We’re now a couple weeks into the Men’s Basketball season and I think it’s fair to say that we’ve now learned a few things about this version of the Lobos. For one, anyone who was predicting a perfect season is already disappointed. But that was inevitable. However, this is a team that plays hard, doesn’t give up, and, in my opinion, will continue to get better as the season goes on. I’m still having fun, at least.
Author: Jono
A New Era for Lobo Basketball
A new era of UNM Men’s Basketball starts tonight. After one of the crazier offseasons that I can remember, featuring a coaching change, 10 players announcing their intention to transfer, two of those players coming back, and an Athletic Director retiring under pressure, the Lobos are hoping to wipe the slate clean and redefine what the program is all about. If early returns are any indication, then mission accomplished. This team is practically unrecognizable from last year’s version and in my view, that’s a wonderful thing.
Rather than one of my standard previews, like I’ve done the last couple of years where I looked at each player’s stats to show how they played and what we might expect out of them, this year I figured that I’d just look at some larger themes to keep an eye on throughout the year. After all, based on the 147 points they dropped on Northern New Mexico on Saturday, last year’s stats don’t mean much this year.
Lobo Football at Texas A&M Preview
After another underwhelming performance, losing 24-10 to Utah State, Lobo Football has now lost four in a row and has their bowl chances hanging by a thread. Unfortunately, next on the docket is Texas A&M, where the Lobos will face a hostile crowd on the Aggies’ senior night. It’s certainly not impossible, but the Lobos will need a great performance to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Lobo Football vs Utah State
Last week’s game was…. not great. The Lobos went to Wyoming and looked completely out of sorts, allowing 42 first-half points on the way to a 42-3 drubbing. On the bright side, they won the second half 3-0. On whatever the opposite of the bright side is, everything else. That leaves the Lobos with a 3-5 record, needing to win three of their remaining four games to assure themselves a third-straight bowl game. If that happens, one of those games almost certainly has to be this one against Utah State. With their backs against the wall, I like to think that the Lobos will be ready for the challenge.
Lobo Football at Wyoming Preview
The Lobos bounced back last week against a good Colorado State team, but ultimately couldn’t pull off the upset. I didn’t have great expectations for the Lobos going into that game, but given the way the game went, it felt like a missed opportunity. After all, if the holding penalty had been called a safety, if they had scored quickly at the end of the game, if that last pass had been ruled a completion, or any number of small things that happened in the game, they could have walked out with a win. It’s amazing how those small things stick in your mind in a close loss…
Regardless, the season marches forward and the Lobos still have work to do. They’re in Wyoming this weekend, looking to repeat last season’s performance against the Cowboys with a solid drubbing of the boys in brown. A win will get their season back on track, while a loss will make things really difficult. Needless to say, this is an important one.
Lobo Football vs. CSU Preview
The Lobos got absolutely steamrolled last weekend at Fresno State, losing 38-0, so one has to think that they’re ready to get back on the field to forget about that beating. Unfortunately, their opponent, Colorado State, is another team that the Lobos haven’t had much success against in the recent past. It won’t be easy, but with the Lobos’ backs against the wall, I’m not going to count them out.
Lobo Football at Fresno State Preview
Wow, it feels like it’s been a long time since we’ve had a Lobo football game, doesn’t it? Well, that changes today, as they get back to action in Fresno. The Lobos are currently riding a two-game winning streak and are looking to stay on a run, but Fresno is on a little streak of their own. Should be a fun one.
Scattered Football Thoughts: Tulsa Pregame
After a tough loss at Boise last Thursday, the Lobos get back to action this morning with a road game against Tulsa. Both teams have had rough starts to the season, which has all of the sudden turned this game into must-win for both sides. And with the Lobos as banged up as they are, they’ll need to pull out all the stops to grab that much-needed victory.
Lobo Football vs. NMSU Preview
After shaking off the rust against ACU, the Lobos now turn their attention to their in-state rivals. The Aggies are in town tonight for the 108th matchup between these two schools and, regardless of the relative quality between these two teams, it’s always seems to be an entertaining game. The Lobos are hoping that a big crowd shows up to watch the action and to cheer them on as try beat the Aggies for a 71st time. Never gets old.
Lobo Football vs ACU Preview
Hey! It’s gameday for Lobo Football! In the first game at the newly-renamed Dreamstyle Stadium, the Lobos take on Abilene Christian University. The Lobos will be looking to build on their momentum from the past few seasons, while the Wildcats have their eyes on a big upset. Based on the last couple of opening games against FCS teams, there will probably be a lot of fireworks for the Lobos, so it should be a fun night to attend.