Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Athlon Sports
New Mexico State Football: 2024 Aggies Season Preview and Prediction
By Athlon Sports,
8 hours ago
New Mexico State under former head coach Jerry Kill was in the strongest position that the program had been in six decades. Tony Sanchez has the unenviable task of maintaining that momentum without many of the players who created it.
The team New Mexico State does have shows the potential to reach a bowl game for the third year in a row — a feat the school has never achieved — if a number of young players and transfers can step up and take on key roles for the Aggies. However, another 10-win season feels like a pipe dream.
New Mexico State 2024 Season Preview and Prediction
Previewing New Mexico State’s Offense for 2024
New Mexico State’s top three quarterbacks from last season have all transferred out. The Aggies will likely rotate players at the position throughout the year unless one emerges as the clear leader in fall camp. Kentucky transfer Deuce Hogan and junior college transfers Parker Awad and Brandon Nunez will all get a shot.
Aside from the quarterback spot, New Mexico State actually has quite a bit of returning experience on the offensive side of the ball, although the transfer of second-leading receiver Trent Hudson is a blow. Veteran running back Monte Watkins is back after compiling 572 rushing yards last season. He’ll have the benefit of veteran blocking from a group that includes All-CUSA left tackle Shiyazh Pete and former UTSA transfer Cedric Claiborne.
New Mexico State running back Monte Watkins, a former TCU transfer, is set to take on a bigger role this season after rushing for 572 yards and two touchdowns in 2023.
Meg Potter&solSun-News&solUSA Today Network
Previewing New Mexico State’s Defense for 2024
For new defensive coordinator Joe Morris, the primary task will be replacing the production of All-CUSA defensive tackle Sterling Webb, now at Missouri. The Aggies also need to replace their three leading tacklers from last season — around 250 tackles worth of production.
The Aggies desperately need to improve their defense against the pass. NMSU was second-to-last in Conference USA in that category in 2023, allowing 250.9 passing yards per game. Incoming transfer safeties Nick Session (Oklahoma State) and Josiah Cox (Arizona State) should be able to help in that department.
New NMSU head coach Tony Sanchez coached the team’s wide receivers from 2022-23. He previously served as head coach at UNLV, going 20-40.
Meg Potter&solSun-News&solUSA Today Network
Previewing New Mexico State’s Specialists for 2024
The Aggies need to replace CUSA’s best kicker from last year in Ethan Albertson. Redshirt junior Carson Zilmer kicked off for the Aggies before, so he could return to that role. Senior Jorge Figueroa is also on the roster and was one of the West Coast’s best juco kickers in 2021 with 80 points in 11 games.
Punting duties will revert back to grad student George Eberle. Eberle filled the role late in the 2022 season and put two of his three punts inside the opposing 20 that year. His contributions helped the Aggies to a five-point win in the 2022 Quick Lane Bowl.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Most Popular
Comments / 0