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| Monday, August 13 Updated: August 14, 10:12 AM ET Schedule doesn't do Aggies any favors By Adam Rittenberg Special to ESPN.com |
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New Mexico State Aggies 2000 record: 3-8 (1-4 in Big West). Coach: Tony Samuel (5th year, 14-30). Starters returning: 6 offense, 5 defense, 1 kicker. Outlook: New Mexico State apparently did not learn a great deal from 30-point losses to South Carolina and Georgia last season. Before the Aggies even taste league play in 2001, they face Conference USA champ Louisville, Pac-10 champ Oregon State and Big 12 powers Texas and Kansas State. Despite its masochistic scheduling, New Mexico State could make waves in the Sun Belt this year. Six starters return for an Aggies offense that racked up more than 30 points in seven straight games last season. QB K.C. Ezminger carries his streak of 22 consecutive starts into 2000 after passing for 1,454 yards and rushing for 450 yards. The Aggies' defense is looking to improve its stamina and concentration after wilting several times in the fourth quarter last year. Anchored by 285-pound lineman Tommy Laborin, New Mexico State's defense could step up after taking its lumps in the brutal non-conference season. Keep an eye on: LB D'Wayne Taylor. There is no typo in New Mexico State's media guide -- D'Wayne Taylor really did lead the team with 88 tackles as a true freshman. This two-time Big West all-conference selection was also tops last season with 73 tackles, including a league-tying 16 tackles for a loss. Now a senior, expect Taylor to spark the defense in 2001. Key game: Sandwiched between the Oregon State and Kansas State games is a road matchup with intra-state rival New Mexico. Last year the Aggies could not overcome three turnovers and dropped a 16-13 thriller to New Mexico at home. It's a must-win game for the Aggies to have any confidence going into conference play. It's a good year if... The Aggies' defense makes some plays. New Mexico State's offense cannot be expected to carry the team through another season. The Aggies put up 660 yards of offense against Idaho last year, only to lose 44-41 in double overtime. Taylor, Laborin and LB Jamar Lawrence will need to keep the scoring down in order for Ezminger to be effective. If the Aggies can survive their first five games and buckle down in crunch time, they can expect a strong conference showing. |
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