Week 12’s opponent on the 2023 Auburn football schedule, New Mexico State, saw its head coach curiously compare his Aggies to Alabama in a statement meant to convey his team’s lack of identity following a stunning Week 0 loss to AU’s Week 1 opponent, UMass.
“We have to say this is what we are going to hang our hat on and this is who we are going to be and we didn’t do that tonight,” NM State HC Jerry Kill said (h/t Las Cruces Sun-News). “If you look at Alabama, you know who they are. We have some guys. We have to figure out how to utilize everyone and get people where they need to be.”
New Mexico State gave up 28 points in the fourth quarter of their 41-30 loss to the Minutemen. Despite a 458-389 advantage in total yardage, the Aggies fumbled away a non-conference gimme as a touchdown-favorite in the Week 0 letdown.
Auburn football Week 12 opponent had ’embarrassing’ performance in Week 0
New Mexico State and Kill had an “embarrassing” performance against UMass on August 26 according to Underdog Dynasty’s Pat McKelvey — who believes the Aggies’ renaissance has been slightly exaggerated.
“While Kill utilized his post-game press conference to downplay the loss, it is hard to overstate just how embarrassing this performance was for the Aggies,” McKelvey prefaced before saying, “On top of allowing UMass to match their win total from a year ago before week one even begins, the Minutemen also won their first season opener against an FBS opponent in 40 years. It has also been over four seasons since UMass won a road game.”
While many pegged the New Mexico State-UMass game as one of the core reasons why Week 0 was “weak” — word of advice, don’t spend too much time on those who game-shame any college football whatsoever — it turned out to be a treat of a non-conference scouting affair for spread Tigers spread enthusiasts; since AU’s actual scouts are more likely preparing for the 2023 schedule’s other opponents. Alabama obviously included.