Rocky Long has said it probably will take the Lobos at least one quarter to adjust to what UNLV is doing on both sides of the ball. He has compiled the most conservative game plan in his time with the Lobos because New Mexico doesn't know what schemes first-year and first-time coach Mike Sanford will be running.
They are guessing it will be spread offense, a form of the Lobos' 3-3-5 defense and some wild, Utah-esque special teams plays. Rocky said it's the first time he has faced someone who he has absolutely no film on before a game. He has played other new coaches in their first game, but he always could get tape from their last school. Since Sanford is new and closed practice three days into camp, Rocky and his staff are basing their guesses on Internet chatter and the coaching rumor mill. One of the rumors Rocky heard is that UNLV might be preparing to run some sort of 4-2 formation on defense, so the Lobos offense is preparing for both the 4-2 and 3-3-5 defenses.
Watch for some very focused and animated conversations on the New Mexico sidelines as coaches adjust.
Rocky also said Wednesday at the weekly media lunch that he isn't necessarily married to the Lobos revamped spread offense. If it doesn't work, he promised New Mexico will go back to it's bread and butter running game -- pure smashmouth football.

Posted by ilimon at 01:53 AM | Permalink