Can New Mexico Hang On To Devon Dampier?
Surely a big program is snooping around Albuquerque
An exciting quarterback helps a downtrodden New Mexico university to an overachieving season.
Although short in stature compared to the prototypical quarterback, he’s a good runner and a good leader and is one of the more exciting players in the conference.
Are we talking about Diego Pavia or Devon Dampier?
In 2023, Pavia led an unheralded New Mexico State team to a 10-5 record, throwing for nearly 3,000 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing, with 923 yards and 7 touchdowns.
This year, Dampier hasn’t quite reached those heights, but he’s helped New Mexico to a 4-6 record, is 4th in the conference in passing (241 ypg, 11 TD) and 5th in rushing (872 yds, 87.2 ypg)
Here’s where the intrigue starts.
If you’re a fan of college football, you probably know that Pavia transfer portalled (I think I’ve invented a new verb) to Vanderbilt, where he engineered a huge upset win over Alabama and has the Commodores bowl eligible for the first time since 2018.
Dampier has also been impressive, not just on the field, but off it, where he made the Mountain West All-Academic team in 2023. In short, he’s the ideal candidate for a bigger program looking to bring in a smart, athletic quarterback.
As a New Mexico fan or a Mountain West fan, you’d hate to see Dampier poached. But this is the reality of college football and I would be stunned if a Big 12 or ACC team doesn’t take a hard look at him.
Week 12
Wyoming (2-7, 2-3) at Colorado State (6-3, 4-0)
Fun Fact: Colorado State leads the ‘Border War’ series 59-51-1, but has only won four of the last 15 meetings.
Importance: Rams looking for five wins in a row, and it might be the Cowboys last chance at a win with Boise State and Washington State to come.
Hawaii (4-6, 2-3) at Utah State (2-7, 1-3)
Fun Fact: Utah State has won five in a row over Hawaii.
Importance: Hawaii can still make a bowl game, Aggies playing for pride.
Oregon State (4-5) at Air Force (2-7, 1-4)
Fun Fact: This is the first ever meeting between these two teams.
Importance: Air Force looking to build on last week’s impressive win, while the Beavers are desperate to end a four-game losing streak.
Boise State (8-1, 5-0) at San Jose State (6-3, 4-2)
Fun Fact: Boise State leads the series 15-1.
Importance: Broncos have eyes on the playoff prize, Spartans would love to bring them back to earth.
Washington State (8-1) at New Mexico (4-6, 3-3)
Fun Fact: Last meeting was way back in 2004, a 21-17 Wazzu win.
Importance: Lobos can still make the post-season, Cougars looking for a major bowl invite.
San Diego State (3-6, 2-2) at UNLV (7-2, 3-1)
Fun Fact: This is the first time in 13 meetings that UNLV has been favored in this series.
Importance: Rebels can still make the MWC title game, Aztecs trying to build for the future.