The New Mexico football team showed signs of defensive improvement in Saturday’s season opener, despite an early deficit. Both sides of the ball came out of the gates in sluggish form during UNM’s 31-24 loss to UTEP — but, bolstered by a strong defensive effort, UNM’s second-half play came within striking distance.
The New Mexico football team reinstated Jamal Price after the senior guard agreed to enter into the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Pre-Prosecution Probation Program. Albuquerque police arrested Price last month after an altercation with his girlfriend Khadijah Shumpert, a UNM women’s basketball player, according to police reports.
New Mexico head coach Bob Davie has reinstated running back Crusoe Gongbay and cornerback SaQwan Edwards to the football team after the District Attorney’s Office determined there was insufficient evidence to prosecute. The two returned to practice last week during training camp in Ruidoso, and are eligible to play in the Aug. 30 season opener. “It was my decision,” Davie said last week at a press conference. “Back in April, I suspended those two from the team because it was a criminal case and they were charged criminally. The reason I’m reinstating them is because I received word from both attorneys that the criminal case has been dismissed and it’s closed.”
The District Attorney’s Office formally dropped charges without prejudice against two Lobo football players and one former UNM student. District Attorney Kari Brandenburg said on Wednesday that due to a lack of evidence her office was unable to indict SaQwan Edwards, Crusoe Gongbay and Ryan Ruff on kidnapping and rape charges. UNM is still following up on its own investigation, which could lead to disciplinary action including expulsion from school if it is found that the student-athletes violated the school’s code of conduct.
UNM will host its 21st annual New Mexico Women’s Football Clinic on July 24th at Branch Field. The clinic gives women a first-hand look at how the Lobo football program operates. Attendees will also get to meet with head coach Bob Davie and his coaching staff.
Rape charges against UNM football player Crusoe Gongbay and CNM student Ryan Ruff were dismissed earlier this week by the District Attorney’s office. Gongbay and Ruff were accused of raping a female UNM student along with a third suspect, Lobo cornerback SaQwan Edwards. Ruff was accused of raping the woman at gunpoint.
Early predictions aren’t looking favorable for the New Mexico football team. Every summer/spring, the Orlando Sentinel and USA Today count down every single Division One college football from No. 128 to No. 1.
A physical presence on the field is something the New Mexico football team has lacked the past two seasons. But thanks to more full-contact drills in this spring’s practices, the Lobos are beginning to form a more aggressive mentality.
There is no finesse when Cole Gautsche runs the football. Gautsche, the New Mexico football team’s starting quarterback, looks for contact when he rushes — not to get out of harm’s way.
Coaching can make a dramatic difference. That’s what New Mexico head coach Bob Davie is betting on with changes he made to his defensive staff.
Heading into 2014’s spring practice, UNM head football coach Bob Davie knows what issues his team faces. They’re the same problems that have plagued the New Mexico football team for the past two seasons: inexperience and defense.
It appears that the New Mexico football team can now compete in the recruiting game. The 2014 recruiting class for the Lobos highlights that fact. UNM received 27 National Letters of Intent last week, and head coach Bob Davie said the Lobos were able to beat out Arizona, Arizona State, Boston College and California University for some of their new talent.
Once again, Bob Davie focused his recruiting efforts mainly on the defensive side of the ball — specifically on defensive linemen. The head coach of New Mexico football signed 26 players for the 2014 recruiting class, six of whom are defensive linemen.
On Saturday, New Mexico head football coach Bob Davie announced that inside linebackers coach Kevin Cosgrove is to be the team’s new defensive coordinator. “Defensively, ‘Cos’ and I think a lot alike,” Davie told the Albuquerque Journal. “I can’t wait to see his personality reflected in our defense.”
On Saturday, New Mexico head football coach Bob Davie announced that defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach Jeff Mills will not be returning to the team next season. Davie confirmed online reports that Mills had indeed been let go.
Kasey Carrier didn’t plan to end his career this way. Against Colorado State on Nov. 16, New Mexico’s senior running back received a concussion in the first half that would end his season. According to mayoclinic.com, a concussion is “a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain operates.”
Earlier today, New Mexico head football coach Bob Davie announced that defensive coordinator/defensive backs coach Jeff Mills will not return to the team next season. Mills was fired after only two years as defensive coordinator.
Maturity takes time. Two years ago, the New Mexico football team fell at Boise State 45-0 without much of a fight. On Saturday, UNM lost once again to the Broncos in Boise, Idaho, but the game was much more competitive. The Lobos lost their regular season finale 45-17 at Bronco Stadium.
The identity of New Mexico’s defense has yet to be determined. But head coach Bob Davie has an idea for UNM’s defense could be in the future.
It’s the same story, just a different week, for New Mexico’s football team. This time at No. 15 Fresno State, UNM’s defense allowed a school-record 820 yards of total offense in a 69-28 loss in Bulldog Stadium.
Solutions by The State News
