Lobos’ Davie is fighting to keep his job
The University of New Mexico football program is fighting to succeed in the face of formidable adversity.
Lobos coach Bob Davie was suspended for 30 days by the university and missed part of spring football practice after he was accused of physically assaulting players, obstructing a rape investigation and making racist comments.
New Mexico lost a senior class that helped spur a rare winning season and bowl bid in 2016 but lost the final seven games of the 2017 season. The Lobos now must regroup amid questions about Davie’s future leading the program.
As a result, New Mexico is ranked No. 110 in Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel’s preseason 2018 college football rankings.
Murschel ranked all 129 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 129 to our projected No. 1 team.
Mexico 4
7 New
Bob Davie (30-45, entering seventh season; 65-70 overall)
3-9, 1-7 Mountain West, 6th Mountain Division
After a 3-2 start, Davie kept making changes at the quarterback position and the Lobos struggled when injuries started piling up on both sides of the ball. in in 5
QB Lamar Jordan, OL Blaise Fountain, DL Garrett Hughes, DB Jake Rothschiller, P Corey Bojorquez
OL Aaron Jenkins, QB Tevaka Tuioti, RB Tyrone Owens, WR Jay Griffin IV, WR Delane Hart-Johnson, CB Jalin Burrell, DB D’Angelo Ross, LB Alex Hart
The Lobos need defensive backs Jalin Burrell and D’Angelo Ross and linebacker Alex Hart to embrace leadership roles for a unit that must be strong to offset potential growing pains for the offense.
New Mexico has favored a run-heavy spread offense, but new offensive coordinator Calvin Magee could push the Lobos to pass the ball a bit more often to make the most of talented receiver options.
The Lobos are going to rely on either sophomores or junior college transfers to help plug holes with nearly every position group.
Davie unquestionably is coaching to keep his job this year with a new university president and athletics director in place. It won’t be easy with a tough schedule and inexperienced team.