New Mexico Football: Danny Gonzales is right man for job in 2020

How will New Mexico football fare in 2020?

Just a quick note, these predictions are made without any considerations towards injuries or anything COVID-19 related.

• Game 1: vs. Idaho State (W) — The Lobos should get a win here in Gonzales debut game against an FCS foe.
• Game 2: at Mississippi State (L) — The Lobos are going to be way overmatched in this one against an SEC foe.
• Game 3: at USC (L) — The Trojans have one of the best offenses in the country and New Mexico has one of the worst defenses. Yikes.
• Game 4: at New Mexico State (W) — A game between two of the worst teams in the country will result in another win for the Lobos.
• Game 5: vs. UMass (W) — UMass is another program at the bottom of the FBS and will be a nice opportunity for the Lobos to get their third win of the season.
• Game 6: at Colorado State (L) — Colorado State will have a new coach in former Boston College head coach Steve Addazio and the Rams will have one of the best offenses in the MWC.
• Game 7: Nevada (L) — Nevada is expected to contend in the MWC and will be too much for New Mexico.
• Game 8: at Utah State (L) — This will be another opportunity for the Lobos to get a win since Utah State will be missing Jordan Love, but the Aggies find a way.
• Game 9: vs. San Jose State (W) — This is a mild upset, but San Jose State is not very good on defense and the game is at home.
• Game 10: at Hawaii (L) — Hawaii will be under new leadership with Todd Graham and will be able score points on a vulnerable Lobos defense.
• Game 11: vs. Boise State (L) — Boise State is one of the best Group of Five teams in the country and New Mexico will be no match for the Broncos.
• Game 12: at Air Force (L) — Air Force will be a tough matchup for New Mexico as the Falcons have a very tough offense.

Prediction: 4-8 (1-6 Mountain West)

This is a pretty good start to Danny Gonzales tenure at New Mexico as this is a pretty tough schedule against teams like USC and Mississippi State, as well as conference games against Boise State and Air Force and Nevada, who figure to be MWC contenders. Utah State and Nevada could be two more potential wins for the Lobos but they won’t be easy to come by.