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| | Monday, September 6 | |||||
| 1998 Record: 3-8 (1-4) | 1998 statistics | 1999 schedule Head coach: Tony Samuel Returning starters: 18 (offense 7, defense 9) Outlook The Big West may be a pass-happy, high-powered place to play, but New Mexico State is not a trendy group. The Aggies installed an option offense in 1997, and despite results (5-17 over two seasons) that at best were mixed, coach Tony Samuel and his troops will employ a similar scheme in 1999. Eighteen starters are back in Las Cruces, part of a group of 70 or so players taking part in a summer-long volunteer workout program at Aggie Memorial Stadium. When they return there in the fall, they'll likely play in front of record crowds for the second straight season. Despite a five-game slide after a 3-3 start in '98, people are starting to pay attention to New Mexico State again -- the Aggies broke the school's average attendance record last season, drawing an average of 20,342 per game in five home contests. Getting the support of the community is half the battle to restoring a program's profile after recent struggles. The other half -- rewarding those expectations with more victories -- could happen this year. OffenseIt's difficult for this group to look forward to the coming season without casting a glance toward the past. There's no use living there, though, as the Aggies may never find a real replacement for I-back Denvis Manns. He finished his career as the all-time leading rusher in Big West history, becoming only the third player in Division I-A history to record four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Fortunately for those who will try to run out of his shadow, four of five starters return on the offensive line -- three of them with all-Big West credentials, center Matt Hancock, tackle Jason Berger and guard George Hudson. The line's ability to protect quarterback Ty Houghtaling will be a big key. Houghtaling, who has started every game over the past two seasons, threw for 1,820 yards and ran for 313 last year. But it's when he runs that the offense lights up. Kenton Keith is the favorite to step in at I-back. He saw limited action as a freshman in 1998, but led the team in kickoff returns. Expectations are high. This past spring he led the Aggies with 309 yards in three scrimmages. When New Mexico State opts to pass, split end Ryan Shaw will be the primary target. He finished the year with 13 TDs, including nine in the season's final five games. It's a good sign if: Keith shows he can be a full-time back.It's a bad sign if: A lack of depth at skill positions is exposed. Defense It is this side of the ball that likely cost NMSU a chance at a winning season a year ago. The Aggies lost four games in which they led or were tied for the lead with less than two minutes remaining. Youth was part of the struggle, but all but two starters return, anxious to improve on a nation-worst average of 291 yards passing allowed per game. The defensive line is unchanged from a year ago, led by two-time All-Big West designate Tim Engelhardt at tackle. Mike Boganowski,, a 6-3, 230-pound rush end, sat out spring drills while recovering from shoulder surgery. If he is healthy, his ability to put pressure on the quarterback will greatly improve the Aggies' overall pass defense. Second-year linebacker D'Wayne Taylor could emerge as the star of this unit. He led the team in tackles as a freshman a year ago. His ability to go sideline-to-sideline will be invaluable this season. Drastic improvement is expected from a much-maligned secondary. The cornerbacks, senior Melvin McClendon and junior Jascon Willis, both return from last season. They'll get support from rover Marsey Hawley. The former walk-on led the Aggies in pass breakups in nine starts at the position last season. It's a good sign if: Taylor takes on a leadership roleIt's a bad sign if: The Aggies continue to get into scoreboard shootouts. Special Teams New Mexico State returns both kicking specialists. Punter Andy Kohl was a first team All-Big West selection last year. He will also handle kickoffs. Kohl topped the conference last year with a 42.9 punting average, which ranked 16th nationally. Second team All-Big West performer Nick Cecava is the place-kicker. He was 13-of-13 before his final attempt of the season, a 42-against North Texas, was blocked. -- John Crowley |
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