Liberty opens up Conference USA play on Saturday, Sept. 9 against New Mexico State. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. from Williams Stadium in Lynchburg, Virginia.
To help us get prepared for the game against the Aggies, we are pleased to have Jason Groves provide some insight on this year’s New Mexico State team. Grovers covers NMSU for the Las Cruces Sun News.
ASOR: What is the overall feeling surrounding this season within the program thus far coming into the season and after week 1?
Jason Groves: There was a ton of excitement and expectations following last season, but that took a hit following a loss to UMass at home. They still have a manageable schedule but the Week 0 loss on ESPN was a letdown.
ASOR: What has been your feeling/evaluation of Diego Pavia going into the season and what is the expectation for his production in this game/season?
JG: Pavia is at his best in my opinion with off script plays and with his legs. Teams haven’t let him do that this year so far. He struggled against UMass and was very efficient last week. He’s improved as a passer and he trusts his receivers for deep throws. I think he will have a huge year, but defenses are certainly ready for him this season.
ASOR: Who do you consider to be the biggest X factor on the NMSU offense besides the quarterback? How about for the defense?
JG: X factor for the offense is Texas A&M transfer Eli Stowers at quarterback. You will see him take snaps on Saturday. He’s been used so far as the QB with three backs and they run an option, but he showed his arm strength in garbage time last week as well. Great athlete and a bigger player than Pavia.
X factor for defense will be the secondary. The have made mistakes in pass coverage this season as there is just two players who started last year back and one, Dylan Early, will not play the first half after a targeting penalty. They have to be on point against Liberty against the run and pass.
ASOR: What do you expect the record for this team to look like and what would make for a successful season?
JG: I had them going 7-6 and 4-4 in CUSA. I’m sticking to that, which means they have to beat UTEP on the road and FIU and Sam Houston at home – all 50-50 games.
ASOR: What player do you expect to have a breakout year?
JG: Monte Watkins is extremely productive when he gets touches, which he hasn’t had enough of in my opinion, but he has a touchdown in both games.
ASOR: Where do you think the Flames will struggle the most against this team?
JG: I didn’t think Liberty was dominant offensively against Bowling Green. I think NMSU is capable of putting Liberty in passing situations, which I don’t think is their strength. But having said that, NMSU has not played its best game on defense yet but they are built to stop the run on paper at least.
ASOR: What is your final score prediction for this game?
JG: Liberty 27, NMSU 21
