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It had to end some time, didn't it? The Lobos couldn't get better every year, could they? After increasing its win total in each of the past five seasons, New Mexico will be hard-pressed to eclipse last year's 8-5 record that included a 5-2 mark in the Mountain West Conference.
"We've gotten better every year, but it's not hard when you start at three wins," said seventh-year coach Rocky Long, whose tenure began with a 3-9 mark in 1998. "Every year gets a little bit harder."
Also, the Lobos play only 11 games in 2004, one fewer than last season, and arguably face the school's toughest non-conference schedule ever.
"To win one more this year would be a major positive step," Long said. "Probably as big a step as there is."
Then again, few would have imagined he could take the Lobos this far -- back-to-back bowl-game appearances for the first time since 1945-46 and three consecutive non-losing seasons for the first time since a seven-year run ended in 1964.
The Lobos must break in a new starting quarterback, with sophomore Kole McKamey and senior Tali Ena competing for the job vacated by three-year starter Casey Kelly. McKamey, a dual-threat quarterback, is a better fit in offensive coordinator Dan Dodd's scheme. Ena is a more prototypical drop-back passer.
UNM is set at running back. Junior DonTrell Moore is the school's fourth all-time leading rusher and is 1,278 yards shy of the UNM record. Senior backup D.D. Cox had a pair of 100-yard games when Moore was slowed by a recurring ankle injury.
Hank Baskett is the only returning wide receiver with game experience, but the 6-foot-4 junior is due for a breakout season. Baskett has had the most reliable hands on the team for the past three seasons, but he has to grow into the position after playing the position for just one season in high school. Junior college transfer Logan Hall gives UNM a legitimate pass-catching threat at tight end.
Third-team All-American Claude Terrell moved from strong guard to strong tackle to replace departed Jason Lenzmeier and leads an offensive line that returns three starters.
"We know we've got two quality running backs," Long said. "Now it comes down to if the offensive line is as good as it was last year with the loss of two seniors. If the offensive line is productive, that makes it easier to develop a quarterback. He doesn't have to make as many plays on his own."
UNM may be in more four-linebacker sets because of the depth at that position. Senior Nick Speegle, who's been good the past three seasons, hopes to be great. Senior Fola Fashola has recovered from a torn knee ligament in '03. He was the team's best linebacker before he went down at the end of the second game.
It's a good thing that veterans Gabriel Fulbright, Jerrell Malone and Brandon Payne all are tested cornerbacks. Due to inexperience on the line, their coverage skills will be at a premium. The Lobos lost experience at safety, but Josh Bazinet's savvy and Kevin Walton's athleticism should help compensate.
Long's teams traditionally get stronger as the season goes on, and this season should be no different. If McKamey or Ena can grab a firm hold on the quarterback position and UNM's defensive line can get up to speed quickly, the Lobos should again compete for the Mountain West Conference title.
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