Ever wondered what it’s like to face a football powerhouse as a massive underdog? New Mexico Coach Jason Eck dishes on taking on the Michigan Wolverines, their formidable defense, and the pressure on star freshman Bryce Underwood with his huge NIL deal. Will the Lobos find their ‘Hoosiers’ moment at the Big House?
New Mexico head coach Jason Eck is set to lead his Lobos into a daunting Week 1 clash against the formidable Michigan Wolverines at the iconic Big House. As his squad prepares to enter Michigan Stadium as significant underdogs, Eck recently offered his candid perspectives during media availability, outlining the immense challenge ahead and his expectations for the No. 14 Wolverines.
Eck lauded Michigan’s defensive prowess, describing them as a “physical, well-coached team” known for their low penalty count, which he attributes to superior technique. He specifically highlighted an impressive front seven, mentioning standout linebackers Barham and Hausman, defensive end Derrick Moore, and talented linemen like Benny, Payne (an Alabama transfer), and TJ Guy. Despite losing some key players, Eck acknowledged the Wolverines’ depth and continued strength in their defensive unit.
Beyond the on-field talent, Eck addressed the intimidating atmosphere of playing in the nation’s largest football stadium. He acknowledged Michigan’s “great crowd” and storied “tradition,” humorously quipping that “Tom Brady’s not playing on Saturday” to emphasize the need to focus on the current 11 players. Eck drew a parallel to the movie “Hoosiers,” suggesting a similar underdog mentality and the need to “measure the goalposts.”
This isn’t Eck’s first rodeo in a deafening environment. He recalled a decade-long strategy developed during his time at South Dakota State under Coach Stig, designed to prepare offenses for extremely loud venues like the Fargo Dome. His past experiences underscore the critical importance of readying the offense to operate effectively, even if they cannot hear the snap count over the roar of a massive crowd, a crucial aspect of their college football preparation.
A significant talking point was freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood and his widely reported NIL Deal, estimated at $12 million. Eck openly acknowledged the substantial investment, humorously noting it “probably more than all of our players, myself, and all of our assistant coaches together.” He pondered the pressure on the young signal-caller, questioning if Underwood might try to do too much to justify such a monumental sum.
Despite the inexperience, Eck stressed that Underwood should not be underestimated. He drew comparisons to legendary athletes like Michael Jordan and LeBron James, who displayed exceptional talent at a young age, and acknowledged that Bryce Underwood was the number one player in the country for a reason. While Eck admitted he would “probably rather take a guy in his first start versus a guy who started 50 games,” he emphasized the need for the New Mexico Lobos to be fully prepared.
Eck concluded by framing Michigan as one of college football’s “blue bloods” – a consistently top-tier program year in and year out. He recognized their exceptional talent, describing them as “big, fast, and strong across every position.” The Michigan Wolverines present a formidable challenge, requiring the Lobos to be “very selective” in seeking favorable one-on-one matchups where they might gain an advantage.
The Lobos’ strategy will involve trying to “manipulate” situations to create opportunities for their best players against perceived weaker matchups, aiming for “big plays” to keep pace with their highly ranked opponent. This strategic approach highlights the tactical battle that awaits on the field, with Jason Eck hoping to defy the odds in this high-stakes college sports encounter.
