2011 Texas Tech Football At a Glance: New Mexico September 17th

Texas Tech Football will travel to Albuquerque, NM to face the University of New Mexico for a 2:30 pm kickoff at University Stadium in Albuquerque.

Last season, Texas Tech defeated New Mexico 52-17 in game two of last season and I really don't expect the outcome to be any different this season as New Mexico returns 7 starters on offense and 9 on defense from a team that finished 1-11.

Mike Locksley (2-22, 3rd Season overall) in all reality should never have been hired by the Lobos after they fired long time head coach Rocky Long, who now presides over the rising program at San Diego State. Much of the season for New Mexico fans will be when is Locksley fired and I would bet if things aren't rolling for New Mexico where they are at least competitive in their games then look for a change in Albuquerque by October 22nd after they play TCU.

Offensively, New Mexico returns 7 starters from one of the worst units in 2010 where they were near the bottom or at the bottom in every statistical category. Ouch.  B.R. Holbrook (63-119, 619 yards, 2TD, 6INT) looks to take the reins at quarterback. Half of Holbrook's yards came against the Red Raiders where he completed 60% of his passes for 323 yards and a score. Kasey Carrier, aptly named, will be the starter at running back where he carried 104 times for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns and All-American tight end Lucas Reed will help lead the offense as he returns from a strong 2010 season with 33 catches for 459 yards and 5 TD's.

Defensively,  I can't imagine this side of the ball being any worse than they were in 2010. New Mexico runs a 4-2-5 defense, as Texas Tech will run this season, but I doubt it will matter in this game. Seth Doege will have an easier time against this defense than he will in the season opener against Texas State September 3rd.

WAY TOO EARLY PREDICTION

Texas Tech 48 New Mexico 21.