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Hawaii is ranked second in the WAC in total offense and the Aggies are ranked last.
Still, both teams have struggled. The Aggies and the Warriors are both 3-6 overall and each have just one conference win. While the Aggies have struggled with a lackadaisical offense, the Warriors have underachieved with a defense that gives up more than 33 points per game.
“Hawaii’s offense is pretty explosive,” head football coach DeWayne Walker said. “They have decent athletes – they are not great athletes – but I think the scheme really helps them rack up the yards and the points.”
Hawaii runs a spread offense, similar to the one New Mexico State University fans grew accustomed to under former football coach Hal Mumme. With the spread-style offense, the Warriors are first in the WAC (third in NCAA) in passing offense and eighth in rushing offense.
Hawaii will finish the season without starting quarterback Greg Alexander, who suffered a knee injury in the team’s 27-6 loss to Louisiana Tech in late September. Prior to his injury, Alexander was the nation’s leader in total offense.
Quarterback Bryant Moniz was thrust into the starting position after Alexander’s injury and has fit in nicely. Moniz is ranked fifth in the WAC in total offense and is coming off a 344-yard, four touchdown performance against Utah State Saturday.
NMSU defensive end Pierre Fils said the pass rush will be key this week in slowing down the Hawaii passing game.
“We can’t be too concerned with containing [Moniz] because that messes up the pass rush,” Fils said.
For the Aggies, offense has been a disaster all year long.
After nine games, but Walker announced Tuesday that Jeff Fleming will be the starting quarterback for the rest of the year.
The Aggies average less than 12 points per game and are near the bottom in most statistical offensive categories in the WAC and the nation.
“During the bye week, we decided to go back to some of the old things we did well and are looking to do some of the new things we’ve been doing well,” Walker said.
The Aggies have consistently rushed well. The backfield, led by running back Seth Smith, is averaging just over 138 yards per game. Hawaii averages 111.
Smith has been the primary Aggie ball carrier this season for said the rest from the bye week was much needed.
“[The bye] gave me a chance to rest and relax a little bit and refocus,” Smith said.
Refocusing has been a theme for the Aggies as they prepare for the last four games of the season.
“The most important thing right now is winning as many games as we can,” Walker said, “and continuing to build this program into a respectable football school.”
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