Key returner: RB Rodney Ferguson, junior
As a sophomore last season, Ferguson was one of the most versatile weapons in the Mountain West Conference. He led the league in rushing yards (1,234) and pulled in close to 300 yards through the air. His accomplishments earned him All-MWC first-team accolades.
Key loss: LB Quincy Black
Black was a player built out of the same mold as former Lobo great Brian Urlacher. Black set the example of quickness and aggressiveness that New Mexico prides its defenses on.
X-Factor: Donovan Porterie
Last year, as a freshman, Porterie split time with senior quarterback Chris Nelson and performed fairly well, completing 53.4 percent of his passes and finishing the season with a 126.34 passer efficiency rating. With Nelson gone, Porterie will have to try to pick up the slack and give running back Rodney Ferguson some help. Can he give the Lobos a legitimate passing threat?
Toughest opponent: at Utah (Sept. 29)
The Lobos have four tough games on their schedule, but none of them will be more difficult than playing at Rice-Eccles Stadium against the Utes. New Mexico narrowly edged out Utah in Las Cruces, N.M., last season and the Utes will surely be looking for revenge this year.
Cupcake opponent: Sacramento State (Sept. 22)
It would be pretty easy to pick San Diego State as the easiest Lobo opponent, but I have a feeling Sacramento State will be even less of a challenge. The Hornets finished 4-7 last season and don’t have much coming back, so New Mexico shouldn’t have any problems with the middle-of-the-road Big Sky team.
Season outlook:
New Mexico has made beating good teams, while suffering disappointing losses, an art form. This year, the Lobos look to return as much speed on the field as ever, but much will depend on their defense to see if they can hold high-powered offenses such as Utah, BYU and TCU in check.