5 Things You Need to Know About the New Mexico State Aggies

We’ve made it to the final home game of the 2021 season. Today at noon at Kroger Field we will say goodbye to the Kentucky seniors as the ‘Cats take on the New Mexico State Aggies. The Wildcats are coming off of a 34-17 win at Vanderbilt that left many fans wanting more. The 1-9 Aggies may be just the team to make Big Blue Nation feel better heading into next weekend’s showdown at Louisville.

New Mexico State just lost 59-3 at Alabama and really haven’t played many close games all season. This is a football team that the Wildcats need to put a whooping on early and let everyone get some reps in the second half. A big win would start to put some space between the disappointing Tennessee loss and what is an important game to end the season against the Cardinals.

There is no sense in spending too much time droning on about this one. Let’s get down to business. As always, make sure you have read Adam Luckett’s Scouting Report and Freddie Maggard’s goals for Kentucky. Now, here are the five things you need to know about the New Mexico State Aggies.

Air Raid Coming to Town

The Aggies are going to sling it around the field. It may not be as hard to defend as Mississippi State, but they are going to throw it as much as anyone in the country. New Mexico State is sixth nationally in pass play percentage at 62.19%. However, that hasn’t necessarily translated to success. They are 119th in the country in yards per pass despite their consistent four wide set. Quarterback Jonah Johnson is 215 of 371 for 2104 yards and eight touchdowns. The tempo is there, but the production, at least in terms of points, is not.

Aggies Have Some Talent at Running Back

Calling the New Mexico State Aggies rushing attack a strength would be an overstatement because the stats still aren’t pretty. They rank 124th nationally in yards per rush. However, Juwaun Price averages 4.9 yards per attempt and has six touchdowns, Michigan transfer O’Maury Samuels has over 200 yards as the second option, and quarterback Jonah Johnson flashes some ability with his legs as well. Johnson has four scores on the ground to go with his eight passing touchdowns.

Quartet of Receivers with 30+ Catches

Due to the tempo and pass-heavy attack, the New Mexico State Aggies share the ball between all of their primary receivers. Jared Wyatt is the most consistent pass catcher with a team-leading 42 receptions, 486 yards, and two scores. However, it is redshirt sophomore Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda that brings some true playmaking ability to the table for the Aggies.

Garcia-Castaneda has gained 478 yards on his 31 catches, good for over 15 yards per reception. That is a solid chunk play rate. He has also found pay dirt four times with a long of 75. The struggling Kentucky secondary will need to keep #2 from creating explosive plays this afternoon at Kroger Field.

In total, there could be as many as seven or eight different pass catchers for New Mexico State today.

Aggressive Defensive Scheme

About the only area that the New Mexico State Aggies stack up decently in the national statistical rankings is in creating havoc. They are 51st in tackles for loss, 89th in sack rate, and 31 in turnovers. The Aggies will take chances in a high-risk, high-reward style. However, that has led to some ugly results for the unit. They are allowing 474 yards and over 40 points per game. This could be a huge night at Kroger Field for Will Levis and company.

Aggies Have a Playmaker at Linebacker

Eastern Washington transfer Chris Ojoh runs the show defensively for New Mexico State. The junior out of California has forced three fumbles to go along with six sacks and seven additional tackles for loss. When you talk about the Aggies creating havoc defensively, it starts with Ojoh. Kentucky must keep him, and the other Aggie defenders, from creating negative plays. By avoiding sacks and tackles for loss it will open explosive play opportunities and put points on the scoreboard.