New Mexico State Football: Can the Aggies contend in C-USA?

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Dec 26, 2022; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New Mexico State University linebacker Trevor Brohard (80) hoists the Quick Lane Bowl trophy over his head as he and his teammates celebrate their win over Bowling Green State University in the 2022 Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the New Mexico State football defense continue to improve?

The Aggies improved by leaps and bounds from 2021 to 2022. The scoring defense improved by nearly 17 points per game (40.4 to 23.9 points allowed). New Mexico State allowed 150.8 fewer yards per game in 2022. The offense running the football more and staying on the field longer had a bit to do with those improved numbers.

However, much of the Aggies’ success was due to doing the little things well. The defense did not commit a lot of penalties. They tackled well and got teams off the field on 3rd down. The fundamentals covered the fact that they did not create a lot of turnovers or sack the quarterback a lot.

Suffice it to say those are two areas to improve next year. Kill and his staff has to replace linebacking duo Chris Ojo and Trevor Brohard. Keyshaun Elliot and Jayvhion Gipson are the likeliest starters at the two linebacking spots.

Ojo led the team in sacks, so someone has to step up, or several players must replace his production. The biggest concern for the Aggies has to be the secondary. One player who had an interception returns in 2022.

However, there is a lot of experience with a host of upperclassmen ready to step in and play.

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