New Mexico Football: Bob Davie or not, Lobos must improve

2018 New Mexico Schedule and Predictions

Turnovers were a major part of the New Mexico plummet in 2017. The Lobos coughed up 29 turnovers in 12 games, ranking in the bottom 10 nationally in giveaways. That included 15 lost fumbles and 14 combined interceptions by its quarterbacks. The defense, in turn, managed to generate only 13 takeaways over the course of the season. The negative-16 turnover margin was fourth-worst in the country.

If New Mexico hopes to do anything of consequence in 2018, it will need to reverse that trend. After opening the year against Incarnate Word, the Lobos turn around and head on the road to face Wisconsin. That matchup will show how well New Mexico will protect the football in 2018.

New Mexico gets the advantage of playing most of its toughest Mountain West games at home this year. Fresno State, San Diego State, Boise State, and Wyoming all come to Albuquerque. The Lobos get UNLV in Las Vegas along with divisional road games at Colorado State, Utah State, and Air Force. All could be tricky tests for a coaching staff squarely on the hot seat entering the new campaign.

What’s next for New Mexico?

New Mexico last lost to an FCS squad when Sam Houston State came to Albuquerque and eked out a 48-45 upset in September 2011. They will probably not have any danger of that happening against Incarnate Word this year. They cannot overlook the Cardinals, but they will play their opener with a mind to preparing for Wisconsin the following weekend.

The Badgers game serves as the referendum on this season. While it will be difficult to upset Wisconsin in Camp Randall Stadium, even a solid showing in defeat would give the Lobos enough confidence to go into the Mountain West campaign. Of course, so would beating non-conference rival New Mexico State for the first time since 2015.

Prediction: 5-7 (3-5 MWC)

New Mexico will split its non-conference schedule, getting wins against an FCS team and a squad in its first year of transition from the FCS. In conference play, UNLV and Wyoming offer the best opportunities for wins. They could also pull off an upset along the way.

Next: Post-spring Top 25 projections

That upset is likelier to come on the road than at home. Look for the Lobos to take down either Utah State or Air Force on the road in 2018. Either way, they will fall just short of bowl eligibility and Davie might just be out of a job.