NMSU will start Matt Romero at quarterback Saturday against Wyoming

NMSU head football coach Doug Martin announced Tuesday that transfer quarterback Matt Romero will start in the team’s season opener Saturday at home against Wyoming.

Martin said returning veteran Nick Jeanty will be the team’s number two quarterback while Josh Adkins will be the team’s third option.

Martin added that he hopes he will have a “one quarterback offense,” but indicated he felt comfortable bringing Jeanty off the bench if necessary.

“So, if Matt falters or, you know, the stage is too big for him or whatever, we have the ability to bring Nick in at any time and settle him back down,” said Martin.

Romero played high school football at Oceanside H.S. in California before spending the last two seasons playing junior college football at Palomar College.

Martin said the quarterback’s main task won’t necessarily be to single-handedly win games, but rather to get the ball to NMSU’s numerous talented running backs and receivers.

“You know, what we’ve got to do is get the ball in Huntley’s hands, get the ball into Royce Caldwell’s hands, Lottie, O.J. Clark, Boone. I mean, we’ve got a lot of weapons,” said Martin.

Meanwhile, Wyoming named its starting quarterback this week as well.

Redshirt freshman Tyler Vander Waal will get the start for the Cowboys when they visit Aggie Memorial. Vander Waal takes over for Josh Allen, who was drafted this year by the Bills with the seventh overall pick.

NMSU’s matchup with Wyoming will be televised on ESPN 2 beginning at 8 p.m. MT Saturday night.