It’s Obvious Now: Aztecs Play to Level of Opposition

Last night’s heartbreaking loss to Fresno State in OT pretty much underscored the fact that this year’s Aztec team does play to the level of their opponents. Upper echelon, ranked teams, sure, we’ll play you tough. Bottom feeders, heck, we can play that way, too.

Think Oregon State and Fresno State. Without going into an endless list of stats, the Aztecs made top-level teams and stars look vulnerable. Then look at the bottom of the barrel, New Mexico State. In every poll or ranking, they are close to the last rung on the ladder. (Sagarin has them dead-last among FBS teams.) But remember how tough it was to win our game in Las Cruces?

Favorite moments from last night: Chad Young bursting straight up the middle for a game-tying 27-yard TD. Adam Muema proving he’s back to good health by piling up 111 net yards and two TDs. Ezell Ruffin continuing to make sensational catches and piling up 181 yards on 10 catches. Seeing one of all-time effective onside kicks at a crucial time, (Reminded me of the time Doug Scovil/Gary Zauner opened the 1981 game against 12th ranked Iowa State with a successful onside kick and went on to an upset win, 52-31.)

Adam Muema scores the first of his two rushing TDs (Photo by Ken Ables)

Least favorite moment: after a great Kaehler to Ruffin pass to the Fresno 22, the officials called it a fumble and, after hesitating, Fresno ran it 78 yards for a TD. The bright side: the Aztecs came back and tied the game!

Next game: New Mexico here in Aztec Warrior Stadium next Saturday, 5 o’clock kick-off, despite what U-T showed in this morning’s sports section. Be there to see at which level our Aztecs will play!

GO AZTECS!