Las Cruces Sun: Aggie O-line aims for continued improvement against tough Cal

By Felix Chavez/Assistant Sports Editor

If the New Mexico State Aggies have any chance of springing an upset of No. 13 California when the two teams meet Friday night, the Aggies will likely have to find some success in the running game.  Last week, the Aggies had their most success of the season behind sophomore running back Justine Buries, who gained 115 yards on 20 carries. Still, the Aggies are averaging just 28.7 yards rushing per game and will be facing a Cal defense that is allowing just 81.7 yards rushing per game in three wins this season.  “We know we can run the ball, we have the personnel to do it,” senior right guard Nick Cole said. “Last week against UNM, we were able to open up some holes and got some good things going with Justine. Hopefully, we’ll be able to have a good game against Cal. It’d be good for us to have some balance and slow the pass rush down.” The Bears defensive unit has not allowed an opposing running back to post a 100-yard game in eight straight contests.

“Hopefully, we can put it all together and limit mistakes,” junior left tackle Kyle Smith said. “We’ve had some breakdowns at key times, but I think we can build on what we did last week against UNM. We got some consistency going. Cal has a big, fast and athletic defense. We have to make good decisions and limit mistakes.” The Bears, who had to replace eight starters from last season, have gotten solid play from defensive linemen Brandon Mebane and Nu’u Tafisi, junior transfer linebacker Desmond Bishop and senior safety Donnie McCleskey, a three-year letterwinner. “We’ve been playing good defense,” McCleskey said. “We just have to keep finding ways to make big plays and be consistent.” The Aggies also hope to limit sacks, which have contributed to the 28.7 rushing average. The Aggies have allowed 17 sacks in three games for a total loss of 114 yards. This week, junior Joey Vincent starts in place of Royal Gill. Vincent engineered a pair of scoring drives late in last week’s loss to New Mexico.  “We do have to do a better job of blocking and making sure we give our quarterback some time,” Cole said. “We have guys that can get it done, we just have to go out there and do it consistently.”