Lobos’ balance big concern for Rams

FORT COLLINS» The numbers are easy to see and hard to find.

New Mexico’s offensive production is near the top of the Mountain West, the Lobos’ 42.2 points per game second only to Utah State. The oddity of the math comes in the individuals doing the damage. One would have to scroll down the list of the conference’s individual leaders to find a New Mexico player.

Leading rusher Tyrone Owens is sixth in the league in rushing at 359 yards. The Lobos don’t have a receiver in the top 10 in catches per game or yards per game. They’ve had to start two different quarterbacks and play three due to injuries, so Sheriron Jones sits eighth in the league in passing at 158 yards per game.

The important question for Colorado State on Saturday at Canvas Stadium isn’t who is doing the damage for New Mexico but who isn’t.

“That’s what’s kind of impressive when you look at their offense. The balance they’ve had offensively, and it’s not just a couple of guys, it’s a bunch of guys,” CSU coach Mike Bobo said. “Then having three quarterbacks who have had to play and still be able to average 42 points per game, over 200 yards rushing, 200 yards passing. Last week, Jones threw four touch downs and 250 yards, 72 yards rushing on nine carries, I believe. Coming back, no turnovers. Balance, no turnovers, they’re doing a good job offensively.”

That’s what stands out to Colorado State’s defense. In comparison, the Rams were a highscoring offense last year, but quarterback Nick Stevens led the MW in passing, Michael Gallup in receiving and Dalyn Dawkins was a 1,200yard rusher. The Lobos don’t have any of those things but are scoring more points than the Rams did a year ago.

After years of an option offense, coach Bob Davie, wanted more balance. With new offensive coordinator Calvin Magee, the Lobos are generating more than 200 yards on the ground and through the air each outing, and doing it without having to rely on one or two playmakers.

The Lobos have 13 players with carries, five of them have at least 100 yards this season and five have scored touchdowns. The Lobos also have 13 players with a reception, with leader Delane HartJohnson topping out at 16. Only three of them have at least 10 catches, and eight different receivers have scored touchdowns.

“They spread it out, they pass the ball to all their wide receivers, they have a solid running game, they have dualthreat quarterbacks,” CSU cornerback V.J. Banks said.