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New Mexico head coach Bronco Mendenhall during game against Arizona Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, in Tucson, Ariz. Mendenhall will bring his Lobos to Logan Saturday for a 2 p.m. kickoff against Utah State. | Darryl Webb
During his introductory press conference last December, after having been named the new head football coach at the University of New Mexico, Bronco Mendenhall wasn’t shy about his plans for the Lobos football program.
More to the point, though, his plans weren’t lacking in ambition.
Mendenhall wants to take the Lobos to heights they hadn’t seen in years. Make New Mexico a successful football program again. For the first time since the early 2000s, when Rocky Long led the program.
“This program, I know, is capable of sustained success, continued success and excellence,” Mendenhall said. “I’ve been part of it. I’ve seen it. And I’m looking forward to recapturing that right not only occasionally, but consistently.”
Mendenhall knew it wasn’t going to be a quick fix in Albuquerque. Few, if any, expected that.
Midway through his first season back on the sidelines, how are things going? How is the “rebecoming” of New Mexico football under Mendenhall faring?
What New Mexico does well
Entering Saturday’s Mountain West Conference matchup with Utah State, New Mexico has proven an interesting team at worst. Maybe compelling at best.
The Lobos started the year in rough fashion, with an upset loss at home at the hands of FCS power Montana State.
That was followed by a loss at Arizona, a loss at Auburn, and finally a loss to Fresno State in UNM’s first conference game of the season.
The Lobos followed those setbacks, however, in notable fashion — with back-to-back high-flung wins over rival New Mexico State and Air Force.
Key to any and all success had by New Mexico this season has been its…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rebuild-mexico-going-bronco-mendenhall-233000817.html
Author : Deseret News
Publish date : 2024-10-17 23:30:00
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