AZTEC UPDATE : NOTEBOOK : New Mexico Has a Lot of Work Before It’s Ready For Aztecs

It wasn’t as if San Diego State had highlighted Oct. 12 on calendars around the Aztec football offices.

New Mexico isn’t exactly what one would call a marquee opponent. The Western Athletic Conference championship has never even been close to the same area code as the school. The only way television networks would be interested in the Lobo football team is if the school hired Kevin Costner as coach. Then, at least the TV people could call it “Dances With Lobos.”

But after New Mexico’s miserable performance Saturday in a 94-17 loss to Fresno State, the Aztecs are left wondering how they are supposed to sell tickets to Saturday’s game.

The Lobos reached a new low, even considering Coach Mike Sheppard’s years:

--It was New Mexico’s worst defeat since an 89-6 loss to the Second Army Air Force on Oct. 14, 1944 in El Paso, Tex.

--New Mexico trailed at halftime, 66-7.

--Fresno State tied an NCAA record for most points scored in a quarter by scoring 49 in the second.

--New Mexico turned over the ball eight times--including five interceptions and two fumbles in the first half.

--New Mexico returned 16 kickoffs.

--Fresno State didn’t even attempt a pass in the second half.

“I think we’re all embarrassed,” said Sheppard, who accused his team of quitting. “I think there’s anger at me . . . it’s the first time since I’ve been here where I saw the intensity level drop.

“I’m in charge. It’s my fault.”

Although Sheppard is signed through the 1993 season, there are rumors of his firing swirling in Albuquerque. In his fifth year at New Mexico, Sheppard has compiled a 7-46 record.

Also, quarterback Jeremy Leach, who moved into 11th place on the NCAA’s all-time passing list Saturday, is on shaky ground. Although Leach will start, Sheppard said three quarterbacks--Leach, Marcus Goodloe and Stoney Case--will receive equal repetitions in practice this week.

As for other changes, the Lobos practiced on Monday--a normal off day--and Sheppard said he will likely shake up his kickoff return team.

There is no telling how far Aztec running back Marshall Faulk will run Saturday. He is third in the nation with an average of 166 yards a game. The Lobo defense is 104th--out of 106 Division I teams--in rushing yardage allowed (297 yards a game) and total defense (509).

“That’s my biggest concern,” Sheppard said. “That’s the biggest match-up. We have to limit them running the football.

“How contrary is that to the past, when you say the first thing you’ve got to do against San Diego State is stop the run?”

Sheppard said Faulk reminds him of Dallas Cowboy running back Emmett Smith, who formerly played at Florida State. Earlier this season, UCLA Coach Terry Donahue compared Faulk to Barry Sanders of the Detroit Lions.