WSU AT NEW MEXICO: 3 KEYS TO THE GAME

1

Follow No. 76

New Mexico offensive tackle Claude Terrell should tell you everything you need to know about the Lobos offense tonight. The 6-foot-3, 338-pound senior has been a guard in the past, but now he’s moved to the outside to make room for another returning starter, fellow 338-pounder Robert Turner. In order to take advantage of these massive linemen, the Lobos move them from left to right, keeping them on the strong side of the formation with the tight end. If New Mexico puts two tight ends on the field, Terrell will probably be on the left side of the line with Turner. Regardless, when the Lobos want to run the ball, they’re going to do it behind Terrell.

3

Corners vs. Kyle McKamey

The Lobos have a new quarterback this year in McKamey, an untested signal-caller with some running ability and a decent arm. But with WSU sure to lock down on the running game, McKamey will probably be forced to take a couple of shots down the field. That’s where Karl Paymah and Alex Teems enter the picture. Paymah is an established starter; Teems is new. If they can shut down the Lobos’ wideouts, the WSU defense could make it a long night for New Mexico. The biggest threat is Hank Baskett, a 6-4 high jumper-turned-receiver who could cause headaches. Baskett is significantly bigger than Paymah and Teems, and if McKamey can’t find open receivers he just might throw it up in the air and see if Baskett can haul it in.