schools such as the University of Miami, Ohio State University, the University of Oregon, Fresno State University and UCLA.
The Vikings are a very underestimated team, and the Lobos and Portland State are comparable in ability and talent, Long said.
"With all the transfers, their team is obviously just as inexperienced scheme-wise," he said. "Both teams are going into this game having just learned a new system. It's a great season-opener."
