This year's rivalry week isn't quite as dramatic as year's past, but the Lobos and Aggies are still talking it up with all their might.
New Mexico coach Rocky Long and his veteran players are all on the same page, repeating the mantra that the Aggies always play their best against the Lobos and the games are always close.
Not quite true -- recall the 38-3 score in Las Cruces last year and the blowout 53-0 win in Albuquerque during the 2001 season.
Still, the Aggies do truly hate the Lobos. Senior linebacker Jimmy Cottrell said the game is the only way New Mexico State can avoid being "the bastard stepchildren" of New Mexico colleges.
Rocky also has been quick to say Aggies are better than their 0-2 record. That sounds an awful lot like a coach trying to make sure his players don't overlook a team and throw away an easy win.
I see New Mexico State at the start of a tough rebuilding process under first-year coach Hal Mumme.
He says the team is a couple of key plays and mistakes away from being competitive. He also blames former coach Tony Samuel for a brutal schedule that could potentially demoralize his young team.
I watched the NMSU-UTEP, and I can definitely say the Aggies do have some talent and potential. However, I think they are at least a year away from being truly competitive against New Mexico unless the Lobos play terribly.
The Lobos should enjoy this week because it just might the last time this game could be counted as such an easy win for a long time. Mumme is too fierce a competitor and too good of a recruiter to let the Aggies stay down for long.

Posted by ilimon at 03:09 PM | Permalink