Alabama Football: Post-Spring game-by-game predictions for 2019

If New Mexico State is going to take a step forward following last season’s disappointing 3-9 finish, it will likely be due to the improvements from rising sophomore quarterback Josh Adkins and do-it-all running back Jason Huntley.

The Aggies bring back a good bit of last season’s offensive production, and if Adkins can take a step forward in his second season as the team’s starting quarterback, then Doug Martin’s team could get back to a bowl game for the second time in three years.

There’s some talent surrounding Adkins, particularly with Huntley. The rising senior had 500+ rushing and 500+ receiving yards last season. He’s a dynamic player who can hurt you in a variety of ways and Martin will look for creative ways to get the ball in his hands.

Adkins also has a pair of rising senior receivers – OJ Clark and Drew Dan – who combined to catch 89 passes last season. The problem might well once again be the defense, which ranked 120th in the country, and returns less than half of its production from a season ago.

Regardless of whether or not the Aggies take a step forward or not, the home opener for Alabama isn’t likely to be competitive.

Pick: Alabama 56, New Mexico State 7

Record: 2-0