Why Did New Mexico State Play 13 Games: A Journey Through Chaos and Calculation

The question of why New Mexico State played 13 games in a single season is one that invites a multitude of perspectives, ranging from the logistical to the philosophical. At first glance, it might seem like a simple matter of scheduling, but when you dig deeper, you uncover a labyrinth of decisions, circumstances, and perhaps even a touch of madness. Let’s explore this enigma from various angles, weaving through the practical, the speculative, and the downright absurd.
The Practical Perspective: Scheduling Quirks and Conference Realities
From a purely logistical standpoint, the number of games a college football team plays is often dictated by conference schedules, non-conference matchups, and postseason opportunities. New Mexico State, as an independent program during the season in question, had the flexibility to arrange a more extensive schedule than teams tied to a conference’s rigid framework. This independence allowed them to fill their calendar with a mix of high-profile games, regional rivalries, and even a few last-minute additions to maximize exposure and revenue.
But why 13? The number itself is intriguing. In most college football seasons, teams play 12 regular-season games, with the possibility of a 13th if they qualify for a bowl game. However, New Mexico State’s 13-game slate included more than just a bowl appearance. It was a deliberate choice to push the boundaries of what a team could handle, both physically and mentally. Some might argue that this was a bold move to test the limits of endurance, while others might see it as a desperate attempt to stay relevant in a crowded sports landscape.
The Financial Angle: More Games, More Money
In the world of college athletics, money talks. Each game represents not just an opportunity for glory on the field but also a chance to generate revenue through ticket sales, television contracts, and sponsorships. For a program like New Mexico State, which doesn’t have the same financial clout as Power Five schools, every additional game is a lifeline. By playing 13 games, the Aggies were able to secure more payouts from guarantee games—those matchups where they were paid to face a stronger opponent on the road. These games, while often resulting in losses, provided crucial funds to support the athletic department.
Moreover, the extra game could have been a strategic move to attract attention from networks and sponsors. In an era where college football is increasingly driven by media deals, standing out from the crowd is essential. A 13-game season is unusual enough to spark curiosity, and curiosity can translate into viewership and dollars.
The Competitive Edge: Building Momentum and Experience
From a competitive standpoint, playing 13 games offers a unique opportunity for player development. More games mean more reps, more chances to refine strategies, and more opportunities for younger players to gain experience. For a team like New Mexico State, which has historically struggled to compete at the highest levels, this could be seen as an investment in the future. By exposing their players to a wide variety of opponents and situations, the coaching staff might have been aiming to accelerate the growth of the program.
Additionally, the extra game could have been a way to build momentum. A strong finish to the season, even if it came in a 13th game, could carry over into the next year, boosting morale and attracting recruits. In the cutthroat world of college football, every advantage counts, and New Mexico State might have been willing to gamble on the long-term benefits of an extended season.
The Philosophical Angle: Challenging the Norms of College Football
On a deeper level, the decision to play 13 games could be seen as a statement about the nature of college football itself. In a sport that often prioritizes tradition and conformity, New Mexico State’s 13-game season was a departure from the norm. It was a challenge to the status quo, a declaration that they were willing to do things differently in pursuit of their goals.
This philosophical stance raises questions about the purpose of college athletics. Is it purely about competition, or is it also about exploration and innovation? By playing 13 games, New Mexico State was not just competing on the field; they were also exploring the boundaries of what a college football season could be. In doing so, they invited us to reconsider our assumptions about the sport and its possibilities.
The Absurd Angle: A Cosmic Joke or a Hidden Message?
And then there’s the absurd angle. What if the 13-game season was not the result of careful planning or financial necessity but rather a cosmic joke or a hidden message? Perhaps it was a nod to the number 13’s reputation as a symbol of bad luck, a way for New Mexico State to embrace their underdog status and defy expectations. Or maybe it was a secret code, a way for the program to communicate with a shadowy cabal of college football insiders. After all, in a world where conspiracy theories abound, why not imagine that a 13-game season is part of a larger, more mysterious narrative?
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Mystery
In the end, the question of why New Mexico State played 13 games is one that resists a simple answer. It is a multifaceted mystery, shaped by practical considerations, financial imperatives, competitive strategies, philosophical musings, and perhaps even a touch of the absurd. Each perspective offers a piece of the puzzle, but the full picture remains elusive. What we can say for certain is that the decision to play 13 games was a bold one, reflecting the complexities and contradictions of college football itself.
Related Q&A
Q: How common is it for college football teams to play 13 games in a season?
A: It’s relatively uncommon. Most teams play 12 regular-season games, with a 13th game added if they qualify for a bowl game. New Mexico State’s 13-game season was unusual because it included more than just a bowl appearance.
Q: Did New Mexico State benefit financially from playing 13 games?
A: Yes, the additional games, particularly guarantee games against stronger opponents, likely provided significant financial benefits to the program.
Q: How did the players handle the physical demands of a 13-game season?
A: The physical toll of an extended season can be challenging, but it also offers opportunities for player development and experience. The coaching staff would have had to manage player health and recovery carefully.
Q: Could other teams follow New Mexico State’s example and play 13 games?
A: While possible, it would require careful scheduling and consideration of the physical and logistical challenges. Most teams are constrained by conference schedules and may not have the flexibility to arrange additional games.