Martin, Ags seek ‘character’
NMSU is at Texas State today in a toss-up contest
Strength versus strength and weakness versus weakness.
That’s how today’s football matchup between New Mexico State and host Texas State stacks up.
Both the Aggies (2-6) and Bobcats (1-6) have struggled this season but for different reasons of late. NMSU has played well on offense and terribly on defense, while Texas State has been a polar opposite.
If nothing else, it makes for intriguing storylines today in San Marcos, Texas. How will the Aggies’ offense fare against the Bobcats’ stout defense — and can NMSU’s defense contain an offense that has struggled against virtually everyone else?
“I see this as a character game for us,” Aggies coach Doug Martin said. “When your record is where ours is, character gets exposed. Right now our offensive players are very confident and our defensive guys are struggling, not playing with the confidence they should. The question is, who will step up?”
Linebacker Terrill Hanks seems a good candidate for the Aggies. Hanks returned to the lineup and posted 11 tackles last week after missing three games with an ankle injury.
The senior said this week that he is now fully recovered and expects to get back “more reacting, less thinking” against the Bobcats. Despite having played just five games, Hanks ranks fourth on the team in total tackles with 65 and he’s had a knack for making key plays throughout his career.
But Hanks does not believe his presence will instantly fix an NMSU defense that’s surrendered 155 points in its last three games.
“I’ve seen too many people trying to compensate and do other people’s jobs,” Hanks said. “You can’t be a hero. You’ve got to trust your teammates and just do your own job or everything starts breaking down.”
Unlike the Aggies’ past three opponents, Texas State does not pack a lot of offensive firepower. Sophomore quarterback Willie Jones III will start in place of injured Tyler Vitt and is a capable playmaker. Tight end Keenen Brown has been the Bobcats’ No. 1 target, but the Bobcats ranks near the bottom of the FBS in nearly every offensive category.
NMSU’s defense has fared reasonably well against the pass but its numbers are somewhat skewed by ineptitude stopping the run. Opponents don’t need to throw often against an Aggies unit allowing 273 rushing yards per game.
“It’s mostly just execution on defense,” Martin said. “We’ve had guys in great positions and they just didn’t make plays. I think we’ve lacked enthusiasm and swagger on that side of the ball, too.”
Enthusiasm has not been an issue for New Mexico State’s offense, which has churned out 1,416 yards in its last three games. Quarterback Josh Adkins has energized the passing attack and running backs Jason Huntley and Christian Gibson have provided a solid onetwo punch.
The Aggies’ offensive momentum will be tested by a Texas State defense that uses multiple looks to confuse opposing quarterbacks. The Bobcats have been known to drop eight defenders into coverage to prevent long passes.
“If everyone drops back in coverage, that’s an opportunity for the running game,” Gibson said. “We’ve got to take advantage. But I feel like we’re very versatile on offense and we’ve built good chemistry together. We’ll find a way to move the ball and put points on the board.”
Based on Friday’s various point spreads, today’s contest figures to be close. Texas State was listed as a onepoint favorite by some sites, while others rated the contest as even.
NMSU comes in needing to win all of its final four games to become bowl eligible for a second straight season, but the Aggies are currently more concerned about ending a two-game skid.
“We know we’ve got to win four,” Gibson said, “but right now we just need to win one. We’re trying to find ourselves and it starts with one win. That’s our focus at this point.”