ALBUQUERQUE — Although New Mexico is coming off consecutive 1-11 seasons in head coach Mike Locksley's first two years, he is confident things are going to change.

"Going to a bowl is the goal," he said of his expectations for the Lobos. "Going into Year 3, with our experience and our ability, it's expected that the team is going to play in a bowl game come December."

Yet, New Mexico will be without Stump Godfrey, the quarterback who started last season's final five games, and their most-heralded recruit from a year ago in defensive end Calvin Smith. Both players have transferred.

New Mexico, however, does have two players garnering some national notice in junior tight end Lucas Reed and senior linebacker Carmen Messina, the team's two-time leading tackler who is on the preseason watch list for both the Butkus Award for the country's top linebacker and the Lombardi Award for the best down lineman.

Reed, who is coming off a first-team all-Mountain West Conference season after grabbing 33 catches for 459 yards and a team-high five touchdowns, landed on the John Mackey Award watch list.

The team is at a turning point, Reed said.

"We're ready to start competing," he said. "Our goal is to play as hard as we can and hopefully, we'll get results."

The Lobos do feature a smattering of players with some experience, particularly in the offensive backfield, where junior Kasey Carrier and senior James Wright will vie to be the starting tailback.

Wright, in particular, is a player Locksley said could turn his promise into production.

"He's one guy that there's been a number of questions about," Locksley said. "He's got a tremendous amount of potential. We're hoping that being a senior will give him a sense of urgency."

Carrier, meanwhile, "has shown tremendous confidence," Locksley said.

"We're starting to see some leadership out of him."

With Godfrey gone from under center, junior B.R. Holbrook, whose last two seasons have been derailed by injuries and illness, will compete with sophomore Tarean Austin for the starting quarterback job.

Locksley expressed confidence in both players.

"Both of the guys have started games for us," the coach said. "They both have the ability to get the job done."

Holbrook is a traditional dropback quarterback with a strong arm while Austin is quick and athletic.

Either player is capable of getting the ball to the Lobos' improved group of wideouts.

Top wide receiver Ty Kirk returns for his junior season, and the eligibility of speedy transfers Deon Long (West Virginia) and Lamar Thomas (Ohio State) has Locksley looking to fill the air with footballs in the spread offense.

"We have a lot of speed, athleticism and playmaking ability among our receivers," Locksley said.

The key to getting the ball into their hands will be a patchwork offensive line that's missing four players who saw significant minutes last year.

"We need to be more physical up front, tougher," Locksley said. "I think we have eight to 10 offensive linemen who can go out there and help us."

New Mexico's defense, which allowed 532 points last year, will need a big season from senior defensive end Jaymar Latchison as the Lobos employ an attack-first philosophy rather than a read-and-react scheme.

"Everybody wants to attack," he said. "If we just go out and play, our talent and experience is going to help us."

Led by Messina, linebacker should be an area of strength. With a shuffled alignment that employs just two linebackers, the Lobos expect transfer Javarie Johnson (Maryland) to quickly become an impact player, Locksley said.

The New Mexico defensive backfield will be bolstered by another year of experience and the addition of a fifth slot that will be a hybrid linebacker/defensive back.

After just two wins in Locksley's first two seasons, the players are ready for a change.

"I think it's very realistic to go to a bowl," Latchison said. "Our goals are reachable."

UNM SCHEDULE

Sep. 3 Colorado St., 4 p.m.

Sep. 10 Arkansas, 5 p.m.

Sep. 17 Texas Tech, 1:30 p.m.

Sep. 24 Sam Houston St., 4 p.m.

Oct. 1 New Mexico St., 6 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Nevada, 2:05 p.m.

Oct. 22 at TCU, noon

Oct. 29 Air Force, noon

Nov. 5 at San Diego St., 6 p.m.

Nov. 12 UNLV, 8 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Wyoming, noon

Dec. 3 at Boise St., 4 p.m.