Howling With The Lobos: Sam Houston State Preview

What: New Mexico vs. Sam Houston State

When: Saturday August 31^st, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. Mountain

Coverage: Mountain West Network will stream the game. Can be heard on Lobo Radio Network across New Mexico. 770 AM/94.5 FM KKOB in Albuquerque.

Series: Sam Houston State won the only meeting between the two back in 2011 by a final of 48-45 in overtime.

What to Watch For:

Who’s going to start at quarterback?

Head Coach Bob Davie told the media this week that everyone will find out who his starting quarterback will be when his offense takes the field for their first drive on Saturday afternoon. Also saying that all four quarterbacks on the roster—Sheriron Jones, Tevaka Tuioti, Trae Hall, and Brandt Hughes—all have a possibility of being the quarterback when Saturday rolls around. Jones and Tuioti have the most experience, but Davie and Offensive Coordinator Joe Dailey both said all four could see playing time.

What will the offense look like under Joe Dailey?

There really isn’t going to be too much of a change in offensive play calling from a year ago when Calvin Magee was the OC. There is a refinement, though, of the offense so that it will run much smoother. Expect wrinkles of the spread, the triple option, and lots of bubble screens. Coach Dailey has said that he will ride a hot hand if it is working. As in if running the football seems to be working better than the pass, expect the runs to keep coming, and vice-versa.

How good is Sam Houston State?

The Bearkats are extremely talented. They will be returning nine of 11 starters on defense from a year ago. They have a very talented running back in Kyran Jackson, and a pro prospect at receiver in Nathan Stewart. This is a school that has not seen a losing season since 2009. The Bearkats are also ranked #22 nationally in the preseason FCS polls.

Prediction:

As weird as it sounds in week one of the season, this is a MUST WIN for the Lobos for their bowl chances this season. Coach Davie is already on the hot seat, a loss to an FCS school, though a very talented FCS school, cannot happen in the minds of the fans and will increase the calls for Davie’s job. The Bearkats are loaded, and this game does make me nervous. Somehow I think the Lobos will make just enough plays to pull it out: Lobos 38 Sam Houston State 34