New Mexico @ Texas A&M preview

Last Meeting ( Sep 5, 2009 ) New Mexico 6, Texas A&M 41

Texas A&M takes a much-needed break from SEC action Saturday, when it hosts struggling New Mexico of the Mountain West Conference. The game has been overshadowed by talk surrounding Aggies sixth-year coach Kevin Sumlin, whose job reportedly is in jeopardy following back-to-back double-digit losses at home.

Texas A&M freshman quarterback Nick Starkel will return to the starting lineup against New Mexico after coming off the bench to throw for 184 yards and two touchdowns in last Saturday’s 42-27 loss to Auburn. The defeat dropped Texas A&M to 3-10 against SEC teams in November since 2013, which has many speculating about Sumlin’s tenuous job status. “What I do is focus on what we have to do this week to win games, and the big picture will take care of itself,” Sumlin told reporters. “What we can do is the best we can do. From that standpoint, it keeps you focused on what’s going on right now. That's how I’m going to continue to approach it, and that’s not going to change.” Before wrapping up the regular season with games against Ole Miss and LSU, the Aggies face a New Mexico team that has averaged 9.3 points during its four-game losing streak.

TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPNU. LINE: Texas A&M -19

ABOUT NEW MEXICO (3-6): Senior running back Richard McQuarley has recorded six touchdowns to lead the Lobos, who have committed 11 turnovers in their last two games. “Somewhere along the way here, we’ve turned into a hard-luck, mistake team,” coach Bob Davie told reporters. “It’s impossible to win when you are that, when you are who we are, particularly. It’s frustrating.” The defense is led by safety Jake Rothschiller, who has registered a team-high 55 tackles - including six in last Saturday’s 24-10 loss to Utah State.


ABOUT TEXAS A&M (5-4): After losing at home to Mississippi State and Auburn by a combined 36 points in the last two weeks, the Aggies are hoping to jump-start their offense behind Starkel, who replaces fellow freshman Kellen Mond under center. Sumlin might give running back Trayveon Williams a heavier workload after the sophomore rushed for 105 yards on 15 carries in last week’s loss. Linebackers Tyrel Dodson and Otaro Alaka lead a defense that is tied for the SEC lead with 16 takeaways and will be looking to capitalize on New Mexico’s turnover woes.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Aggies have won 28 straight non-conference home games dating back to 2008.

2. Davie spent nine seasons as a defensive assistant for Texas A&M from 1985-93.

3. Texas A&M has blocked five kicks in 2017 (three punts, two field goals), which is tied for the FBS lead.

PREDICTION: Texas A&M 41, New Mexico 17