NEW MEXICO STATE AGGIES

OCT. 22 AT ALOHA STADIUM

Stadium capacity: 50,000. Surface: UBU Speed Series

>> Head coach: DeWayne Walker (third year)
>> 2010 record: 2-10 (1-7 WAC)
>> Series: Hawaii, 7-0
>> Last Meeting: Hawaii 59, New Mexico State 24 (Nov. 27, 2010, Las Cruces, N.M.)
>> Offense: Spread
>> Defense: 4-3

OFFENSE

Returning starters: Nine

Primary objective: Adjust to yet another change in leadership to spark the WAC’s lowest-scoring offense in 2010.

At the controls: Former Kent State head coach Doug Martin is NMSU’s fourth offensive coordinator in a four-year span. He already moved RB Kenny Turner to H-back, making him a factor in the passing game.

Leading the charge: Leilehua graduate Andrew Manley went into the summer as the frontrunner at quarterback after going 19-for-35 for 228 yards and two touchdowns in NMSU’s spring game and was given the starting job early in fall camp. Matt Christian started eight games and also returns.

Key to success: Progress in the new system will hinge on improvement of an offensive line that returns four starters.

DEFENSE

Returning starters: Eight

Primary objective: Build on the experience of the returnees, including the top four tacklers from last season.

At the controls: DeWayne Walker brought a defensive background to the head-coaching job in 2009, but changing the culture has been a challenge.

Leading the charge: Kahuku graduate B.J. Adolpho led the Aggies with 71⁄2 tackles for loss, including two of NMSU’s nine sacks.

Key to success: As on offense, improving on a porous performance in 2010 begins with fortifying the front line.

NOTABLE

>> Kicker Kyle Stampler led the WAC in field-goal percentage by making 16 of 19.
>> NMSU has gone 1-7 in WAC play each of the past four years.