The New Mexico football team may have some new faces and experience some change and adversity, but as the team gets ready for spring practice, the head coach said there will be one clear focus — consistency.
In Monday’s press conference, head coach Bob Davie discussed the state of the football program. He said the team continued to show growth and improvement last season and is moving in a positive direction, but one of the biggest obstacles it faced was inconsistency.
“Offensively, we’re a big play team — maybe as big-play and explosive of a team as there is in college football,” Davie said.
The head coach said the Lobos were among the top in the nation in big plays. He said the team ranked second in big-play runs, with 22 runs over 30-yards and first in the country in big-play passes, with three 80+ yard passes. He added that the team was the fourth most improved defense in the country as well.
Davie said the play was too “hit-and-miss” last season though, as many of the drives stalled out or resulted in turnovers. According to ncaa.com, the Lobos ranked 97th in the country in interceptions, throwing 14 last year despite being a team that didn’t put the ball in the air very often. He said the team will have to be much more consistent, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
However, consistency doesn’t mean the Lobos will settle on a single quarterback to lead the team. Austin Apodaca and Lamar Jordan both saw significant playing time last season, and Davie said he isn’t afraid to “let it rip” again this season, as both players possess a unique skill set that the team responds to.
Q’ Drennan, who played wide receiver last year, will also get a shot at the quarterback position, while former quarterback Cole Gautsche will try to make his way back to the field as a tight end.
Gautsche, a fifth-year senior, has battled back from early struggles in his college career and several injury setbacks. He said he is excited to have another opportunity to play on Saturdays and help the team.
He said he still needs to improve his hands and work on blocking, but is putting in the time in the film room to be ready when his number is called. He said he is still adjusting to the transition, but does feel healthy.
“Honestly, it’s a lot of weight off of my shoulders, not being the general of the whole offense,” he said. “I just have to worry about what I’m doing and help the offensive line and quarterback out a little bit with what I see.”
Davie said that continuity is such an integral part to a team’s success, and the team has been able to keep most of the coaching staff intact. Much of the coaching staff has been in place for four to five seasons, but recently added an experienced member.
Recently, Aurmon Satchell was named the new head athletic performance coach. Satchell, a former Texas Longhorn player, joins the coaching staff after serving as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for South Carolina. He replaces Ben Hilgart, who left New Mexico for Virginia Tech.
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Davie said the team had an opportunity to win every game it played last season. The expectations have risen, but the margin for error has not. He said the team will look to build its identity, develop and have fun. And it all starts with consistency.
Robert Maler is a sports reporter for the Daily Lobo. He primarily covers cross country, tennis, and track and field. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @robert_maler.
