Opponent Preview - New Mexico Lobos
Welcome to the Opponent Preview, a weekly article featuring insights from experts on the Oklahoma Sooners’ upcoming opponents. For week three, Payton Guthrie spoke with Edgerrin Garcia from The Daily Lobo about what to expect from the Lobos as they take on the Oklahoma Sooners.
Opponent Preview: OKLAHOMA VS. New Mexico
Payton Guthrie - New Mexico has started the season 2-0, and, so far, weathered the storm of losing their starting QB before the season.
How have the Lobos performed so far compared to your expectations?
Edgerrin Garcia - What most people don't know is Jack Layne didn't throw a single pass all of fall camp. UNM was preparing for a new starter — or starters — to take over this season. The dual-quarterback system is led by Oregon transfer Luke Moga and sophomore Toa Fa’avae.
They cruised past Central Michigan in what most people thought would be a close game. Mercyhurst stood no chance last week. The defense is playing at an extremely high level, while the offense — though has shown signs of explosiveness — is still a work in progress.
They’ve met expectations up to this point in the season.
Payton Guthrie - The OU offense completely stalled out against a (hopefully) very good Michigan defense. What can the Lobos take from that game to impact John Mateer? How will the impressive HAVOC rate produce by the New Mexico DL stand up against better competition?
Edgerrin Garcia - Mateer’s subpar performance may inject more confidence into UNM’s defense, but I don’t expect a similar game plan from OU offensively. I believe Arbuckle will get back to the basics and control the line of scrimmage with heavier personnel sets.
UNM’s eight sacks are tied for 1st in the nation. They want to put offenses in third and longs and allow players like Darren Agu and Brett Karhu to pin their ears back. OU’s offensive line played fine last week.
I think they’ll hold up well against UNM’s front seven.
Payton Guthrie - The OU defense is still extremely aggressive, stopping around 30% of plays at or behind the line of scrimmage. OU's own HAVOC rate is very impressive and forces teams off schedule. How will the Lobos handle that pressure? What is the path for success?
Edgerrin Garcia - I wouldn’t be surprised if OU’s defense completely dictated this game. UNM’s offensive line is considered the strength of the offense, so it’s paramount to get the best version of them. I expect Moga and Fa’avae to rely heavily on their legs. They must keep OU’s defense honest by finding some consistency through the air. Expect a heavy dose of targets to tight end Cade Keith and wide receiver Troy Omeire.
Payton Guthrie - OU is reeling, and New Mexico is surging. How do you think the game flow will unfold this weekend?
Edgerrin Garcia - Oklahoma knows what two teams await them after this weekend. After an extremely disgruntled defeat last week, I suspect OU wants to shake that loss off quickly.
The Lobos enter this game with almost nothing to lose and everything to gain, but they are 23.5-point underdogs for a reason. While I do think UNM will make this game competitive, OU’s overall talent and developing urgency will propel them to a bounce-back victory.
Payton Guthrie - Score Prediction?
Edgerrin Garcia - The Lobos will have their fair share of moments, but playing on the road in Norman is a tall task. With that being said: Oklahoma 32, New Mexico 16