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Early UNM preview

The Lobos welcome a new coach that Longhorns fans should know

Updated: June 15, 2012, 8:59 AM ET
By Carter Strickland | HornsNation

[+] EnlargeBob Davie
AP Photo/Susan Montoya BryanBob Davie takes over a New Mexico team that has won three games in three years.
Editor's note: HornsNation will count down to the start of fall camp by taking an in-depth look at each team Texas will face in 2012.

The rundown

UNM record in 2011: 1-11

Last meeting against Texas: 1988: Longhorns won 47-0 in Austin.

All-time against Texas: 0-2

Top returners: Quarterback B.R. Holbrook, defensive back Dante Caro, wide receiver Ty Kirk, defensive back Bubba Forrest

Key losses: Running back Crusoe Gongbay, wide receiver Deon Long, running back DeMarcus Rogers, linebacker Carmen Messina

Statistical leaders

Rushing: James Wright; 22 yards per game.

Passing: B.R. Holbrook; 60 percent completion rate, 135.5 passing yards per game, seven interceptions and four touchdowns

Receiving: Ty Kirk; 47 catches for 276 yards

Tackles: Bubba Forrest (85)

Sacks: Five players tied with one.

Interceptions: Dante Caro and Zach Dancel (1)

More on UNM

UNM Albuquerque Journal UNM beat writer Rick Wright talks about Bob Davie's transition and lack of any solid athletes for the Lobos. Q&A Insider

Did you know: The Lobos are coached by Bob Davie. Davie spent nine years at Texas A&M as the linebackers coach and later defensive coordinator under Jackie Sherrill and R.C. Slocum. Davie had been out of coaching since being fired at Notre Dame following the 2001 season.

Three things to watch

1. The scoreboard light up: Davie might be known as a defensive coach, but he does not have the athletes to stop Texas. This one could get ugly early and Texas will not let up as it needs to curry favor with a fan base that is itching for a big win against anyone.

2. The freshmen: By the end of this game everyone should have a pretty good guess at which freshmen will redshirt and which ones will see playing time in 2012. A couple of spots to watch will be at tackle, where Kennedy Estelle might get a shot, and at linebacker to see which of the freshmen gets the most playing time.

Also, if Connor Brewer were to play in an early game, this would be the one.

3. The defense: Texas has played New Mexico twice and hasn't allowed a point. Both times the score was 47-0. The Texas defense did not get a shutout in Manny Diaz's first year and this will be that unit's best shot at getting one in 2012.

Carter Strickland | email

Reporter, HornsNation
  • Reporter for HornsNation
  • Covers Texas Longhorns sports and recruiting
  • Joined ESPN in 2011

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