2022 NCAA Football Preview: New Mexico State University Aggies

New Mexico State University Aggies

Head Coach: Jerry Kill (154-101, 1st season at NMSU)

2021 Record: 2-10

Offense Analysis:

The Aggie offense is coming off a so-so year in 2021. The NMSU attack averaged just over 20 PPG and about 365 YPG, both in the bottom half in D-1. New OC Tim Beck, who joins new coach Jerry Kill from TCU where he spent last season as an analyst, looks to kick the Aggies offense in gear. Who his QB will be is still up in the air. So. Weston Eget will battle Jr. Dino Maldonado for the starting job; Maldonado saw limited action last year throwing for 513 yards, 2 TDs, and 1 INT. As for the rest of the offense, Beck will have to make do with some new favors as the only returning skill position starter is Jr. WR Cole Harrity, who reeled in 30 passes for 238 yards and a lone TD in 2021. Beck will have a clean slate to work with in 2022 and will be able to make this Aggie attack his own utilizing his relatively inexperienced offense.

Defense Analysis:

On the defensive side of the ball, the Aggies struggled to stop opposing offenses. The NMSU defense surrendered 495 YPG and around 41 PPG. Improving the defense is a tough task for the rookie DC Nate Dreiling. Fortunately, the former FCS LB Coach gets a few key pieces of his defense back. Sr. DE Donovan King returns after leading the team in sacks last year with 2.5. Sr. CB D.J. McCollough also returns after his team leading 3 interception-season. Linebackers, Nick Giacolone and Trevor Brohard, will quarterback the Aggie defense. The Aggie defense is returning a lot of starters from a bad defense and the question remains if this rookie DC can turn them around.  

Summary:

After a canceled opting out of the 2020 season and electing to play in the spring of 2021, the NMSU Aggies struggled to knock the rust off against FBS opponents. Their 2 lone wins came at the hands of South Carolina State (FCS) and fellow independent UMASS. It’s not all bad for the Aggies, however. The recent hire of former TCU coordinator and Minnesota HC Jerry Kill, should prove beneficial for the program. Kill was able to find success at Minnesota before health concerns caused him to resign from the position. Unfortunately, a tough schedule may prevent the Aggies from getting their footing this season.

2022 UMASS Football Schedule (Predicted W/L)

• Aug. 27 – Nevada (L)
• Sept. 1 – @ Minnesota (L)
• Sept. 10 – @ UTEP (L)
• Sept. 17 – @ Wisconsin (L)
• Sept. 24 – Hawaii (L)
• Oct. 1 – FIU (L)
• Oct. 15 – New Mexico (L)
• Oct. 22 – San Jose St. (L)
• Oct. 29 – @ UMASS (L)
• Nov. 12 – Lamar (W)
• Nov. 19 – @ Missouri (L)
• Nov. 26 – @ Liberty (L)

Projected 2022 Record: 1-11

Written By: Steve DeFruscio

Instagram: @redshirt_szn

Twitter: @redshirt_szn , @stevedefruscio