From a spectator's standpoint, the New Mexico State Aggie offense appears better than a season ago.
From a production standpoint, however, they're just barely better.
Hence, the numbers: in 2009, the team averaged 11.5 points per game, and 229.3 yards of offense.
This year things are up, but only slightly. The Aggies are averaging 12.4 points per game and 269.4 yards of offense.
"That was something I was a little concerned with coming into the season. ... and I still feel this way," NMSU head coach DeWayne Walker said. "I knew we'd be a better team. I know we're making strides. But the tough part is when you're better and it doesn't show in your record."
Or in the statistics.
There's no denying that the Aggie offense has greater quick-strike capability than a season ago.
The team throws the ball downfield more frequently and looks to get its running backs in the open field.
But the Aggies are still struggling to put the full a gameplan together on Saturdays.
Last weekend against the University of Idaho was an example. Running back Kenny Turner ran well — 18 carries for 77 yards — and tight end Kyle Nelson made plays downfield in the passing game — two catches for 48 yards, along with a 17-yard touchdown grab.
But, outside of that, the unit was inconsistent.
Quarterback Matt Christian completed just 8-of-29 pass attempts on the afternoon for 134 yards. He wasn't helped by his receivers, who didn't get open enough and suffered some dropped balls during the course of the contest.
And, while Turner ran well, he was stuffed on two fourth-down plays in the second half — one coming on the goalline.
Walker said one of the team's hopes this week is to get the ball to its playmakers more, as in Turner, fellow running back Seth Smith, Nelson and return man/wide receiver Taveon Rogers.
Walker also said the team needs to cash in on scoring chances when they are present.
"I think we have to take some responsibility as coaches," he said. "We're going to have to clean up our execution on offense. And we need to take advantage of our opportunities. Once we can start taking advantage of our opportunities on offense and we can put together four good quarters of defense, now you have a football team."
Rogers, who has shown big-play ability in the kick-return game during the year, said he expects to be a greater part of the offensive gameplan this weekend against San Jose State.
The Aggies host the Spartans on Saturday at 2 p.m.
"I think I can do all things," he said. "I'm gonna go out there and try to be an impact player, like I am on kickoff return."
He won't get anywhere if the Aggies don't clean up their penalty problems. The team was flagged 12 times for 99 yards last week, 11 of those violations came in the first half. One penalty, an illegal shift on the offense, negated a Christian-to-Turner touchdown pass in the second quarter.
"More consistency. No penalties," center Matt Grady said of correcting the team's offensive problems. "We can't shoot ourselves in the foot with offsides and holding calls."
Moving the ball, getting first downs and winning the field position battle would also go a long way. And it would help a defense surrendering more than 38 points per game. Last week, NMSU's first offensive first down came during the opening possession of the second quarter, with the team already down 17-0.
"That's field position and field position is critical," Walker said. "I just know we can't get the ball on the 20, and then get a couple penalties and now the ball's on the 5. ... Now we lose all those yards when we punt and, again. ... Now the field position becomes critical. ... (and the) defense to play stellar defense to try and keep (the opposition) out of the endzone. All of it ties together."
That's the essence of Walker's vision as NMSU hits the homestretch of its schedule — for the Aggies to play as a team during the final five weeks of the season.
"I can see a glimpse of really having an idea of what a good football team at New Mexico State is going to look like when we can just fire on all cylinders," the head coach said. "That's what we're continuing to try and establish."
Teddy Feinberg can be reached at (575) 541-5455
House headed to Senior Bowl
New Mexico State Aggie cornerback Davon House has been invited to participate in the 2011 Senior Bowl, in Mobile, Ala.
The event is scheduled for Jan., 29, 2011 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium and will be televised on the NFL Network.
"This is a great honor to be invited to the Senior Bowl," House said. "Since I arrived at NM State this has been one of my goals. It kind of seems surreal right now because I've seen some great football players play in this game. I'm just happy for the opportunity."
House becomes the fifth player in school history to be named to the Senior Bowl. Other Aggies to have played in the game are Jim Bohl (1967), Jim Germany (1975), Walt Williams (1977) and Andre Anderson (1978).
In 2010, the 6-foot, 182-pound House has tallied 36 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a team-leading six pass breakups. He ranks third in the WAC and 34th in the country in passes defended.
The Senior Bowl is widely considered football's premier pre-draft event, annually featuring the country's best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL Draft prospects on teams representing the North and South. Teams are led by NFL coaching staffs.
Quick hits
• Defensive tackle Tommy Stuart has been ruled out for the season after suffering a right knee injury against Idaho.
Stuart, who came to NMSU from Ventura College during this past offseason, has come on lately for the Aggies. On the year, he's recorded 17 tackles — two for a loss — a pass breakup and a blocked kick.
• While the Aggies rank No. 119 in nation — second to last — in scoring offense, NMSU's opponent this weekend, San Jose State, comes in at No. 120.
NMSU is scoring 12.4 points per game while the Spartans come in at exactly 10 per contest.
Game time is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday at Aggie Memorial Stadium.
• NMSU wide receiver Taveon Rogers ranks second in the WAC and 16th in the nation, averaging 27.6 yards per kickoff return on the season.
• The Aggie offensive line, ravaged by injuries this season, will start the following players this week: Davonte Wallace (left tackle), Dejuan Yates (left guard), Mike Grady (center), Maveu Heimuli (right guard) and Aundre NcGaskey (right tackle).
The Aggies have lost projected starters Dwayne Barton, right tackle (back injury); Sioeli Fakalata, guard (leg); and Robert Rodriguez, guard (leg) for prolonged periods of time due to injuries.
