New Mexico State Football: Living the independent life
By Zach Bigalke
2018 New Mexico State Schedule and Predictions
| WEEK | DATE | SCHOOL | OPPONENT |
| 0 | Aug. 25, 2018 | New Mexico State | vs. Wyoming |
| 1 | Aug. 30, 2018 (THU) | New Mexico State | @ Minnesota |
| 2 | Sep. 8, 2018 | New Mexico State | @ Utah State |
| 3 | Sep. 15, 2018 | New Mexico State | vs. New Mexico |
| 4 | Sep. 22, 2018 | New Mexico State | @ UTEP |
| 5 | Sep. 29, 2018 | BYE | WEEK |
| 6 | Oct. 6, 2018 | New Mexico State | vs. Liberty |
| 7 | Oct. 13, 2018 | New Mexico State | @ Louisiana-Lafayette |
| 8 | Oct. 20, 2018 | New Mexico State | vs. Georgia Southern |
| 9 | Oct. 27, 2018 | New Mexico State | @ Texas State |
| 10 | Nov. 3, 2018 | New Mexico State | vs. FCS Alcorn State |
| 11 | Nov. 10, 2018 | BYE | WEEK |
| 12 | Nov. 17, 2018 | New Mexico State | @ BYU |
| 13 | Nov. 24, 2018 | New Mexico State | @ Liberty |
The big question for New Mexico State is whether there are enough wins on their schedule as an independent. Luckily, the Aggies play a schedule that skews heavily toward Group of Five opponents. An early trip to Minnesota the only Power Five showdown on the regular-season schedule.
In an interesting twist, New Mexico State will also play FBS newcomer Liberty twice this season. The Flames and the Aggies will play a home-and-home series, with the first showdown in Las Cruces in early October. Liberty will host the return trip to Lynchburg on Thanksgiving weekend to conclude the regular season for both teams.
In between, the schedule looks a lot like last year’s schedule for the Aggies. They will play former Sun Belt foes Louisiana-Lafayette, Georgia Southern, and Texas State. Also on the schedule are Wyoming, Utah State, and New Mexico from the Mountain West. UTEP from Conference USA hosts the Aggies at the Sun Bowl in late September. And showdowns against FCS Alcorn State and fellow independent BYU straddle a second bye week in November.
What’s next for New Mexico State?
Despite their largely unchosen independence, New Mexico State has owned their 2018 schedule. The Aggies did not set up too many challenges, and the matchup against Minnesota could even provide a legitimate opportunity for a Power Five upset statement. The Aggies, though, must first focus on their Week 0 opponent Wyoming.
Prediction: 6-6
For the second straight season, the Aggies should reach .500 in the standings. The big question for Doug Martin and his crew, though, is whether any bowl game will find that record attractive enough to invite New Mexico State as an independent.
Next: Post-spring Top 25 projections
Last year, the Aggies had the benefit of conference affiliation and a heartwarming story to sneak into the Arizona Bowl. This year, only an improvement to seven wins or better is likely going to tip the scales in New Mexico State’s favor when it comes to postseason consideration.