The Lobos’ starting quarterback has missed five games in less than three seasons due to injury, and he may miss Saturday’s game because of a pulled right hamstring.
Head coach Bob Davie said the team will be ready for New Mexico State with or without Gautsche.
“I don’t think we’re gonna know. We’re preparing like he won’t play,” Davie said. “It won’t make any difference to us and won’t make any difference to New Mexico State. We’ve come to the realization that’s how it’s going to be.”
Gautsche’s replacement is up for debate. After UNM lost to then-No. 17 Arizona State, Davie said freshman signal-caller Lamar Jordan would be the second string quarterback from that point forward. Jordan completed 7 of 11 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown. He also lost two fumbles in his first collegiate action.
However, Davie changed his mind and said Tuesday that senior quarterback Clayton Mitchem may start if Gautsche isn’t healthy. Mitchem was pulled after just two series against ASU, the last sequence ending with a lost fumble.
If Mitchem starts, Jordan will still get playing time, Davie said. How much Jordan will play depends on how Mitchem controls the offense.
“We’re anxious to see his (Jordan’s) growth. He showed he could bounce back after making an early mistake against Arizona State,” Davie said. “The stage wasn’t too big for him. It didn’t overwhelm him.”
Jordan said after Tuesday’s practice the coaching staff hasn’t told him how much playing time he will see against the Aggies.
“I would love to play in the game. It’s a rivalry game. The game has a lot more than a regular game does like a regular Mountain West game,” he said. “This game basically says who the best is in New Mexico, in my point of view.”
Injury Report
Kick returner Carlos Wiggins (thigh bruise) will be active for Saturday’s game. Wiggins was injured in the season opener against UTEP and missed UNM’s last game against ASU.
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Last season Wiggins returned a kickoff for a touchdown and scored on a 33-yard pass against NMSU in a 66-17 rout.
Cornerback Cranston Jones and linebacker Kimmie Carson will likely be able to play as well, Davie said. Jones missed UNM’s last game against ASU due to an elbow injury. Carson left the game early versus the Sun Devils because of a blow to the head and didn’t return.
Safety Daniel Henry will miss at least two games due to a shoulder injury.
Thomas Romero-Salas is the sports editor for the Daily Lobo. He can be reached at sports@dailylobo.com or on Twitter @ThomasRomeroS.
