Strengths · Junior wide receiver Chris Williams led the nation in receiving yards and receptions last year, and that’s saying something considering Hawaii’s pass-happy attack is the talk of the league.

Quarterback Chase Holbrook had his own record-setting year, breaking 19 game or season marks for the Aggies. Pity is, he’s in the same league as the Warriors’ Colt Brennan, making it doubly difficult for him and his offensive teammates to receive any recognition.

Third-year coach Hal Mumme is quietly confident that New Mexico State has turned a corner and will be more of a force in the WAC this season. But given the depth of Hawaii, Boise State and San Jose State, it’s hard to imagine New Mexico State having much of a chance against the top tier.

WEAKNESS · Like most teams in the WAC, the defense is not even close to the offense in terms of ability. The Aggies yielded 30.8 points and 389.4 yards a game last season. That’s not good at all compared to the rest of the country, but not as bad as some of the other WAC members like Louisiana Tech, Utah State and Idaho.

Junior safety Derrick Richardson and junior linebacker La’Auli Fonoti are doing their best to get the defense in shape, but it’s still a work in progress for the Aggies, who finished 4-8 last season, including two wins in league play.