by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
All this week, the word rivalry has been tossed around in regards to Saturday's football game between UNM and NMSU.
But when the Lobos have won four in a row against the Aggies, can it really be
called that?
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Head coach Rocky Long says it can, especially because UNM will face a stiff test from the 2007 version of NMSU football.
"I think they are better on offense than they were last year. I thought they were a very good offensive football team last year," he said. "I think they've all matured. A lot of their key players - quarterback, receivers - have all matured since last year, and I think they are better now than they were then."
It is the Aggie offense that is a major concern for the Lobos and with good reason. Even though UNM beat NMSU 34-28 in Las Cruces last year, the Lobo defense was pushed up and down the field, specifically in the passing game.
Quarterback Chase Holbrook, who is returning this season, completed 37 of 56 passes for 472 yards and four touchdowns.
And although UNM held the Aggies to -3 rushing yards in the first half, NMSU gained 63 on the ground in the second, despite falling short of the comeback.
The Lobo defense gave up a massive amount of yardage but also helped limit the scoring by forcing five turnovers in
the game.
Long said he expects another offensive showcase from the Aggies, and UNM will have to keep the pace if it wants to hold its winning streak against NMSU.
And while slowing the offensive pace of the Aggies seems like a daunting task, UNM defensive end Tyler Donaldson said he is eager about his chances to put hits on Holbrook.
He should have more than enough
opportunities.
"I don't know how well you can stop that spread offense, because they're going to make plays - and so are we - but as a pass rusher, I love it because they're going to throw the ball 60 times, 70 times
this game."
If the Aggies do go to the air as much as Donaldson predicts and the Lobos don't get a pass rush, it could be a long day for UNM.
Holbrook's 37 completions last season set a school record, and with another year under his belt, the quarterback should be more dangerous this season.
Long said Holbrook might be the best quarterback UNM plays against this season.
"He's a big, strong guy, so he can see over the rush, and he's very accurate with his balls," Long said. "He throws it on target. He seems to read the coverage well and throw it to the right guy most of the time. He doesn't seem to get flustered or frazzled if you got heat on him."
The Aggies are taking on a Lobo squad that returns eight offensive starters. Quarterback Donovan Porterie got some valuable experience at the end of last season but was not the starter in the 2006 contest against NMSU.
Offensively, UNM is going to have to execute much better than last week, when it could only muster six points against UTEP.
The Lobos did move the ball for 383 offensive yards in that game, but scoring touchdowns will be vital Saturday.
UNM center Vince Natali said the Lobos need to light up the scoreboard if they don't want to dig too big of a hole early in the
season.
"We expect them to score a lot of points," he said. "That's what they're aiming for, and we have to do that in return. We need to put some points on the board and get a win out of this."
Football vs. NMSU
Saturday, 7:30 p.m.
University Stadium
The first meeting between the Lobos and Aggies was Jan. 1, 1894. The Lobos lead the series 64-28-5
