Texas A&M Week 1 Preview: New Mexico Lobos
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Entering Texas A&M Aggies coach Jimbo Fisher's sixth season, a lot is on the line.
The Aggies had a largely disappointing season last year to say the least, underperforming on all fronts, and while there were positive moments — especially surrounding likely starting quarterback Conner Weigman — the general focus for this season's Texas A&M squad is playing better together.
Above all else, a season-ending victory over LSU saw the Aggies play the way they had been expected to all year, and gave both Fisher and the coordinators a sense of hope.
To kick off the season, the Aggies will get a chance to add to that momentum with a non-conference opponent that — before last season's Appalachian State meltdown — would normally count as a win prior to kickoff. The same can no longer be said, though Fisher and company aren't likely too worried.
The same can no longer be said, though Fisher and company aren't likely too worried about their team's season opener against the New Mexico Lobos.
With a 6 p.m. kickoff, Kyle Field will undoubtedly be packed for the Aggies' first home game since the field-storming win over the Tigers, though this time, an Aggie victory won't quite carry the same weight.
The Aggies have won the other two matchups against the Lobos since joining the SEC, winning 55-14 in 2017 and 34-0 in 2021. Both games featured a different Aggie quarterback, though both times, the starter prevailed, throwing for more than 250 yards and three touchdowns both times.
Obviously, there isn't pressure for Weigman to perform the same way. There isn't a streak being kept, but the Aggies would like to see a strong showing from the second-year quarterback.
He'll be armed with weapons on offense, ranging from incoming freshman running back Rueben Owens to fifth-year veteran receiver Ainias Smith. Against a significantly less high-powered defense, the Aggies should have no issues putting together scoring drives and will be looking to give veteran punter Nik Constantinou an easy night.
The defense that they're up against might make that easier, however. New Mexico suffered a big loss on the defensive end, losing seven of their nine top tacklers to graduation or transfer portal.
Returning for his fifth year, however, is cornerback Donte Martin, who will look to have a breakout season alongside senior linebacker duo Syaire Riley and Ray Leutele.
For the Aggies' defense, key secondary transfers Sam McCall and Tony Grimes will be joining already established defenders like Demani Richardson and Tyreek Chappell as they look to put up a defensive masterclass.
Keeping the Lobos out of the endzone will be the Aggies' top priority as they look to slow down Dylan Hopkins — the Lobos' most recent quarterback graduate transfer.
Last season, Hopkins started for UAB, throwing for 1,913 yards, 10 touchdowns and four interceptions on a 63 percent completion rate. He's new to the system, and so are New Mexico's receivers.
As a program, the Lobos lost five receivers but gained eight, most notably bringing in Jeremiah Hixon from Alabama State and Ryan Davis, also from UAB. Together, the new receiving corps will be trying to mesh in a real-game scenario, making disrupting rhythm crucial for Aggie defenders.
A win for Texas A&M would mark its third straight against the Lobos, and start the program out on the right foot for the season, as it would be 1-0 heading into a Power-5 non-conference matchup against the Miami Hurricanes.
Until then, the Aggies can look forward to their first Saturday night matchup of the season in week one. The Aggies kick off against the Lobos on Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. CST.
2023-24 NCAA Football Week 1: New Mexico Lobos
2022 Record: 2-10, 0-8 Mountain West
Head coach: Danny Gonzales
Returning Offensive Leaders:
Passing: QB Dylan Hopkins (Graduate transfer from UAB)
2022 stats: 136-215, 1,913 yards, 10 touchdowns, four interceptions
Rushing: RB Christian Washington
2022 stats: 73 carries, 310 yards, 4.2 yards per carry
Receiving: WR Luke Wysong
2022 stats: 34 receptions, 291 yards, 8.6 yards per catch, one touchdown
Returning Defensive Leaders:
Tackles: LB Syaire Riley, 36
Interceptions: OLB Donte Martin, 1
Sacks: NT Bryce Santana, 3
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